THE Football League will ask Sunderland to clarify Peter Reid's shareholding in the club before they will allow them to compete in the Coca-Cola League next season.

The former Black Cats boss held 400,000 shares in the club when he was sacked in October 2002, an investment that was worth almost £1.5m at the time.

That represented a 4.7 per cent stake in Sunderland and, while Football League regulations allow a manger of one club to own up to 9.9 per cent of another, the authorities are to ask for evidence that Reid's shareholding does not break the rules. The former England international was allowed to keep his shares while he was manager of Leeds United, but the Football League want to make sure he did not increase his stake in the Black Cats before being appointed Coventry boss last month.

"He can hold a shareholding of up to 9.9 per cent, as long as it is for investment purposes only," said Football League spokesman John Nagle.

"The league will be seeking an assurance prior to the start of the season from the club and Peter Reid that any shareholding falls under these Football League regulations."

Reid's stake in the club has crashed in value following Sunderland's relegation from the Premiership, with the same 400,000 shares now being worth just £250,000.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have continued their summer squad strengthening by signing midfielder Carl Robinson from Portsmouth for a nominal fee that will rise according to appearances and whether or not the Black Cats win promotion.

Robinson has signed a two-year deal after spending the final three months of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light.

The Wales international made nine appearances, scoring the winner against First Division champions Norwich, and impressed manager Mick McCarthy with his assurance and poise in the middle of the park.

Robinson spent seven years with Wolves before moving to Fratton Park in July 2002.

But his Portsmouth career never really got going, and he had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Walsall, Rotherham and Sheffield United during his two-year stay on the south coast.

The Blades tried to sign him in January but, after completing the formalities of his move to Sunderland yesterday, Robinson admitted he was delighted with the way things had turned out.

"I'm pleased to have signed," he said. "The chance to play for this club is a dream come true.

"This gives me the chance to play for one of the biggest and best supported clubs in Britain.

"I think Mick McCarthy is one of the best managers in the game. I'm really looking forward to working with him. He's got masses of experience and I'm sure I can improve as a player under his coaching.

"From a personal point of view this is a fantastic move for me and my family, and we're looking forward to settling in the North-East."

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