---
title: "Sunderland: Richard Mennear cites two factors which could be key to a takeover happening on Wearside"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-takeover-discussed-richard-mennear-stewart-donald/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-06-18T07:40:49Z"
modified: "2020-06-18T07:40:49Z"
---

# Sunderland: Richard Mennear cites two factors which could be key to a takeover happening on Wearside

**A potential takeover bid at Sunderland this summer is likely to depend on matchday income and season ticket sales, says [Sunderland Echo](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/there-are-groups-interested-sunderland-afc-qa-we-answer-your-takeover-academy-and-transfer-questions-2885609) writer Richard Mennear.**

The League One season is over for the Black Cats after the decision to end the 2019/20 campaign via a points-per-game system.

Missing out on promotion for the second successive season, the Wearside club will now prepare over the summer months to build a side capable of gaining automatic promotion to the Championship and avoiding a potential fourth consecutive season in England’s third tier.

With current owner Stewart Donald [keen to sell the club](https://talksport.com/football/efl/694073/sunderland-owner-stewart-donald-sell/), Sunderland Echo writer Mennear has now attempted to answer the “million dollar question” as to whether a takeover will happen.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

Answering questions from fans, Mennear said:*“That’s the million dollar question. Fans want change and it’s clear change is needed. Stewart Donald’s stock is at an all-time low on Wearside and he always said he would sell when fans told him it was time. That time is now.*

*“There is, however, a great deal of uncertainty in the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, not least when next season will start and when crowds will be allowed back in.*

*“Two key factors for any potential new owners to consider given the reliance on matchday income and season ticket sales.*

*“Donald must also lower his asking price, given the club is to spend a third season in League One. There is nothing imminent but we know there are groups interested.*

*“Fans may have to be patient a little longer. The fanbase has suffered for too long now.”*

Donald, who is famed for taking over the club during the recording of Netflix series *[Sunderland Til I Die](https://www.netflix.com/title/80207046)*, made his decision to sell the club [just 18 months after purchasing](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/50955375) from former owner Ellis Short.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

The time is now for Donald to get out of Sunderland and allow the club to move forward but Black Cats fans will surely be hoping to have a new and refreshing face at the helm.

That new face, however, will need to make drastic changes, bring back success and, ultimately, gain promotion next season at least.

***Do you think Sunderland will find a new owner before next season? Let us know in the comments section below…***