Niall Quinn has stood down as Sunderland chairman to focus on a new role within the club.
The former Black Cats striker will now "spearhead international development on behalf of the club" while owner Ellis Short will take over as chairman.
Quinn, who had been linked with the vacant chief executive role at his former club Manchester City recently, said on the club's website, safc.com: "This is a great opportunity for us to make the club stronger and I'm delighted that Ellis has agreed to support the plan."
He added: "He'll be a fantastic chairman and taking this role on speaks volumes about his ambition for the club."
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