Dan Neil reveals thoughts on potential Sunderland promotion bid

Sunderland have been chasing that elusive promotion from League One into the Championship for a good few seasons now and while it originally looked like it could happen this year, the club have since fallen away.

After a string of bad results, the side decided to part ways with Lee Johnson and appointed Alex Neil. After a slip down the division, they are still in the running for a top six spot and the former Preston boss will now be hoping to land them one.

One player who certainly feels that is possible is Dan Neil, who has claimed to the Sunderland Echo that he wants to experience promotion with the side come the summer.

The 20-year-old has really burst onto the scene for his club this season, having previously only managed two minutes of league action before this campaign began. Since September though, he has become a key part of the Black Cats midfield and remains so now.

With 33 appearances and nine goal contributions – seven of which have been assists from the centre of the field – he has become a key cog in the Sunderland machine despite his young age. Now, he wants to help take his side to the Championship and admitted to the Sunderland Echo that he committed his future to the club because he ‘believes’ in the Black Cats and their ability.

They certainly have some talent in their side and if they can pick up some results, a play-off spot could still be on the cards – and that is exactly what Neil wants come the end of the season. He said when asked about breaking into the first-team picture: “I loved every minute of it, playing for my boyhood club, and I just want to make 2022 even better to be honest.

“I hadn’t really experienced any of the highs or lows of football and to be honest, I think I probably