LONDON – English Premier League side Sunderland are considering taking on former foreign secretary David Miliband as a vice-chairman of the club.
The Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn has confirmed that talks have been held with 45-year-old Miliband, who is the Labour Party MP for the neighbouring constituency of South Shields. Reports suggested that he could be hired to work at the Stadium of Light as a vice-chairman on an annual salary of 50,000 pounds. Miliband has taken a back seat role in parliament since surprisingly losing out to brother Ed in September in the race to replace Gordon Brown as leader of the Labour Party.
Quinn said: “We are always challenging ourselves to find new ways to grow and develop the club and to make it stronger.
“We have had talks with David Miliband about a non-executive role at the club, but have nothing further to report at the moment.” A spokesman for Miliband had earlier said discussions had taken place about a role which would focus on the MP’s “international and community work”.
He said: “David Miliband is determined to continue to serve his constituency and pursue his interests in foreign and environmental policy. “Discussions have taken place between David Miliband and Sunderland AFC about a non-executive role with the club focusing on his international and community work.”
