Oh so sad Sunderland

[David Guyatt]

Since when have pursuing "his interests in foreign and environmental policy" have anything to do with football?

Maybe he plans to recommend to the board that warm meat pies and watery tea be replaced at half time with sustainable salmon sandwiches and wheatgrass drinks purchased from an overseas supplier?

Miliband to take on Sunderland football club role

David Miliband's dreams of political leadership may be dead or at least on life-support but there are still career prospects for him in professional football.

The South Shields MP is set to take on a non-executive role at Sunderland Football Club.

His representatives say he will be use the role to focus on his international and community work.

"David Miliband is determined to continue to serve his constituency and pursue his interests in foreign and environmental policy," a spokesperson said.

"Discussions have taken place between David Miliband and Sunderland AFC about a non-executive role with the club focusing on his international and community work.

"As with all former ministers this is currently being considered by the advisory committee on business appointments."

"As with all former ministers this is currently being considered by the advisory committee on business appointments."

The Arsenal fan could be set to receive a £50,000 salary on top of his MP's pay for taking on the job, according to the Daily Mail.

The former foreign secretary has already signed up to become an unpaid teacher of politics at Haverstock School in north London, where he studied before going to Oxford.

David Miliband was narrowly beaten by his brother Ed for the Labour leadership.