ROTATE & REST

With Jobe Bellingham set to return, Regis Le Bris will rest Dan Neil over the Easter weekend as he continues his squad rotation to keep his players fresh ahead of the play offs…

REST NEIL

“I hope we can do that (rest Neil and Hume). If it is possible, I think it is important to let the players have one game a week because that keeps them in the right rhythm. But then, if it is possible to give them one game rest when you have two games in such a short space of time, then that would be better. The problem we have is that, in different positions, that is not easy. With the centre-backs at the minute, for example, it is really difficult, and it is the same at full-back as well. For Dan, I think it will be possible because now Salis (Abdul Samed) is back and Enzo (Le Fee) should be ready to start a game, so we should have enough options to be able to do that this week. We are going to have to manage the squad in these next two games, absolutely. We are going to have to manage the minutes of the players with two games in the same weekend.”

RLB added: “At this stage of the season, we have to be really proud of the team. We have 76 points so far, which shows the team has done very well. It’s been a strange period because we worked with a small group due to many injuries, so it’s important to manage the squad,” he explained. We have to manage the players’ bodies and not rush the process, like Jobe and Enzo. Probably because of this, the last few results haven’t been as good as expected, but we are still fourth, the play-offs are secured, and now we’re at another stage in the season. We have two games coming up in a short period, so again, it is important to manage the squad. Our main objective now is the play-offs, and we have to be ready for these fixtures.”

Meanwhile, Dan Neil has paid tribute to Carlton Fairweather, who passed away on Monday aged 63. Neil said: “Many of those are in the first team now and others who have gone on to play for other teams. His personality in and around the building was amazing. He lit up whatever room he came into, and he had an infectious smile and laugh.”

Club historian Rob Mason added: “Carlton first came to Sunderland in 2003. In the years that followed Carlton was an influential and inspirational figure in a variety of roles within the academy and also through the work SAFC do in the community. Between 2014 and 2017 he managed the women’s team who he always championed. More recently Carlton worked with the U18 team, showing the same passion for the game he always had since being a young boy in his home city of London. Bestowed with the middle name Upton because his father was an ardent West Ham fan, Carlton’s playing days began not with the Irons but in non-league football with Dulwich Hamlet in 1979. After five years playing for a variety of non-league clubs he was given his big opportunity by Wimbledon. Carlton scored the winner on his league debut at Oldham on New Year’s Day 1985 in what is now the Championship. He went on to play 138 league games for the Dons, his 26 goals including strikes at Roker Park and a winner at Upton Park. In 1987/88 Carlton was at his peak. He had scored against Manchester United and Liverpool as well as in the first game of Wimbledon’s cup run only for a broken leg to rule him out as the Crazy Gang sensationally went on to lift the FA Cup (1988). Within a sporting environment, you need consistency, and Carlton’s character very rarely shifted from enthusiastic, bubbly, and infectious. Add this to someone who crafted their skill of coaching and mentoring over so many years and it’s a special mix. I was blessed to spend time with Carlton on many occasions and he always brought the gift of wisdom, a gift only very few people can give. He will be truly missed by all within our club.”