'Captaining Sunderland a boyhood dream that came true' - Neil departspublished at 11:25 GMT 27 January
11:25 GMT 27 January
Image source, Getty Images
Dan Neil's 18-year spell at boyhood club Sunderland has come to an end as he joins Ipswich Town on loan for the rest of the season.
The Wearside club confirmed the 24-year-old's contract will not be extended when it expires in June 2026.
"I'm proud of what we achieved during my time at the club and for playing my part in taking it back to where it belongs - the Premier League," said Neil.
The midfielder made his debut for Sunderland aged 16, and went on to captain the Black Cats back to the Premier League, before Regis le Bris gave Granit Xhaka the captain's armband.
Neil added: "Captaining Sunderland was a boyhood dream that came true, and as a supporter for life, I'm excited to see what's next on the journey."
Making his debut in September 2020, South Shields-born Neil appeared 201 times for the club, scoring 12 goals.
Ex-Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole told BBC Radio Newcastle: "He needs to be playing football at his age. He has had such a good run, he has captained the club over the past couple of seasons to great achievements."
'Le Bris got it wrong at London Stadium'published at 07:55 GMT 27 January
07:55 GMT 27 January
Gavin Henderson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Saturday afternoon was probably the worst we've had this season. To be blunt, we were rubbish.
We're allowed the odd off day, though, aren't we? No team is perfect. We were tipped for a spectacular struggle this campaign, yet we're still the only unbeaten home side in the division. That's why, five minutes after the final whistle, I could shrug it off and look ahead rather than dwell.
Until heavy defeats become routine, I won't panic. This isn't pontificating - it's just my default stance as a Sunderland supporter. I take that role seriously, often to my detriment, but I'll always back the club and its decisions when I believe they're made in good faith.
Regis le Bris got it wrong at London Stadium - it's rare to say that, but fair's fair. When the team news came out, nothing alarmed me. It'd be easy now to claim he shouldn't have started Trai Hume on the right or Eliezer Mayenda up front, but hindsight's cheap. The lineup looked attacking, designed to take the game to West Ham early - that was surely the plan.
What we did, unusually under this manager, was take a gamble. We hoped to catch them off guard with an unexpected approach. As ever, things were spoiled the night before when it leaked that Granit Xhaka wouldn't start. The club tried to bluff by posting videos of him on the train and using his image to promote the match, but by then the news had spread - and you can bet it reached West Ham.
They pounced like hyenas smelling blood, knowing our talisman was absent. That's what worries me about the coming games. With Xhaka on the pitch, opponents fear us; without him, we're undeniably weaker.
A heavy defeat refocuses everyone. We won't panic or make rash transfer moves over one game, but it's often said you learn far more from losses — and this one will be no different. Questions over certain players may have been answered, and any hesitation about signing an experienced midfielder might now be gone. Seeing how desperately we missed Granit has surely underlined the need for more options to finish strongly. We'll see.
It's a long week until Burnley. After a tonking, a quick turnaround helps put things right, and I bet the players are itching to get back out there. Meanwhile, the Academy of Light will host big changes, with popular figures like Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson expected to move on. Their departures seem inevitable. While we must focus forward, losing two well-liked lads could affect the dressing room. Their team-mates will be upset, but it's part of growing as a club - we have to move on.
Hopefully, even better players arrive to replace them and settle as seamlessly as the summer signings did.
Joe: After seeing that performance, I think we have a great chance at another great escape. Solid and positive performance makes me think we can have a good end to this terrible season. Crysencio Summerville is a menace and our defence is acting right. Hope is back in East London.
Colin: This was the first day West Ham played like West Ham. Quick on the break and slick in passing. Is it a new dawn, or false hope? Fingers crossed it's the former.
Ian: This performance and result has been building for a few weeks. Barring some bad, and some dubious calls, we would have won away at Brighton and at home to Nottingham Forest. The work rate, movement and directness has all improved. A long way to go but some small shoots of hope now!
Peter: This is what we have been waiting for. The team took just a few minutes to settle, then gave the Irons fans 40 minutes to savour. The second half began worryingly with a return to dithering and more negative play. Sunderland had 15 minutes on top, but it never felt like they would score again until injury time when both teams hit the woodwork. It was was great to see a match where football was the winner.
Sue: What an improvement. The players seemed to know where each other were and attacked more. If they keep playing like that they will get out of trouble.
Sunderland fans
Adam: Very poor. We clearly lacked Granit Xhaka's leadership. Poor line-up and need improvements. Still an excellent season, but hopefully just a minor bump in the road.
