Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones opens up on 'agonising decision' to leave little-known Sunderland role ahead of Premier League season
The broadcaster is a boyhood Black Cats fan and has been a non-executive director for the club since 2019.
Daily Mail Sport understands that the decision was 'entirely personal'.
Some have wondered if there was a potential conflict of interest at play, given Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League and the fact that Jones may well be working on some of their matches during the forthcoming season.
However, insiders have stressed that is not the case and have pointed out that Gary Neville – the Sky Sports pundit – is also an ambassador at Manchester United.
Micah Richards has also done similar for Manchester City.
Dave Jones (left), pictured with Jude Bellingham at a Sunderland game in 2024, has left his role as a non executive director of the club with immediate effect
Sky Sports broadcaster Jones admitted the decision to leave Sunderland was agonising
Jones posted a heartfelt statement online, saying: '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, and I can't wait to see the continued progress in the weeks and months ahead.'
Jones had also previously worked in a similar capacity at Oxford United in League Two from 2015.
Having helped in the club's efforts to steer themselves back from League One to the Premier League, he was thanked by Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
In a statement on the club's website, he said: '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.
'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.'
Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign at home on Saturday.
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