Bob Murray (businessman)

For the Australian rules footballer, see Robert W. Murray

Bob Murray (born 3 August 1946) is chairman of Sunderland A.F.C. An accountant by trade, he made his fortune by selling kitchens. He became chairman in 1986, replacing the motor dealer Tom Cowie, who had been hugely unpopular with the fans.

Ironically enough, Bob Murray is now also unpopular with the fans. He has been blamed in part for the financial state of the club, who are roughly £40 million in debt, and also in part for the club's poor performance in the premiership. Although Murray is a fan and insists he always acts with the club's best interests at heart, Murray has also been blamed for Sunderland's failure to build on their consecutive 7th placed finishes in the Premiership in the 1999/2000 and 2000/01 seasons, and was at the helm when the club set the record for the lowest points tally ever in the Premiership at 19, an "honour" they took again in the 2005-06 season with a total of 15 points. The money and relative success of his regional counterparts Freddy Shepherd of Newcastle and Middlesbrough's Steve Gibson have intensified the pressure on Murray.

In November 2005, Murray was involved in an incident with a fan whilst enjoying a meal with his wife and the family of then manager Mick McCarthy, where he was allegedly attacked following a row. On March 11th 2006, following yet another defeat for the team, this time a 1-0 loss to Wigan, a group of around 1000 supporters gathered outside the main entrance of the club's stadium to protest against Murray's reign, with many calling for him to either resign or sell the club. Murray faced yet more criticism following the 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on March 25, when a tannoy announcement was made during the game telling fans the Murray gates and surrounding areas, the scenes of the last protest, would be closed off, preventing fans from demonstrating. Never the less, a further group of around 1000 supporters made there way around to the gates, leading to ugly scenes between protestors and the police. It was later announced that it was the decision of the police to block access to the gates, although Northumbria Police claim a joint decision was made between themselves and the club.

Murray has, on numerous occasions, been quoted as saying that he would be willing to sell his shares in the club if an investor showed an interest. Recent rumours have been confirmed that former player and Sunderland AFC legend Niall Quinn is preparing to make an offer for the club, rumoured to be around the £80 million mark, and backed by Irish racing tycoons who remain anonymous.

It has been suggested that the take-over by Quinn's consortium may not occur until pre-season preperation has occurred due to the complexity of the bid.

Murray has recently stepped down as Sunderland chairman to pave the way for Quinn's impending takeover