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Perfect timing haha

 

Believe it or not I hope you are right and they prove to be that good. Pre season of course wont prove that, premier league games will prove that.

 

wage demands at 40 at his boyhood club?

 

Agree there mate!

 

He's already quickly becoming my favourite signing. Even without his performance on Saturday. He's just always smiling, always mixing and joking with the lads on all the training videos posted. Completely different energy about him.

 

Me too, having local lads in the squad is what makes Sunderland the club it is.

Sadly, for me, there's just something slightly 'off the pace' with Dan Neil.

He has skill and makes the team tick when he's on his game but he just doesn't excite me and energise the team as I believe he should.

I've thought about it all and think I can express it best by what Le Fée would say if he had one choice, in a vital game, as to which player he'd like alongside him. Sadly I don't believe it would be Dan Neil. I've said this before but I just don't see him as a player, or captain, who can spark the team and pull us out of the fire.

I know it's just a snapshot but Wembley summed it up for me ...

... we were doing OK, after they scored, but drifting along.

Neil went off and we didn't suffer in the same way Sheff Utd will claim they did when Hamer was subbed.

Losing your captain, when he wasn't injured, isn't what you'd expect tbh, I hate to be saying that but I think things have changed.

I'd love Neil to stay, accept a spot on the bench then fight for his place ...

... sadly I think he believes he deserves more and expects to be starting as captain, I don't.

 

I haven't seen any tbh.

 

If Neil’s good enough he’ll get a good enough contract and he’ll grow with the club.

He’s a good lad and I want him to succeed whether it’s with us or somewhere else.

 

When we saw Ahmed in the behind the scenes stuff last season it was clear how big an impact he was on others. Infectious. This lad looks the same type.

 

At least there’s a pre season match to watch to distract us from an inevitable quiet evening of transfer news.

 

I think the point about possession is a good one. Neil gives us a lot of control and I think we are going to need as much of that as we can muster. I prefer my number 6 to be one that can control tempo and territory, less cover lots of ground and press players high. But that is how I prefer to watch football, I like high possession teams. A lot of our out of possession stuff last year was dictated by Neil. He was the pivot around which the team shaped itself and he was always in that correct place. Even when he wasnt having a good time of it in possession he was still that reference point that got the team structure right. He is such an intelligent player for things like that.

I hope he picks his next club wisely. Under the right coaching he will get better again. I really hope it is Italy, he would be adored there and I think it would be perfect for him. That said, I have a suspicion he lines up against us on day 1. Dont think I could watch it.

 

@JimHeron92

 

Quite simply I don’t think Neil is quick enough in touch or movement. He can read a game well now and covered us well but that will change a league up. He also hasn’t signed and it’s his hometown club which isn’t a good look. I don’t think he should be captain and don’t think he should start either.

 

You can just see how he likes to just be involved

 

I really dont get all this angst over him not signing a contract. Unless anyone knows what the offer is you cant know whether hs should sign or not. Just because it is his hometown club doesnt mean he should sign something he doesnt feel is right for him.

 

He’s so fast on the ball too. This was my main gripe for many seasons how slow we were in midfield to move the ball.

He gets the ball and moves quick straight away. Quality little player

 

100%. Nobody knows the details and too many variable. Just got to trust the club are doing what’s best for the club and Neil is doing what’s best for his career

 

But shouldn’t be captain unless he shows commitment to the future at this point in pre season

 

worked hard, sharpness will come. Couple of nice touches

same here, should’ve had a pen