London, Apr 22 (IANS): Sunderland AFC have appointed Jim Rodwell as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Rodwell, who is a former Board Director at the Football Association and the EFL, has arrived from Scunthorpe United after spending five years as CEO at Glanford Park.

After being appointed, Rodwell said: "I'm honoured and delighted to be joining a club of the stature and pedigree of Sunderland AFC. From my very first meeting with the Chairman, I was sold on his enthusiasm and passion for the club."

"I'll be counting down the days until I can get started at the stadium and academy to do all I can to drive this great club forward. I would also like to pay thanks to the Swann family for the last five years and for being so understanding in allowing me to join SAFC."

Sunderland were seventh in League One when football was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic which has sp o far more than 1.7 lakh lives across the world.