Former Boston United chairman Jim Rodwell named as new Sunderland chief executive officer

Rodwell in action for Rushden & Diamonds. Photo: GettyImages

Former Boston United chairman Jim Rodwell has been named as the new Sunderland AFC chief executive officer.

“I'm honoured and delighted to be joining a club of the stature and pedigree of Sunderland AFC," Rodwell told the club's website.

Rodwell was the Pilgrims' chairman in 2007 as the club was relegated from the Football League and looked set for liquidation before being saved at the 11th hour by David Newton and Neil Kempster.

He took over after Jon Sotnick departed for a role at Darlington.

Rodwell won the Nationwide Conference title with the Pilgrims as a player in 2002 and managed the club for four matches while incoming manager Steve Evans completed his ban from football.

He has also been chief executive of Notts County and chief executive officer at Scunthorpe United and has also held roles as a director of the EFL and on the FA board.

Rodwell played for Boston Town as a youngster.