Quinn sets a global goal for club future
Mar 17 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal
SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn has hinted at the club's plans for expansion despite the global economic crisis. Speaking exclusively to The Journal, the player turned boss revealed the club is looking to export its brand across the world.
While he stopped short of giving details, Quinn said the club had not been badly hit by the credit crunch, and its financial strength meant it remains in a position to grow.
He said: “Everybody is finding it tough, the good news is we’re in a strong position.
“Our debt has decreased. It’s now firmly below the £40m we inherited when we took over here.
“The players we’ve brought in have helped with that in terms of economics and leaving the club in a strong place.
“We’ve got some big announcements coming up in terms of how we want to develop our brand.
“We’ve seen how academies and training camps have been developed in other places and we want to start exporting the club internationally. With the help of our international business development manager Chris Woerts we’re looking at expansion.
“It’s not about adding more to the stadium, it’s about adding more people and realising the permanent plans of the club. We’ve got plans for the future. That’s why we’re keeping hold of our big names.
“By the time you add on appearances, and extra payments, the bid we received for Kenwyne Jones would have been worth about £20m. But we turned it down because we have an owner who is dedicated to building the club.”
:: VIDEO: Turn to page 2 to see the second part of our interview with Niall Quinn.
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