Charlie Methven: Agents already trying to get players out of Sunderland but can't take us for a ride; Director Charlie Methven wants to cut the influence of agents after some did not even wait for Steward Donald's [pounds sterling]40m buyout to get in touch.
Byline: Stuart Rayner
Even before they officially took control, agents were in touch with Sunderland's new board saying their clients wanted to leave, but director Charlie Methven is keen to hear from the players themselves.
New ownerStewart Donald's [pounds sterling]40m buyout was rubber-stamped by the Football League on Sunday evening. Methven is the only other director at this stage, and with chief executive Martin Bain made redundant on Tuesday, he will have a big influence.
He is determined to make sure agents do not.
Donald had a small shareholding in League One club Oxford United -- who Methven also supports -- and had a seat on the supporters trust, which he will now give up. The pair are determined to run a club which two years ago was in the Premier League along League One lines.
"We know what players should be earning at this level," said Methven. "We understand League One, the appropriate pay level at the top of that league. We're certainly not very keen on the idea that there should be a premium to come and play for Sunderland.
"Maybe there should be a premium to play for some no-mark club but not to come here, people should want to come here for the academy, the crowd. There shouldn't be a premium and that is the message that agents will be hearing loud and clear."
When they were in the Premier LeagueSunderland's geography made it harder to attract players without generous wages but in the third tier they are by far and away the biggest and most glamorous club.
Consecutive relegations mean the Black Cats will need to totally rebuild their squad this summer, but when it comes to those looking to leave, Methven wants to speak to the players before their agents.
"We have views and ideas (on signing players), and we're taking views from inside the club," he said. "Until you're in a position to have a meaningful conversation rather than an indicative one, you're not really achieving anything.
Stewart Donald takes control of Sunderland
"Agents will say things and claim things that aren't necessarily what a player will say when they are sat opposite with you. But until this point we haven't been able to sit...
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