Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn believes his playing background has helped him in his new role.
He told the Evening Chronicle: "Playing is everything and I miss the dressing room terribly.
"That was my sort of university if you like. I spent years and years in there and picked up all my football knowledge in the dressing room.
"I picked up a lot of what not to do as well.
"As a chairman, suddenly you are dealing with bankers, it is totally different.
"To get a chance to mix it with the other players is a big help."