Pundits back Neil to be big success at Black Cats
Alex Neil’s appointment as Sunderland’s new head coach was praised during the EFL’s highlights show on Quest.
The Black Cats drew 1-1 at AFC Wimbledon, as Alex Pritchard’s free-kick cancelled out Luke McCormick’s 19th-minute penalty.
Neil felt the penalty decision, for handball against Callum Doyle, was harsh – and pundit Ian Holloway agreed.
“I’m not having it,” said studio guest Holloway on Quest. “It’s too close to him and looks like it hits the hand across his chest.”
Holloway did think Wimbledon had a stronger claim for a penalty when the ball appeared to hit Jack Clarke on the arm, before the Sunderland man collided with the Dons’ Jack Rudoni.
“This one is two penalties,” said Holloway. “He’s handballed it and fouled him. It’s more than the first one in my opinion.”
Pritchard’s excellent freekick was almost identical to the one he scored at Cheltenham earlier in the week.
Ali Maxwell, from the Not Top 20 Podcast, said: “Neil will know all about his quality; this is a player that fiveand-a-half years ago he paid £8 million for to take him to Norwich City.
“Twice in a week he has scored the same free-kick, it’s incredible technique, amazing placement and accuracy.”
Both guests also believe Neil is be a good appointment for the Wearsiders.
Holloway said: “He’s made a very good start in his managerial career. Sunderland, what a fantastic opportunity for him.”
And Maxwell said: “It’s absolutely the best appointment Sunderland could have made. I see this as being a really good coup for the club.”