The Black Cats will face Wycombe at Wembley as they look to end a four-year stay in England’s third tier.
Neil joined Sunderland in February, when he agreed a rolling 12-month contract, and has lost just one of his 17 games since.
That run of results, as well as his success at other clubs, has led to reports that Neil will be on Burnley’s managerial shortlist this summer.
When asked how important it will be for Sunderland to keep Neil next season, Bennett told the Echo: “It’s huge, and he doesn’t need me to highlight how well he’s done.
“I think everybody can see the job he’s done on the field, they can see the job he’s done off the field and gets on with it.
“I think it was summed up on Monday at Sheffield Wednesday, everyone was screaming for him to make a substitution but he had belief in the players and they went out and got the job done and that’s what they’ve been doing for him.”
Check out the latest League One transfer speculation below...
That run of results, as well as his success at other clubs, has led to reports that Neil will be on Burnley’s managerial shortlist this summer.
5. Jacobs on the move?
Michael Jacobs is not expected to stay at Portsmouth despite Danny Cowley wanting to keep the attacker at Fratton Park. (The News)
6. Barkhuizen set for summer switch
Released Preston North End attacker Tom Barkhuizen has been linked with a summer transfer to either Bolton Wanderers, Derby County, or Rotherham United. (Alan Nixon)
7. Rodriguez in demand
Oxford United midfielder Alex Rodriguez Gorrin has emerged as the subject of transfer interest from Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, Burton Albion, Lincoln City, and Portsmouth. (David Anderson)
8. SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Lynden Gooch of Sunderland gets to the ball ahead of Josh Windass of Sheffield Wednesday during the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland at Hillsborough on May 09, 2022 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Out of contract Sunderland midfielder Lynden Gooch is a player that would interest Portsmouth should he become available. (Andrew Moon)