Northumberland Rocks
Striker
It could be a win for everyone.Sort of OT slightly but Sunderland is the type of city that could benefit massively from regeneration if it's managed properly, there are passionate people pushing it and enthusiastic residents open to it.
The big benefit ex-industrial towns often have is that the land/property/rent is still affordable for "normal" (relatively speaking) people. That means is someone has an idea for a project or business they are more likely to be able to find a place to make it happen. Vaux #2 starting at a micro-brewery and growing into a large production brewery and brew-pub/tasting room over the next few years seems totally managble for example.
It also has a couple of advantages over other cities with a similar recent economic history. A gorgeous coastline, cultural heritage on the doorstep, expansive public transport, a university and of course the people.
Once you have a few things you become known for (here in Portland it was beer and music, and more recently that's expanded to include food, art, distilleries etc) it's about making people aware. A lot of people don't necessarily want to visit the places everyone has been to and are looking for the next undiscovered gem.
Not saying Sunderland will necessarily become that but the potential is there.
We get investment into the Club, the Council is open to getting Dell involved in the regeneration of the city to some degree, that will encourage other investment, the city improves, everyone makes money and hopefully some of it is reinvested into the club