SUNDERLAND FOOTBALL CLUB is preparing to lay off around 40 employees as part of a cost-cutting review led by chief executive Martin Bain.

Staff employed at the Stadium of Light, and the club’s training ground, the Academy of Light, were called into a series of meetings yesterday in which Bain outlined his plans to amalgamate a number of departments and roles.

They were informed that redundancies are planned, and invited to apply for voluntary redundancy as part of the restructuring process.

Departments affected by the planned job losses include accounts, catering, the ticket office and Sunderland’s media department.

Bain has overseen a wide-ranging review of Sunderland’s operations since his appointment last summer, and concluded the club has over-reached in a number of areas.

The most recent accounts revealed an annual loss of around £25m, with Sunderland’s total debt standing at around £140m despite their position at the foot of the Premier League table.

The Northern Echo: Looking ahead: Sunderland's chief executive Martin Bain


With owner Ellis Short looking to sell, Bain has been charged with reducing costs and scaling back initiatives that have done little to increase commercial income.

Commercial director Gary Hutchinson, who was instrumental in establishing the Stadium of Light as a leading concert venue, left in December, while academy manager Ged McNamee also left before Christmas.

Last month, it was announced that Sunderland Ladies would revert to part-time status after operating on a full-time basis for the last three years.

The announcement is the latest stage in the restructuring process, although its timing has been heavily criticised by supporters.

Last week, Sunderland’s first-team squad joined manager David Moyes on a four-day break to New York that featured sightseeing trips as well as visits to basketball and baseball games.

Bain said: “In recent months we have undertaken a detailed review of the club’s entire operation. It is clear that the business had lost its focus and we now have to ensure that we are better equipped to be able to concentrate on the areas that are key to taking Sunderland AFC forward.

“Our infrastructure provides a tremendous platform and it is important that we capitalise on this by channeling our efforts into those areas that will have an impact. We want to ensure that the football club is in the best possible position to grow stronger, both on and off the field.

“The decisions have not been taken lightly. The internal process required in order to undertake the changes has already commenced, and club staff have bene advised of the procedures and timescales involved.”