Reports from Sky Sports’ Keith Downie and Michael Walker of The Athletic have indicated that Sunderland have given their manager Alex Neil permission to talk to Stoke City and he is likely to leave. The Potters sacked Michael O’Neil following their defeat to the Black Cats last weekend.
They are now hoping to secure the man who has made a remarkable impact on Wearside since arriving in February. Should Neil be allowed to leave it would be a huge mistake on Sunderland’s part.
Sunderland Allowing Alex Neil to Leave Would Be a Big Mistake on Their Part
Press Conference Moved Back
Friday morning’s press conference was moved back to 2 pm with reports suggesting it was due to Stoke City’s interest; however, it was noted by Joe Nicholson of the Sunderland Echo that Neil took training. Their report indicated that training had been delayed due to Neil being held up in a meeting earlier in the morning.
😟 His pre-match press conference has been pushed back#SAFC | #SCFC https://t.co/T71ptFALhQ
— Sunderland Echo SAFC (@sunechosafc) August 26, 2022
Alex Neil Has Revitalised Sunderland Since Arriving
When Sunderland sacked former manager Lee Johnson in January following a humiliating 6-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers, the Black Cats were in dire form and shipping goals at an alarming rate. Their desperation to get out of League One looked set to continue into the 2022/23 season.
However, following the appointment of Alex Neil, the team were revitalised and went on an unbeaten run that would end with victory at Wembley.
Neil led his new team to the playoff final beating Wycombe Wanderers 2-0. It was the first time Sunderland had won at Wembley in front of fans since 1973.
Allowing Alex Neil to Leave Could Be One of Sunderland’s Biggest Mistakes
Sunderland under Neil have started life in the Championship brightly. Currently in fifth place, they have suffered just one defeat, a narrow 2-1 loss at Sheffield United while playing with 10 men for much of the game.
Neil has been allowed to strengthen his squad this summer with more additions possible before the transfer window ends next week.
Neil has his team playing attractive attacking football. Although this can lead to goals being conceded, the Black Cats have the ability to outscore their opponents.
The future at Sunderland looks bright under Alex Neil with fans backing him and the team in huge numbers both home and away. However, should he be allowed to leave without a fight, the ramifications could be disastrous.
Neil is currently working with a 12-month rolling contract on Wearside. Should this be an issue then the club must do all they can to agree a new deal with their manager before another club offers him a much better deal.
