Upon Alex Neil’s arrival at Sunderland in February 2022, he was met with disappointment as the club was positioned fourth in the League One table. However, Neil’s tenure saw a remarkable turnaround, with the team losing only once, against MK Dons, for the remainder of the campaign. They clinched promotion by winning eight out of their last 15 games, ultimately securing victory in the play-off final.
Under the stewardship of Kristjaan Speakman, the club underwent significant changes from the era of Stewart Donald, with notable arrivals such as Trai Hume, Alex Pritchard, Nathan Broadhead, and Jack Clarke. The squad saw an infusion of experience, with four players over the age of 27 joining the ranks alongside promising young talents.
Neil emphasized the importance of having a balanced squad, highlighting the need for experienced players to complement the youthful exuberance. He praised the mix of youth and experience in his team during their promotion-winning campaign, noting the crucial roles played by both groups of players.
However, the subsequent offloading of experienced players and injuries to key personnel have left Sunderland with a dearth of leadership and experience. Speakman’s efforts to reshape the squad have resulted in a youthful lineup, which, while entertaining to watch, has struggled in the absence of seasoned veterans.
Critics have pointed out the folly of selling players like Danny Batth, whose experience and leadership are sorely missed in the current squad. The decision to rely heavily on young talents without adequate support from experienced players has raised questions about the club’s strategy in navigating the challenges of the Championship.
