The situation is further complicated by a £9m loan from a group of US investors 

Stewart Donald is trying to sell Sunderland AFC following a fans’ backlash and mounting anger on social media.

Donald, who sold Bridle Insurance to Finch Group in September last year, took over Sunderland in April 2018 with high ambitions to bring back the glory years.

At the time according to Companies Check, Donald was a director at 17 companies and had a net worth of around £8.4m.

According to The Guardian, Donald has been trying to sell for a number of months.

The situation is complicated by a £9m loan from FPP, a group of US investors with close links to computer tycoon Michael Dell of Dell computers.

Should the club default on the loan repayment, the club will fall into the hands of the US investors.

A number of fans are not happy with Phil Parkinson as manager, who took over from Jack Ross in October. Matters came to a head after the Boxing Day draw with Bolton at the Stadium of Light.

“Given Stewart Donald’s sincere commitment on his arrival at Sunderland AFC that ‘I won’t outstay my welcome’, the board feels that it has no option but to sell the club,” Sunderland said. “That process has now commenced.”

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.