The executive director offered plenty of insight into the behind the scenes running of the Black Cats during his time at the club, and plenty of memorable quotes, too. Here, we take a look at the 11 quotes – brilliant and baffling – that helped to define Methven’s spell with the Black Cats:
1. He made a real mark at he and Donald's unveiling
"As passionate football people, we can see Sunderland has lost its sense of what it really is. For too long, this club has been throwing cash at people who don’t really want to be here." Photo: Frank Reid
2. Methven helped bring the gravy train to an abrupt halt
"This isn’t going to be a free ride any more. If agents come knocking thinking they can add an extra 10-20% on what they are asking for because it’s Sunderland... then those agents will be sent packing. The p*ss-take party stops now." Photo: FRANK REID
3. The executive director was keen to emulate Borussia Dortmund
"The equivalent clubs are clubs like Borussia Dortmund, who understand what kind of club they really are which is (people from) a big, serious working-class area, passionate about their football club." Photo: Eric Alonso
4. An ambitious academy vision was revealed
"Sunderland should be aiming to be one of the top five academies in the country because that’s the size of the fan base, and the size of the infrastructure." Photo: Other