Sky Sports presenter David Jones is to join Sunderland in a non-executive director's role, pending EFL approval.
Jones, who presents Sky Sports' Monday Night Football show, is a lifelong Sunderland fan and was previously a director at Oxford United.
Tom Sloanes, commercial director (Exchange) at GVC Group, one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming groups, will also join the club as a non-executive director pending EFL approval.
Sloanes has worked closely with Sunderland for the last two years as part of his role with the club's sponsors BETDAQ.
Speaking about the appointments, chairman Stewart Donald told the club's website: “We warmly welcome David and Tom to the club. As lifelong Sunderland fans, they share a tremendous passion for the football club and bring with them a wealth of football knowledge and commercial experience.”
Jones said: “I was honoured to accept Stewart Donald’s invitation to join the board. As a supporter of over 35 years, the club has always been close to my heart and I’ll do everything I can to help it get back to where it belongs - and the sooner the better.
“Naturally I am acutely aware of how the football club is woven into the very fabric of the city and its people, so bringing success back to Sunderland is so important on many levels and I can’t wait to get started.”
Sloanes said: “From a young lad playing for Sunderland Boys, to sealing the deal to bring in BETDAQ as the club’s shirt sponsor, Sunderland has been a significant part of my life for over 50 years.
“I care deeply and passionately about this football club. I understand the commercial side of football, but I also understand the emotional side of being a Sunderland fan and to be able to be in a position to help it to move forward is hugely exciting for me.”
