ROKER ROUNDUP: Potential new Sunderland owner responds to criticism from ex-Black Cats players

Donald responds to critics

Our prospective new owner Stewart Donald has received some backlash since it was announced that he had agreed a deal with Ellis Short to take over Sunderland.

The criticism, some of which has come from former players like Michael Gray and Lee Howey, leveled at Donald varies from questions about his personal wealth, the amount of cash behind the bid and general scepticism that he can deliver success as Sunderland owner.

Donald took to Twitter to try and reassure fans, while also saying that he will give as much information as possible when the EFL finally gives approval to his takeover.

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Grayson leaves Bantams

Simon Grayson has cut short his spell at Bradford City, despite only joining the Bantams in February. The ex-Leeds United gaffer, who had a similarly short spell in charge of Sunderland this season, released a statement shortly after his departure:

After conversations with the owners I have decided to turn down the option to extend my contract.

This was an extremely difficult decision as I have enjoyed my time at Valley Parade.

I would like to thank everyone at Bradford City, from the owners to the supporters, who have turned out in their numbers both home and away since I have been manager of their club.

Grayson is now favourite to takeover the managerial vacancy at Scunthorpe United, who could still be promoted to the Championship having finished in fifth place in League One.

The Glanford Park side will take on Rotherham United in the first leg of their play-off semi final this coming Saturday afternoon, led by caretaker boss Nick Daws - who, even in the event of a spectacular promotion to the second tier, isn’t expected to remain in charge beyond the end of the current season.

Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images

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McCarthy in demand

Onto another former Sunderland manager in Mick McCarthy, who is being courted by a number of clubs as he considers his next move after leaving Ipswich Town.

The former Republic of Ireland boss has already been linked with Sunderland after being spotted in town recently, although was thought to be here on personal business, and is now being linked with a move to home-town club Barnsley.

As well as being born in the town, McCarthy played 272 times for the Tykes.

South African club Kaizer Chiefs are also in the running, with South African outlet KickOff.com claiming that not only have they been in touch with the 59-year-old but they have gone as far as offering him the job.

Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images

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O’Donovan in trouble

Former Sunderland “striker” Roy O’Donovan currently plays for Australian A-League side Newcastle Jets, who reached this year’s ‘Grand Final’ - the culmination of a play-off to decide who will be crowned A-League champions - and spoke before the match about how excited he was to be back on the big stage.

Unfortunately for O’Donovan the Grand Final didn’t go to plan, as not only did the Jets lose 1-0 to the Melbourne Victory but the Irishman has found himself in all sorts of bother after a disgraceful, head-high challenge in injury time on opposition goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas.

Although Thomas says he has no hard feelings towards O’Donovan, the former Sunderland player will still receive a one-match ban for the red card he received as a result of the challenge, and may also face further action after the A-League’s match review panel referred the incident to the independent disciplinary and ethics committee to determine whether he should be banned for even longer.

Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images

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Alvarez on the move

Former Sunderland winger Ricky Alvarez is on the move again, with the Argentine playmaker set to return to his first club Velez Sarsfield.

Although no fee has been mentioned as yet, presumably Velez won’t sign him on loan, play him 17 times and then be forced to pay £10m to Sampdorian despite sending him back due to injuries, thanks to a completely inept board.

He did actually contribute in a Sunderland shirt, with a finely taken goal away to Fulham, but that signing will go down as one of the most expensive mistakes in Sunderland history.

Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images