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Yeh I guess Neil could potentially play the role Diarra has been playing (the old "Jobe" role)

 

So do I, really want him to stay

If he goes then ill thank him for everything he has done for us and wish him well

He's a player that I 1st watched when he was 15/16 and to see him grow into the player he is today has been amazing

I would like to see him stay and grow with us. He can learn from the new lads, as they can learn from him.

I just dont want it dragged out and we do what is best for him

 

Well maybe FT. But he must have known for certain that we would be recruiting if we went up. It's possible that the players knew more about our intentions than any of us.

He's been great for us I think, and learning a tough role too. But football is a tough game. He must have known for certain that his place wasn't guaranteed, as of course no player's should be. Every week should be a battle to keep your place.

But, if there is a chance, or likelihood of him moving, the coach just has to look at the other options. It could be that way round.

And remember, if Dan Ballard was signed up on £25k a week last July, then Dan Neill will have been offered the same, at least. The average Championship wage is around £14k, including parachute clubs, and we weren't one of them.

It doesn't look like we were being skinflint about this. It takes two to dance

 

There is an argument / possibility that for now Sadiki doesn't cover the role he played last night and Saturday and instead we line up like the below:

DM - Xhaka / Neil
CM - Diarra / Sadiki
AM - Enzo / Rigg

Not necessarily what I would do because I loved Sadiki in that role. But this might be what we look at.

Of course if El Khannouss comes I'm still a bit confused but that would surely mean the below:

DM - Sadiki / Xhaka (or Neil)
CM - Diarra / Rigg
AM - Enzo / El Khannouss

 

He was excellent last night.

Key for him is staying fit, we need to sign 2 CB's but he's put himself front and centre with his performances, particularly against Sporting.

He may also offer us an additional option as CDM, don't mean as a starter instead of a Xhaka or experienced CDM but as cover.

 

**** it I'm going all in.

Somebody find me the odds for Jenson Seelt to be in the Netherlands squad at the World Cup.

 

Surely staying and competing with quality midfielders will improve his game, maybe even push him up a level. Dans been a great servant to the club and I would love to see him flourish in the premier league, to do that he needs to meet the challenge head on, he’s done it before and succeeded. Dan Neil at the top of his game is a good player and he’s still relatively young

 

Not so much recently but Hendo and Pickford did very well for themselves - a move abroad may suit him perfectly and allow him to develop out of the pressure cooker that is the EPL.

 

I'm not sure if I am convinced with Neil playing other roles in that midfield mind, are we forgetting how bad he looked in those few games he played as the 8?

Great servant and has been great for us, football is ruthless and sometimes we have to be honest on whether he can step up to the new competition and quality. I'd love him to stay and try but... I'm not sure.

That PO final performance really worried me

 

I think you have missed my point. I am sure he understands competition for places is needed and he has to fight for it.

But to captain your hometown club to a wembley promotion is special. I cant think of many bigger honours for a Sunderland lad. In his shoes I would find it really hard to give that honour up and stick around. It is about pride and legacy. Now I am only guessing on him losing the armband. But right now, two games into pre-season, and if the jdugement of folk on here is close to accurate, he isnt in the same league as the new lads. If, and a big if, he is getting that vibe from Regis and coaches I would understand totally him wanting a move. If he were not a local lad I would take your stance. But the fact he is local makes it much harder for him. He could have his last memory as a wembley captain...

 

Neil is being underestimated a little bit imo.

People are excited about the new signings, rightly so, and frustrated with Neil not signing a new contract. I think this means people are unconsciously writing him off quicker than they normally would.

He doesn't have the pace of the new players, but he's always had the skill and vision (for passing) that would allow him to make it in the premier League. Not as a fast powerhouse but the calming presence that can pass the ball out well and distribute it well.

Not forgetting that the new players are young and will be learning as well and won't play every game imo

Obviously, he's going to have to compete for a spot, but if he gets his head right he take this as an opportunity to really grow then I think he's got a role to play here now and in the future

I hope he signs and really competes for his spot . It will be good for all involved.

 

Devil's advocate, is he?

Under pressure in the PO final, he dropped one of his worst performances, we improved once we took him off, he was nervous and losing the ball often

 

CB please. Definitely want a CB. I’d love another CB. This team needs another CB.

That obvious enough?

 

I'll leave this here for your imaginations to run wild

@JimHeron92
@MadMackem77
@CR17

 

We set off like a train, transfer wise. Its cooled off which was expected, but we could do with a couple soon just to take the pressure off us lot I think. Understand its not easy of course.

For me, I would be very excited and relieved if we could do Xhaka plus Diakite or Bade.

 

Do you think the young players we've signed won't have ups and downs ?

 

Spot on that.

 

Lammens !

 

Of course they will but for me Neil had a lot of down's last season, majority of the first half of the season he was quite poor imo

I don't think he has the attributes to play in the type of midfield RLB wants that is me being brutally honest. That doesn't make him a bad player by any means btw

 

So you’re saying there’s a chance