David: The wrong selection and wrong formation. We'd almost lost the match before kick off with that combination of players starting. West Ham probably couldn't believe their luck at how disjointed and lacking in cohesion Sunderland were. An avoidable bad performance which makes it very frustrating as points were dropped unnecessarily.
Kev: Bad day at the office. But having said that, Romaine Mundle and Eliezer Mayenda offer nothing to the team. I feel sorry for Wilson Isidor as he should play with Brian Brobbey. He can drop deep, use his pace and leave Brobbey up on his own while supporting. Trai Hume had a mare. Onwards and upwards. One poor performance is nothing to worry about.
Colin: Got exactly what we deserved. Even though our best player wasn't playing this is no excuse as we can not rely on one player all the time. We take it on the chin and move on.
George: All too often Hume is a liability. Poor passing coupled with too much shirt pulling. Petulance and arguing with officials is too common among others.
Black Cats in 'bad moment' but 'need to stay together' - Talbipublished at 08:33 GMT 26 January
08:33 GMT 26 January
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi says they "paid" the price of not playing with enough intensity at West Ham as they were convincingly beaten.
The defeat means Sunderland are now on a mini-slump having won just one of their past seven Premier League matches.
Talbi, who was returning for his first game since reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final with Morocco, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "It was tough, but we showed ourselves better in the second half. We brought more intensity.
"You can have these bad moments in the Premier League but we need to stay together to get through this difficult period.
"You need to be better than what we were in the first half, as that was not enough and everybody knows it.
"It is the best league in the world so for every minute where you are giving less, you will pay for it. We paid for it.
Gossip: Sunderland target joins Leverkusenpublished at 08:06 GMT 26 January
08:06 GMT 26 January
Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland goalkeeper Jonas Omlin, who was a target for Sunderland, has joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan until the end of the season. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Sunderland analysis: Away form struggles continuepublished at 15:31 GMT 24 January
15:31 GMT 24 January
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
After a fantastic start to the season, Sunderland are now on a mini-slump having won just one of their past seven Premier League matches.
Regis Le Bris' side, whose home run has understandably been celebrated this season, are also winless in seven consecutive league away games.
They had the match's first true chance when Noah Sadiki's second-minute shot was tipped over the bar by West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola.
But the Black Cats then failed to produce another shot on target until their goal in the 66th minute.
By that stage the game seemed beyond them.
Sunderland have a winnable home match against 19th-placed Burnley next on 2 February, but then face top-four sides Arsenal and Liverpool over the following two weeks.
West Ham 3-1 Sunderland: What Le Bris saidpublished at 14:59 GMT 24 January
14:59 GMT 24 January
Media caption,
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after his side's defeat at West Ham: "They were better than us, they showed good quality, they started better, more aggressiveness and more composure with the ball. We were the opposite.
"The balance went in their favour at the beginning and they scored, it was well deserved.
"Our reaction in the second half was a bit better, we tried to change the dynamic of the game. We scored once, we have the opportunity to score the second but they were simply better than us. We have to accept it."
Why did you not get going today? "It's tough to say, because probably there are multiple reasons. At least it shows that when you are not at the level that the league will punish you.
"[We need to show] Humility, hard work, accept the tough period. We haven't experienced this much, but we are still a newly promoted side and it is normal to have this kind of experience. Don't get too emotional, stay composed, not too high and not too low and move forward."
On Granit Xhaka's absence: "It's ankle injury, he has a period of rest and see how long he will be."
On Xhaka's altercation with fans behind the dugout: "I don't know really [what happened], it's always a shame when something like that happens, but I don't know."
Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been ruled out of his side's trip to West Ham. The ex-Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen star injured his ankle in Sunderland's last match against Crystal Palace say the club and will now undergo "a period of rehabilitation".
Eliezer Mayenda replaces him in the Sunderland starting XI.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Manchester City v Wolves" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Liverpool", for instance.
West Ham United v Sunderland: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:00 GMT 23 January
19:00 GMT 23 January
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
A stoppage-time victory at Spurs last week ended West Ham United's 10-game winless run and means the Hammers will have their tails up for the visit of the Sunderland on Saturday – but they still lay claim to an unwanted defensive record.
Unsound defence
West Ham's current run of 19 games without a clean sheet is the joint worst of any club in Europe's top five leagues. Seventeen of those have come since Nuno Espirito Santo took over in September and the Portuguese head coach will know his side, stuck in 18th, must shed that defensive frailty if they are to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
The Irons have the leakiest defence in the English top flight this season, while a league-high 12 of their 44 goals conceded have been headers – despite boasting regular centre-back options of Max Kilman (6ft 4in), Jean-Clair Todibo (6ft 3in) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (6ft 4in).
