Alex Neil is comfortable with his contractual situation at Sunderland and on the same page as the club in terms of this summer's recruitment plans, according to sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. Neil guided Sunderland to promotion via the play-offs at Wembley last weekend, securing a return to the Championship next season following a four-year absence.
The Scot has earned the respect and admiration of supporters for the job he has done since he arrived in February on a 12-month rolling contract. When asked about his future in the immediate aftermath of the play-off final win, Neil made it clear that he wants to stay at the club but also said he would be holding talks with the hierarchy in the coming days to ensure that he will be given the backing he needs in the Championship.
Those discussions have taken place this week before key personnel departed for their summer breaks, and Speakman says both the club and Neil are happy with the situation. "Alex has been an incredible part of our journey since February, and he should get every accolade that he has been getting - both internally and externally - for the performance of the team, because to get to the final position that we got to took an incredible effort," said Speakman.
