DAN NEIL JOINS IPSWICH

Boyhood Sunderland fan and two-time promotion winner Dan Neil has joined Ipswich Town on loan until the end of the season, which will bring him to the end of his current SAFC contract.

Ipswich are third in the Championship as things stand and are pushing for automatic promotion, with Neil seen as a valuable addition for the run-in. At 24 years old Neil has plenty of experience with Sunderland, captaining the Lads to play-off glory last year, but has struggled for game time in the Premier League with our new-look midfield taking things to a new level. This move will see the midfielder link up with former teammate Jack Clarke in East Anglia.

Although this deal is a loan, it is expected to bring to an end Neil's career-long association with Sunderland AFC. The South Shields native is a Sunderland fan and broke into the first team after rising through the ranks at the Academy of Light. Making his debut in the EFL Trophy in November 2018, Neil was involved in Sunderland's rise out of League One and eventually back to the top flight. Realistically he wasn't going to get many Premier League minutes for the rest of the season, so this move allows him to play regularly until then and make himself an attractive signing for another club in the summer.

Upon departure, Neil said: “Above everything else, I would like to take this opportunity say thank you. To my coaches and team-mates, past and present, who were not only good professionals but great people, and to the wider staff and fans for supporting me throughout all the experiences we shared together. 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. 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.”

Kristjaan Speakman added: “Dan’s story at his hometown Club is the one we all dreamt of living when we were growing up. We often talk to players about the opportunity to leave a legacy, and this is exactly what Dan has done. He always stood up during difficult times and embraced the challenge, pushed to be an important player, and then used his influence positively to drive standards on and off the field, which culminated in him captaining his boyhood Club back to the Premier League. He’s worked relentlessly to make his dream a reality and, in doing so, made Sunderland a better Football Club; a quality that points to his exemplary personality and character. We all thank him for his contribution. Dan will always be part of Sunderland, but for now, he has a new opportunity in front of him, and we wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.”

Dan Neil: 201 senior appearances, 12 goals, 2 promotions. Thanks for everything, Dan.