Transfer Rumours Summer Transfer window

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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.

I asked the question, yesterday, whether it worried people that Sheff Utd faltered when Hamer went off but we improved when our captain was subbed.

I think seeds of doubt were sewn in RLB's mind especially as it was a game that was Neil's most important of his career.

I know he wants more money, for being in the PL starting eleven, or squad, but I don't see who'll be paying him more tbh.
 
It’s up to him and his agent , stay and fight for your place or chase the money it’s up to you only Neil will be able to make that decision .

Not as easy as that though is it. Circumstances mean we’re strengthening on a large scale. Dan needs to be playing football not sitting on a bench or he may not ever reach his potential. He might be questioning where he fits in all of this and going from captain to a bench warner must feel absolutely awful. That then presents opportunities to go and play abroad like lots of this country’s young talent is starting to do. Experience different cultures and different way of life. That could present him the opportunity to leave the club on a massive high having captained his club back to the premier league rather than become the scapegoat in a relegation threatened team where he gets forced out and it’s turned sour. It’s not always about the money but these lads need to look after themselves and their futures too.
 
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

He wasn't as bad as made out IMO, though along with all of them, he looked twitchy and nervous. Understandable IMO. His holding role too is also very tough when a team is pressing, as Sheffield United do early in games.

I though he got better in that game, though not stand out. When he went off we improved I agree, but this was also a positional thing. Full backs pushed up in a 4-4-2 completely scrambled Wilder's mind.

He's a good player and will get better IMO. But it's up to him.
 
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
Football is the most fickle game in the world. We are all raving about these new lads in midfield but it's two games into pre season, we haven't played a competitive game yet. Are these boys better than Neil? Probably but we are judging them on a small.sample size. it's a squad game now and Neil would be really important over a season and knows the club. I think he can kick on and use these signings as fuel to improve his own game. Same with Rigg. Noone is talking about him starting games but he's potentially one of the best product we've had in decades, if not ever.
 
He wasn't as bad as made out IMO, though along with all of them, he looked twitchy and nervous. Understandable IMO. His holding role too is also very tough when a team is pressing, as Sheffield United do early in games.

I though he got better in that game, though not stand out. When he went off we improved I agree, but this was also a positional thing. Full backs pushed up in a 4-4-2 completely scrambled Wilder's mind.

He's a good player and will get better IMO. But it's up to him.
Fair enough, I just think he doesn't quite suit what RLB wants from our midfield. He will move on to another top club I reckon at a place that suits his style
 
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Football is the most fickle game in the world. We are all raving about these new lads in midfield but it's two games into pre season, we haven't played a competitive game yet. Are these boys better than Neil? Probably but we are judging them on a small.sample size. it's a squad game now and Neil would be really important over a season and knows the club. I think he can kick on and use these signings as fuel to improve his own game. Same with Rigg. Noone is talking about him starting games but he's potentially one of the best product we've had in decades, if not ever.
You can say that, but can you not say sentiment is overuling people here?

I think it's a good debate, I don't think anyone is being disrespectful etc I just think some well at least me, doesn't think Neil is quite suited to what we need.

The lad will want to play, but he seems not to be a starter for us as RLB has been starting his 'core connections' (his words) and he doesn't seem to be signing a new deal
 
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...
He will only give up that honour if he chooses to not sign a contract tho, he's been offered a new contract so the club wants to keep him. He still has a chance to be 1st choice, he's up against 4 very good players (the 3 that starter yesterday and Rigg) and he should improve by playing with players like Le Fee and Diarra

It's up to him to then decide whether we are best for his future or not, I'm fine if he goes as long as he thinks it's what's best for him - id personally be gutted but as long as he is leaving on his terms I'd be fine with that

It is a huge honor to lead the team out at Wembley and 1 thatll live with him forever

No matter what he will go with my well wishes
 
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Wasn’t there speculation he was off to the mags? Neon pipping them now even though they are all part of the same sport washing facility? Fine by me
 
On Neil specifically. I am trying to put myself in his shoes a little bit here. Forget money for a minute. I suspect the lad is going through a bit of emotional turmoil right now. He was captain last season, of the club he supports in the same way any of us do. Imagine how that must feel. Now it looks like he is not even going to be in the first 11, let alone captain. We as fans can all have an opinion whether he should be or not. But for him, to live that experience, must be killing him mentally. I suspect he is a little bit heartbroken. I am not sure anyone in that sort of circumstance could ever realistically be expected to stay, it could never really be the same again for you when it is your club. The feelings run far too deep.
Yeah, but he was offered the contract long before we made all the signings. Either his agent is telling him he is worth more than we are offering or the club to think he is good enough for the money he is asking
 
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