‘CV cannot be argued with’ – Third name in running for Sunderland job alongside McCann and Keane: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Alex Neil is reportedly in the running to become the next Sunderland manager. 

Lee Johnson was sacked on Sunday and, according to the Daily Mail, a number of candidates have emerged as potential replacements, including Neil, Roy Keane, and Grant McCann.

But would the former Preston boss be a good appointment?

Our FLW writers share their thoughts…

Marcus Ally

Neil certainly does not offer the easy-on-the-eye attacking football that Lee Johnson did but he has been a very successful manager in the EFL.

The Scotsman has been a resounding success in all three of his managerial roles in the past and can adapt to get the best out of the players at his disposal.

Neil would be a good appointment for the Black Cats, although due to style of play he might not see a lot of patience shown in him, given the way Phil Parkinson was treated at the Stadium of Light last season.

His CV cannot be argued with and there are not many managers in the third tier who have achieved a Premier League promotion in their career.

Neil has taken his time since being dismissed by Preston North End last season and Sunderland could be an appealing challenge for him.

Chris Gallagher

He certainly should be in contention.

The Scotsman has won promotion to the Premier League with Norwich and he did a very good job at Preston if you look at his spell over a four-year period. So, there’s no denying that if a League One club appointed him it would be a coup.

Due to the size and potential of Sunderland, you would expect Neil to be interested in the move