Sacking fuels takeover rumours...

The recent sacking of Mick McCarthy has sparked further rumours of a summer takeover of Sunderland AFC.

For as long as this season has gone on rumours of proposed takeovers have persisted, whether it be Niall Quinn and his Irish horseracing pals, or American buyers linked with large casino complexes, or even the quite comical rumour regarding Paul McCartney buying SAFC for his Washington-born wife, Sunderland fans have long prayed for our very own Abramovich.

And so following McCarthy's sacking, rumours of interested investors have once again emerged. Many have questioned the timing of the sacking and one theory relates to a possbile buyout of the club.

Several fan websites, online forums and even whispers in the media and close to the club have resulted in speculation that the sacking of McCarthy is linked with a proposed takeover of the club by an American consortium.

The rumours allege that this mysterious, unnamed consortium have requested that Murray appoints an experienced, top class manager in charge for next season before closing any deal.

We will have to wait and see, and time will tell if this is yet another scurrilous rumour. But for the moment, let us live in hope. Bring on Martin o'Neil!

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