Sunderland AFC has paid a moving tribute to non-executive director Patrick Troyer, who has died aged 52. The club confirmed that Troyer, who played a key role in the club’s promotion from League One to the Premier League, will be “deeply missed”. The announcement was made on Dec. 24, when the Louis-Dreyfus Company revealed that its chief financial officer (CFO) passed away suddenly overnight.
The 52-year-old joined the Black Cats’ board of directors in 2021, succeeding Angela Laws as finance director following the appointment of Kyrell Louis-Dreyfus. Mr. Troyer has joined as a non-executive director along with Igor Levin, the legal representative of the Louis-Dreyfus family.
In a statement released on December 25, Sunderland said: “Sunderland AFC is deeply saddened by the passing of Patrick Troyer. One of the club’s non-executive directors, Patrick also held the role of Chief Financial Officer of Louis-Dreyfus Company BV since 2014.”
“Patrick played an active role in SAFC’s journey from League One to the Premier League and he will be greatly missed. Everyone at SAFC sends our deepest sympathies to Patrick’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”
Troyer was one of the non-executives on Sunderland’s board, which also included Levin, Maurice Louis-Dreyfus, Juan Sartori, Simon Bumbaka and Leo Perlman. In 2022, Louis-Dreyfus increased his ownership stake in Sunderland AFC to 51% despite interest from cryptocurrency consortium The Fans Together.
The move comes a year after the group took over the club, with Troyer joining the board after acquiring shares from Charlie Methven and former owner Stewart Donald.
Upon securing a majority stake, both companies declared the following: “Today marks an important step in continuing the rebuilding of Sunderland AFC. Our ownership group has been consolidated and no further shares will be sold to third party buyers.”
“We remain committed to our strategy for long-term success and sustainability and believe that, with our dedicated staff and loyal supporters, we can move forward as one unified football club.”
Their investment paid off and within three years Sunderland were back in the Premier League. This followed a play-off final victory over Sheffield United, managed by Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats are currently enjoying an excellent season, sitting in 6th place, just two points off the Champions League spots. The next match is scheduled for December 28th, against Leeds United at the Stadium of Light, kick-off at 2pm.
