I have my doubts about Neil being up to PL football. I know his Uncle but he won't say very much if you ask him anything about Dan Neil. Personally I think he wants away.
I like Neil but I don’t think I’d be too bothered if he does go. I know people will look at the wages we are offering new players but if his demands are the same as those I’m not sure the club should just agree to that. not saying that’s the case but aye.
I’ll get pelters for it and wasn’t going to say it but I’m going to anyway. It’s just my opinion, okay? No drama. I want our club to retain its talent and I want our team to have as many academy players as we can in it. Dan Neil at times last season was great but at times he was poor and games passed him by. I have reservations about his ability to play in the “holding” role in the premier league for a likely bottom half side and whilst personally I would love him to sign a new deal, if he doesn’t then I genuinely think we can get better. Indeed we may already have better. He could blossom into an international quality player but I just don’t see it. For me it’s far more important we retain Rigg and Mayenda, both of whom I do think will play international football. Edit - took ages to write this and then noticed a few people above agree so maybe I won’t as many pelters as I thought
It's all opinions mate. I think Seelt is ****e and will never make it here . When Neil is good hes very good, but those games weren't as often as I'd like last season, in a lesser league. He'd need to massively up his game this season (they all will) and I'm a Neil fan. Looking at it, imo, I can see all parties coming to a mutual agreement and he'll leave this window. He's left on a high, got his club back to were they belong, we'll get a decent fee and RLB can play ELF in Dan's position.
He definitely has something, but get a player right on him on his first touch and he’s a risk. Some players surprise you and get better though in a different type of football. If I wanted to pressure Sunderland though I’d have players targeting Neil and Patto’s first touches.
Language learning needs commitment, not vast intellectual ability. He is not daft either by the way, never let an accent fool you. But he, or any other player, will stay if he wants to.
Ultimately I think most agree. I'm happy if our academy lads have a career in football if I'm honest even if its not with us. I'd rather Neil signed, stayed on and fought for his place but if he doesn't then sell him and use the funds. We aren't in a position to allow players with value to leave for free. Sometimes things don't work out the way we want.
Sheff Utd absolutely swamped us for 20 minutes, in the playoff final ... ... a better team wouldn't have run out of steam. We really need to do better in the PL.
Goes abroad and doesnt have to sign a deal tht contains a relegation clause and for me theres a major question over his ability to play at the next level so makes sense
It's going to be interesting to see how many of the team that played at Wembley, turned out to be their last for the club. (3 already, assuming Mepham's not coming back)
I remember him joining us and being really excited by it. He'd played in a European Cup winners team about 2 years before (his second win after scoring the winner in 1981) and was part of probably the best club side in Europe at the time (Heysel stadium ban taken into consideration). It was pretty clear after a few games his legs had gone. He lasted just over a year before we peddled him. Another of McBastardly's "experienced" signings.
Agree with what your saying tbh. Every clubs supporters would surely want their local academy lads in the side doing well.
Interesting article on Dortmund pursuing Jobe https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...-world-cup-real-madrid?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
I think Neil could become the player we want him to be. However, if he isn't going to sign a contract that the club thinks he's worth right now, then I trust the club to make the right decision. I don't think he can demand the same wages as the new players, he doesn't have their experience But i'd like him to sign and show that he can improve his weak areas. Because if he can, his strengths will make him shine
This may have already been posted but is a really nice neutral perspective on the Diarra signing. He’s extremely positive about Diarra and ELF as the two more advanced midfielders but says he’s worried Neil doesn’t cover the ground behind them. This was before we signed Sadiki and maybe Sadiki can be that guy. anyway, worth a watch if you’re bored