SUNDERLAND last night announced that Niall Quinn has vacated his post as chairman to take up a new role within the club.

Quinn will now step into an ‘international development’ role in which it is understood he will be in the frontline of promoting both Sunderland’s profile and business interests around the world.

The news came after a week of speculation during which Quinn had been linked with the vacant chief executive’s position at Manchester City, where he spent six years as a player before he eventually moved to Wearside.

Although it is understood the Manchester City story was not directly connected to what happened last night, there was speculation that a shift within the boardroom was about to take place.

Quinn, writing in the club’s match programme for Saturday’s two-all draw with West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light, welcomed the appointment of a new internationals and national marketing director, Mike Farnan.

He also spoke of how Sunderland were looking to go into “...new and exciting markets” and the club were looking “... to maximise the vast potential” that he feels the Black Cats have.

With the benefit of hindsight, this could be viewed as Quinn breaking the ice 48 hours ahead of yesterday’s announcement. With the former Sunderland striker seen virtually as a figurehead only in his role as chairman, it appears Ellis Short has decided to become a more ‘hands-on’ owner by assuming Niall’s now-former role into his own portfolio.

In a statement on the club’s website, Quinn was quick to point out that the reshuffle in the boardroom would be a positive move for the club.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for us to make the club stronger and I’m delighted that Ellis has agreed to support the plan. He’ll be a fantastic chairman and taking this role on speaks volumes about his ambition for the club.”