Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, A and Jim. Thank you for getting in touch.
I’m well aware that in some quarters, Dan Neil wasn’t entirely appreciated and that he often seemed to be judged by and held up to higher standards, but to my mind, his Sunderland career and his legacy in red and white doesn’t need to be defended.
Two hundred-plus appearances, two promotions — one as captain — and some exceptional goals, performances and moments of brilliance in midfield is what I’ll remember Neil for, and the point about loyalty is absolutely correct: we demand 100% loyalty from players at all times but we often don’t reciprocate when they find the going slightly tougher.
Something to consider, in my opinion.