Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil discusses his time playing under Tony Mowbray and the changes made by interim boss Mike Dodds.
Dan Neil has thanked former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray for sticking by him during difficult circumstances last season.
The 22-year-old midfielder was a frequent starter under Mowbray, who was fired by the Black Cats in early December after 15 months in command. Since then, players have individually reached out to their former head coach to wish him well in the future.
When asked if he’d contacted Mowbray, Neil said, “I sent him a text.” “I waited a few days because I knew he’d be bombarded.” I texted him, and he immediately responded. I simply wished him well, and he reciprocated. I wish him the best of luck in whatever he decides to accomplish in the future.”
“I reflect on it with good memories,” the midfielder said of his time under Mowbray. I believe he was instrumental in the club’s development over the last 18 months.
From a League One side hoping to stay in the Championship to now fighting for a place in the play-offs and promotion. It all comes down to him, his football style, and the way he managed us as people and players.
“There were times last year when I wasn’t feeling my best, but he stuck with me.” That has helped me a lot this year and has helped me grow as a player. I can’t express how grateful I am to him.”
Sunderland won back-to-back games against West Brom and Leeds after Mowbray’s dismissal, before losing 1-0 at Bristol City. Former QPR and Rangers manager Michael Beale is anticipated to be named as the Black Cats’ new head coach ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Coventry, with Dodds expected to retain a key role on the senior coaching squad.
“It’s been good, I’ve really enjoyed it,” Neil said of the last two weeks with Dodds in charge. I believe he has modified a few things, and I believe the modifications have been beneficial to the players; I believe we have responded well to it.
“Certain things through the week we’ve changed, and then game plans. I don’t think anyone expected us to do that on Tuesday against Leeds. Everything we’ve said about the game plan in the last few weeks, that’s exactly what’s happened. The last two games we exected it really well. I’d say for 80 minutes today (at Bristol City) we executed it really well but couldn’t kind of finish the puzzle in the final third.”
“Different training times, we’ve had a few off days, off the feet kind of going through tactical things rather than on the grass,” Neil said of Dodds’ alterations. Coming out, directly into boxes, followed by warm-up. That’s just a few tweaks and alterations, but they can help the lads feel refreshed. We all responded positively to it, as evidenced by our performances.”
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