Wantaway striker Callum Wilson was the hero last Saturday, prompting the powers that be at London Stadium to change tack over his future. The Englishman now looks set to stay until the end of the season, despite the recent arrival of fellow forwards Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos.
West Ham's home record against promoted side is encouraging – they've lost just one of their last 21 – but they'll be wary of a Sunderland outfit who blew them away in the second half of a 3-0 walloping at the Stadium of Light on the opening day.
Dogged Black Cats continue to impress
If Sunderland can follow up that August win with another in east London, it will mark just their second Premier League double over West Ham, having previously achieved it in 2010-11 – ominously, the last time the Hammers were relegated.
The Black Cats, who sit ninth, are unbeaten at home – only league leaders Arsenal can say the same – and have lost just one of their past eight games in all competitions.
Regis le Bris' side are becoming increasingly notable for their resilience after going behind, a quality they showed again during last week's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. They have won 16 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, second only to Aston Villa's tally of 18.
With 33 points from 22 games, Sunderland are the best-performing promoted side in 16 years. Alex McLeish's Birmingham City in 2009-10 were the last newcomers to have as many points at this stage of the season.
Durable Granit's work is top
Some shrewd summer signings have played their part in that success, and none more so than Granit Xhaka. The Switzerland captain, 33, has played the most minutes of any outfield player in the Sunderland squad.
And despite his reputation as a midfield schemer, the former Arsenal player has offered his new employer a perhaps surprising weapon in attack. Xhaka's role in Enzo le Fee's equaliser against Crystal Palace last weekend means he has made eight line-breaking passes that have led to a goal, more than any other player in the division this season.
Sutton's predictions: West Ham v Sunderlandpublished at 18:33 GMT 23 January
18:33 GMT 23 January
Sunderland's 3-0 win over West Ham on the opening weekend really set the tone for both teams' seasons, but it doesn't really help me much here.
The Hammers' win at Tottenham last week was extraordinary given their form going into that game, but their home record is still extremely poor.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are not the same force on the road as they are at the Stadium of Light, and they have not won away since the end of October.
Still, it has been such a strange season, with everyone beating everyone, that form, history, tables and stats are not really much help with these predictions anyway.
In the past few weeks, I have thought too much about AI and gone down the stat route to try to beat it at its own game, but that's not how I won the predictions title in previous seasons.
I need to go with my gut instinct more, and that's what I'm doing here.
Gossip: Sunderland miss out on Sargentpublished at 08:00 GMT 23 January
08:00 GMT 23 January
Leeds and Sunderland are both set to miss out on a move for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent. The 25-year-old USA international is keen on a move back to Major League Soccer with Toronto FC his preferred option. (Teamtalk), external
Le Bris on team fitness, transfer ins and outs and West Hampublished at 14:22 GMT 22 January
14:22 GMT 22 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham at London Stadium (kick-off 12:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi have returned from Africa Cup of Nations and Le Bris is hopeful "they will be able to play".
Le Bris laughed and said the two "are still friends" after Sunday's dramatic final and trained today.
On the possibility of players leaving in this window: "For players who need minutes, the conversation is still open. If we can find an agreement that is positive for both sides then we will move forward. Nothing is official for any players but we are working hard behind the scenes."
In response to whether Wilson Isidor could be one of those departures: "Same idea. He is a really good player and important for us in the past and in the future."
He said there is "nothing official" to report about incomings but they "are working hard" to bolster the squad.
He wants to see his squad score more goals from "everywhere if possible" because they "have young players in the front line who need time to improve".
On opponents West Ham, who the Black Cats faced in the first game of the season: "It shows this league is really hard because they are a good team that are experienced, but struggling. They don't give up that's clear and they are in good form. They have signed two new forwards so they can bounce back and create a new dynamic."
A season of injuries - how does your club rank?published at 08:33 GMT 22 January
08:33 GMT 22 January
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
From the Premier League's elite to the soggy pitches of Sunday league, injuries are part and parcel of football - but which top-flight teams have been worst affected so far this season?
With help from injury expert Ben Dinnery, of premierinjuries.com,, external BBC Sport has examined which sides have been hit the hardest, the impact injuries can have on under-fire managers - and whether things are always as bad as they seem.
'Most influential signing in the North East since Kevin Keegan'published at 15:10 GMT 21 January
15:10 GMT 21 January
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has received immense praise for his impact on the Black Cats this season, with the midfielder's leadership and influence within the squad catching the attention of former players and pundits alike.
Xhaka has started all 22 Premier League matches, contributing five assists and providing a level of control, authority and consistency that has helped propel Sunderland into ninth place on 33 points - just four points off the top four.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, guest journalist Ian Murtagh waxed lyrical about the midfielder's presence in the dressing room and on the pitch, and drew a comparison with one of the most transformative signings the area has seen.
