Sunderland have appointed David Jones and Tom Sloanes as their new non-executive directors, which has drawn an excited reaction from fans of the North East club. 

Jones and Sloanes, who are both lifelong Sunderland fans, will join the club subject to approval from the EFL.

Jones is a presenter for some of Sky Sports' flagship programmes and has experience in a similar role, having spent three years as a director at Oxford United.

Sloanes, who is a commercial director (Exchange) at one of the world's largest sports-betting and gaming groups, GVC Group, has worked closely with the club over the past two years in his senior role with the club's principal partner BETDAQ.

Club chairman Stewart Donald told the Sunderland 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.”

The Black Cats began the season with their eyes firmly set on returning to the Championship but have had a shaky start to the campaign and currently find themselves down in 12th place.

The club brought in Phil Parkinson to steady the ship in October but the English coach has struggled so far–winning just twice in his first 13 games in charge.

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With that in mind, you'd imagine the Stadium of Light faithful are frustrated with the state of things at the moment, however, many fans appear excited about these latest appointments.

Read the reaction of Black Cats supporters here: