Alex Neil has blamed 'off the pitch' factors for his Sunderland exit. Neil left the Black Cats to take over at Championship rivals Stoke City, with the Scot making his decision on Friday ahead of a formal announcement from the clubs on Sunday evening.
At his first press conference as Potters manager this afternoon, Neil was asked about the circumstances of his departure from Wearside and he praised the players, staff, and fans at the club, but pointedly made no mention of those in charge - owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. Neil said: "There are two facets to being a manager: what happens on and off the pitch.
"What happened on the pitch at Sunderland was superb. Players, staff, fans deserve credit.