"He's the most influential signing in the North East since Kevin Keegan at Newcastle in 1982," Murtagh said.
"I'm not saying necessarily the best, but in terms of influence, in terms of driving up the standards, in terms of communicating with his team-mates, I think there are huge similarities between the two - even though they're 40 years apart."
'I was shocked' to see Sadiki on the transfer rumour listpublished at 11:38 GMT 21 January
11:38 GMT 21 January
Grace Wheeler BBC Sport
Media caption,
Noah Sadiki and Wilson Isidor linked with moves away
Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams has spoken to BBC Radio Newcastle about recent rumours linking Noah Sadiki and Wilson Isidor to moves away.
It has been rumoured that Manchester United have keeping tabs on 21-year-old Sadiki.
Williams said he "was a little bit shocked" when he first about the Sadiki link.
"Personally as a Sunderland fan I would like to think no [to Sadiki leaving], but you just never know. He has been brilliant this year and brings a lot of energy in the midfield area."
Sunderland have no intention of selling Sadiki, while Everton have inquired about the availability of striker Isidor.
Williams said he "would like to think we are not in a position where we need to sell and lose players. We are hoping it's just paper talk. These players are going to draw attention because they have come into the Premier League this year".
Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra has recently returned to the club after helping his country win Afcon.
However, there have been some questions over whether he should come straight back into the side because the club did well in his absence.
"The guy have done well over the period of time Diarra has been at Afcon," Williams said.
"They have done well enough to earn the spot during the time. I am not saying Diarra has lost his spot but being away has created a space for someone to step into."
Media caption,
Does Habib Diarra come straight back into Sunderland’s midfield?
'Brobbey does cause a lot of problems' - Williamspublished at 07:30 GMT 21 January
07:30 GMT 21 January
Image source, Getty Images
Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams was full of praise for Brian Brobbey after the striker's decisive impact in the 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, a result that lifted the Black Cats to ninth in the table after 22 games.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Williams said he believes Brobbey's blend of physicality, mobility and composure gives Sunderland a different attacking dimension, and suggested the forward's latest display underlined why sustained runs in the side can be crucial for certain profiles of striker.
With competition for places intense, the former Black Cats defender says performances like this only raise standards across the squad.
Williams said: "He looked big and strong. No disrespect to the other guys - they're a different type of player - but you know he'll hold it for you, secure it, and he can also run. He does cause a lot of problems.
"He needed a run in the team. He was coming on in games and still being effective but we were just thinking: 'If we get him on for the 90 minutes, how effective is he going to be?'
"The competition for places is brilliant and I think it's spurring everybody on to do better and better and better."
Gossip: Sunderland to resist any Man Utd Sadiki bidpublished at 07:17 GMT 21 January
07:17 GMT 21 January
Sunderland have no intention of selling midfielder Noah Sadiki to Manchester United but are willing to listen to offers for fringe players such as goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and midfielder Dan Neil. (Sun), external
Meanwhile, Everton have enquired about the availability of Black Cats forward Wilson Isidor. (Mirror), external
'It seems like going behind galvanises us'published at 13:31 GMT 20 January
13:31 GMT 20 January
Gavin Henderson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
I was listening to BBC Radio Newcastle's post-match show following Sunderland's victory over Crystal Palace, and something that a caller to the show said really struck me.
The lady talked about how when Sunderland fell behind in the first half, she had absolutely no fear. She knew that we'd get back into the game - there wasn't any questions around the fact it would happen.
To be able to say that about Sunderland is still baffling to me. For my whole life, we have found ways to lose games when it looked impossible to do so. When we've gone behind, especially at home, we've capitulated. But not any more.
We responded almost immediately to that goal from Yeremy Pino - a brilliant team goal finished off by Enzo le Fee. There was no panic. Sunderland's players simply got on with it and were even more dogged and determined to put it right.
In fact, it seems like going behind galvanises us. We've picked up 16 points this season from losing positions, which is a staggering statistic.
From then, it was clear there would only be one eventual winner - and we found it thanks to another determined and battling move that was finished off by Brian Brobbey, who was imperious throughout.
His exquisite shot in off the underside of the bar capped off a performance that, to many Sunderland supporters, was the finest we've seen from a centre-forward in over a decade.
Another three points in the bag, then, on our quest to hit 40 as quickly as possible. We aren't under any threat of relegation, of course, but to say that in January is a wonderful thing.
Now it's about keeping that momentum up, winning more games and seeing where it takes us. Our unbeaten home record remains and it's tough to see when that will eventually come to an end. We don't know when we're beaten.
Image source, Getty Images
