Sky Sports host David Jones quits little-known Sunderland role as he leaves club ‘unrecognisable from the one I joined'
Jo-ing home Sky Sports host David Jones quits little-known Sunderland role as he leaves club 'unrecognisable from the one I joined'
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SKY SPORTS host David Jones has departed from his role as a non-executive director at Sunderland.
The iconic sports broadcaster has held the role at Sunderland, of whom he is a fan, since the end of 2019.
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David Jones will be a familiar face to football fans in the UK, heading up Sky Sports' football coverage
Credit: PA
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Jones has now departed from his little-known role at Sunderland after almost six years working with the club
Credit: Alamy
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Jones released a heartfelt statement on the decision through the club's official media channels.
It read: 'It has been one of the great honours of my life to serve on the board of Sunderland AFC for so long.
"At such an exciting time, this has been an agonising decision, but after a summer of reflection, it feels like the right time to step away with the club's journey back to the Premier League complete.
"Sunderland is in great hands, and I want to thank the leadership team who've tolerated my questions and opinions over the last six years.
"On and off the field, the club is unrecognisable from the one I joined in League One, and I can't wait to see the continued progress in the weeks and months ahead.'
It was not the first time that Jones had taken up such an involvement with a football club.
In 2015, Jones took up a similar role at then-League Two side Oxford United.
They have since enjoyed two promotions and are preparing for their second straight campaign in the Championship.
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Sunderland's chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus added: 'David's counsel and support have been greatly appreciated throughout my time at the club.
"His contribution has been significant in our journey to the Premier League, and his passion for Sunderland AFC has been constant.
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"He will always be welcome at the Stadium of Light, and on behalf of everyone at SAFC, I thank him for his efforts and wish him well for the future.'
In his time working with the club, they were promoted and became stabilised in the Championship, before eventually gaining promotion again to the Premier League for the upcoming season.
They have enjoyed a busy transfer window as they prepare to defend their place in the league, attracting the likes of Arsenal hero Granit Xhaka to the North-East.
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