Preston North End
How Twitter reacted as Sunderland entered talks with Preston manager Simon Grayson
It’s hardly been the best of times over at the Stadium of Light during the past year, with relegation from the Premier League after a woeful campaign compounded by the loss of manager David Moyes.
Yet there was a silver lining to the Black Cats’ cloud on Thursday afternoon as BBC Sport reported that the club have been granted permission to talk to Preston’s Simon Grayson about the vacancy.
Grayson, who has been at the helm of Preston North End since February 2013, led them to promotion from League One and has since established them as a relatively safe Championship side.
And a statement coming from the club’s official website today announced that the 47-year-old will undertake talks with Sunderland about becoming their new manager, with Grayson keen on a switch.
Sunderland supports alike took to Twitter to discuss the news, and some were happy…
Very exciting times at @safc . Didn't think we could/would pull it off but looks like we have beaten many to get Simon Grayson in….
— * (@iamsmythy) June 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/JackFromme/status/880401943449022464
Been looking at Simon Grayson managerial stats and they're actually quite good.
"Quite good" is something I would take as a SAFC fan.
— Stan Cume ? (@SAFCRABBIT) June 29, 2017
Others were visibly less pleased…
No takeover, no good players left, no manager (Simon Grayson!!!!), no money,low season ticket sales – typical #safc summer then??????
— Ian Dennell (@chorlton) June 29, 2017
Takeover falls through, Simon Grayson appointed as manager and Defoe's signed for Bournemouth, I've had better Thursdays.
— Stout (@Stout_SAFC) June 29, 2017
Sunderland getting Simon Grayson, they're staying in the Championship for a long, long time.
— Adam. (@AdamNUFC_) June 29, 2017
Whilst some seemed to be verging on despair…
No takeover, Simon Grayson, Defoe officially gone to Bournemouth. What's the point? Just what is the point?
— Aaron Guess (@AaronAaronguess) June 29, 2017
I think there's more chance of Simon Grayson growing dreadlocks than there is us having a decent season this a year..
— kieran (@tmccormackk) June 29, 2017
In addition to the managerial news it was also announced that the proposed sale of Sunderland Football Club is off the table, with recent ongoing talks with a German consortium coming to an end.
Recruitment of a new manager had been put on hold whilst takeover talks were happening but it transpired today that American Short – run by owner Ellis Short – will continue their role in charge.
Sunderland’s official website released a statement detailing the failed takeover talks, claiming that the proposed takeover of the football club was “not in the best interests” of trying to move forward.
And the news didn’t please many Sunderland fans…
So, to sum up…
• Borini gone
• Takeover off
• Grayson in
• Defoe gonePossibly the most Sunderland day ever. #SAFC
— Michael Graham (@Capt_Fishpaste) June 29, 2017
What do you think Sunderland fans? Is Grayson a good move from the club? Let us know below.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Dan Westwall.
