'Blessing' - Sunderland player delivers verdict on Michael Beale era during poor 2023-24 Championship season

Sunderland team captain Dan Neil thinks the 2023-24 season may be a “blessing in disguise” for his teammates.

The Black Cats started last season well under Tony Mowbray but dropped off slightly leading to the former Middlesbrough man’s sacking. Ex-Rangers boss Michael Beale was brought in with the aim of kicking Sunderland towards the play-offs.

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However, Beale endured an ill-fated spell as Sunderland boss and was sacked after just 12 games in charge, following back-to-back Championship defeats. Mike Dodds was then appointed interim head coach until the end of the season.

Under Dodds’ stewardship, Sunderland finished a disappointing 16th place in the Championship, having made the play-offs during the previous season. Under new head coach Régis Le Bris, though, the Wearsiders are currently top of the league on goal difference, with Neil stating that the adversity experienced during 2023-24 had spurred his teammates on.

He told the Telegraph: "Look at the inside of this building, look at the style of play, look at recruitment and the commitment to bringing young players through. Each year there has been a general progression. Last year was a bit of a low, but I think it was a blessing in disguise.

“We did so well in our first year in the Championship, that brought people back to earth a little bit. I don’t think it was a horrendously bad thing for the players because it showed them what the lows feel like. Everyone can see this club has changed for the better. There is a unity of purpose here, from top to bottom."