The Phantom

Murray steps down at Sunderland

Murray took over the club in 1986 Sunderland chairman Bob Murray has resigned after 20 years in charge of the Wearside club.

Murray has been holding talks with a consortium headed by former player Niall Quinn, with the aim of passing on control of the club.

He was quoted in the Sunderland Echo as saying he will step down on 30 June.

Murray has been criticised by fans, who have seen the club struggle with debts of £40m and saw their club relegated from the Premiership last season.

"I know for a fact that 99% of the fans are good-humoured and want the best for the club," he said.

"I do too and if it means I need to resign to make the sale happen then that is what I will do.

"I want fans to know for certain that I will not be the chairman of this football club at the start of next season.

"I am removing myself as an issue. The club is the only important thing, not me."

According to the Echo, Murray, who is the club's majority shareholder, will remain on the Stadium of Light club's board of directors as takeover talks continue.

The 59-year-old Murray took over from previous chairman Tom Cowie in 1986.

In his time the club have been promoted to the top flight four times but on three of those occasions they were relegated after only one season.

Last season they finished with a record with just 15 points, surpassing the previous Premiership low of 19 that was also set by the club in the 2002-2003 season.