Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell has heaped praise on Manchester United and Liverpool for putting forward Project Big Picture that could help save EFL clubs.

As many will know, the talk of English football in recent days has been about this proposal, which would provide instant funding to all in the Football League. However, it would come with strings attached, one of which would give the 'Big Six' in the Premier League more power than they already have.

That in particular has been a real annoyance to many fans up and down the country but Rodwell told Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie that he supports the overall idea.

"SAFC are in better shape than most, but clubs will topple at the end of this month. I’d like to think if we were the SAFC of 5 years ago we would have cast an eye to the EFL and thought ‘that could be us’.

"If something good is to come out of this awful pandemic this (Project Big Picture) could be it. The plans don’t hurt anyone in a meaningful way. Liverpool, Man United & Rick Parry should be applauded for trying to do something for the game. We have an obligation to look after the game in a holistic fashion. How much are we losing without spectators? I won’t go into figures but it’s big, big numbers. We will keep treading water until someone throws us a life buoy."

Further talks are expected in the coming days, including a Premier League meeting today, that will discuss these controversial plans.

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The verdict

Despite the overall negativity to this proposal, which is justified, it's important to state that there were good aspects of it, notably how it will help those struggling in the EFL.

However, the idea that certain clubs will hold all the power in the top-flight has understandably angered fans and it's sad that Rodwell doesn't recognise that.

Whilst it will give Sunderland a quick short-term boost, long-term they should be aiming to be a Premier League club again and this ruling isn't going to help them at all in that sense.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.