The Arsenal-supporting former foreign secretary David Miliband has this week joined the board of Premier League football club Sunderland.Mr Miliband, the MP for neighbouring South Shields, takes up the position of non-executive vice chairman of the club and will attend board meetings (approximately six a year), help shape the club's strategy, and promote its international and community efforts, the club’s website has confirmed.
As reported in a previous entry, the club’s Chairman Niall Quinn said he approached Mr Miliband after his Labour leadership defeat last September and believes his knowledge and expertise could help Sunderland grow on the world stage.
In a statement on the club’s official website, Mr Miliband said: "Sunderland is a football club with enormous ambition and tremendous history [and] I was naturally delighted when the chairman approached me to get involved in a club that already undertakes community work in my constituency of South Shields.
"As non-executive vice chairman I hope to support the club's ambitions in both the community, through the Academy and its Foundation, and on the international playing field, where Sunderland now belongs."
However, his mood was dampened somewhat as his new side conceded twice late on to lose 3-2 away at Stoke City on Saturday. Posting on his personal Twitter account @DMiliband, he said “Gutted to see BBC goalflashes as Stoke score twice in last 5 mins... #safc”.
