THE ‘leader’ of the outgoing Drumaville Consortium last night told Sunderland supporters to expect “very exciting times” following Ellis Short’s takeover of the club and revealed the Dallas-based billionaire wasn’t the only bidder interested in buying the Black Cats.

Louis Fitzgerald was an original member of the consortium who purchased the Wearside club from Bob Murray in 2006 and was on the Drumaville board whose hand-over to Short was confirmed this week.

Fitzgerald, who owns some of Ireland’s most famous pubs and hotels, met Short at last Sunday’s end of season clash with Chelsea. He revealed the board rejected offers from some “slippery” characters before accepting Short’s bid and he was happy to endorse the credentials of an owner whom he believes has the club’s best interests at heart.

“I think Sunderland is in very safe hands,” said Fitzgerald, who claimed that it was always Drumaville’s intention to sell their shares in the club after three years.

“Drumaville’s aim was to get Sunderland back in to the Premier League and establish them in the top half – Ellis is aiming higher than that.

“He is a good man and Sunderland fans should prepare themselves for some very exciting times because he and Niall (Quinn) have plans to take the club on to another level entirely.

“There were a couple of other offers and some of them were very attractive. But we were wary of maybe some slippery characters taking over at Sunderland. It was important to the consortium that the right type of people became involved in the club.

“The original intention was that we’d be there for three years and we’ve pretty much stuck to that original plan.

Some of us may have liked to have stayed involved a bit longer but Ellis was clear he wanted to take full ownership.

“We wanted an investor that was genuine and good for Sunderland. We didn’t want to be seen as people who’d just handed over the club to the first bidder and walked away.

We wanted the right man to take over and by accepting Ellis’ offer we left with our heads held high.

“I’ll still be going to games at the Stadium of Light next season so it was important to me the fans knew we’d done the right thing.”

Fitzgerald has known Quinn’s family for years and denied Short’s involvement would signal a reduction in the chairman’s long-term involvement at the club.

“Niall is more enthusiastic than ever and is as committed to the club as much as he ever was. I don’t see his involvement in the club changing one bit,” he insisted.

“I met Ellis at the match last week and we both enjoyed a pint of Guinness. I chatted to him and his wife; they’re delightful people. He has a great feeling for Sunderland and is raring to go.

“We knew from June last year that Niall was looking for other investors but there was no panic. It wasn’t just Niall, we had other people out there looking for new finance. By September last year it was clear that Ellis was our man.

Niall wanted him the most and he told us ‘I can guarantee Ellis Short is the best man for Sunderland.’ “He showed his colours by putting his money where his mouth was and investing in the club.

“I’ve made a lot of friends in the North East and the hospitality we’ve had when visiting Sunderland has been world class,” added Fitzgerald, who, as a thank you to the fans for their support, is offering a 20 per cent discount to all Sunderland fans if they visit one of his hotels.

The offer is valid at any of his hotels on visits made up until December 31, 2009. To make a booking, go to www.arlington.ie;ww.louisfitzgeraldhotel.

com or www.arlingtonhoteltemplebar.com. Fans need to type SUNDERLAND into the promo code section when booking to benefit from the offer.

■ Dwight Yorke is among seven players released by Sunderland.

Also leaving are striker David Connolly, midfielder Arnau Riera, keepers Darren Ward and Nick Colgan and Peter Hartley and Niall McArdle. Tal Ben Haim and Calum Davenport also leave having completed loan spells.