Quinn and Bruce heading east

04 October 2011 10:57
Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn and boss Steve Bruce will head for South Korea this week as the club looks to promote its brand.[LNB] Quinn, whose decision to stand down as chairman to head up the Black Cats' international development arm was announced on Monday night, will lead a delegation which also includes Bruce and international marketing director Mike Farnan on the three-day mission.[LNB]The visit will see the Sunderland party attend a reception at the British Embassy in Seoul along with some of the country's leading sports and business figures.[LNB]They will also attend South Korea's World Cup qualifier against the United Arab Emirates, in which Black Cats striker Ji Dong-won could figure, at the Suwon Stadium as guests of the Korean Football Association.[LNB]Quinn said: "Whilst we will always be steeped in the tradition of our north-east roots, for our club to grow, develop and compete with the big teams we need to raise our profile globally.[LNB]"Our trip to Korea is very much about building links from both a football and community perspective, and we are honoured to have been invited."[LNB]Farnan added: "There's a huge interest in and passion for Premier League football across Asia, and there's a great opportunity for Sunderland to be part of this."[LNB]Quinn has wasted little time bedding into his new role with owner Ellis Short having replaced him as chairman.[LNB]Sources on Wearside have insisted Monday night's move will not affect Bruce's position as manager after intense speculation over his future following a poor start to the season.[LNB]However, the manager knows a continuation of that form might alter that situation.

Source: Team_Talk