A journalist has admitted that he isn’t ‘convinced’ by Sunderland’s decision to let Steve Davison leave the club.
Sunderland announced today that Steve Davison would step down from his role as Chief Operating Officer at the end of the campaign.
The lifelong Black Cats fan joined Sunderland in January 2021 and went onto help transform the club over a three-year period, during which the club were promoted to the Championship.
Davison also helped the women’s team secure promotion to the FA Women’s Championship, secured major events such as the Lionesses’ fixture in 2023 and the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.
He has helped modernise the club’s facilities, introduce digital ticketing and also secure 5G funding and has overseen the planning of the new stadium enhancement, which includes a new pitch, floodlighting and PA system.
In a statement by the club, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: ““On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, I would like to thank Steve for his commitment and dedication throughout the past three years. Integrity and professionalism have been at the forefront of his leadership and although we have collectively faced challenges along the way, his contribution ensures that he departs with the Club ready to progress to the next level. Steve and his family will always be welcome at the Stadium of Light, and we wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”
Despite the positive work Davison has done behind the scenes, he come under huge criticism when it was claimed that he was responsible for the drama that led up to the Wear-Tyne derby at the start of the year.
Photos emerged on social media of Newcastle United signage and memorabilia decorating the Black Cats Bar, to which supporters were outraged and called for Davison’s sacking.
The club then confirmed an investigation would take place, and Davison has now endured the punishment three months on.
Sunderland could regret parting ways with Davison
Sunderland fans have all shared their delight on social media ahead of his summer exit, however Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith thinks it could actually be a mistake.
He wrote on X: “I know there’s a perception this will make things better but I’m not convinced. No one I come across has anything but good things to say about Davison’s professionalism and integrity in difficult conditions.
“If off-field operation is to improve then it needs sustained investment.”
We Are Sunderland journalist James Hunter also had a similar opinion. He wrote: “Steve has received a lot of criticism – and has undoubtedly made mistakes – but also did a lot of good behind the scenes which received little attention. Far more accessible than previous CE/CEOs. On a personal level, I’m sorry to see him go and wish him all the best.”
What happens now?
It remains to be seen as to whether Sunderland will regret moving Steve Davison on, but there is no doubt that someone had to go following the Newcastle debacle.
Black Cats supporters were absolutely livid after they saw those photos and Louis-Dreyfus was coming under increasing pressure to do something about it, with many expecting him to just brush it under the carpet.
Whether this is the club just simply panicking and trying to do what the fans what, we will have to see. But it does spell another major transformation on Wearside this summer, and it will be interesting to see how Kristjaan Speakman handles it – if he is here anyway.