Clutching a pint can of Budweiser, Alex Neil pledged to spend two days drinking - and then discuss the complexities of Sunderland in the Championship.
The Scot was a bit emotional: “My biggest fear in football has always been letting people down. That hangs heavy on me. I came here for that scrutiny and pressure. We can’t then let them down. So for two days I will have a very good drink. I will have a hangover for a couple of days. Then I will think about the Championship. They can phone me when I am better.”
Next to the Wembley tunnel, Sunderland players didn't bother to get changed out of their strip, filing on to the team bus for a hotel party. Playmaker Alex Pritchard walked past and Neil bellowed: "What a f***ing player! What-a-f***ing-players..." In the sober light of this week as the Wearside party subsides, Neil will analyse whether Sunderland’s chaotic ownership structure can deliver “the tools” he needs to compete in the second tier.
