A nightclub in Sunderland left a damning farewell message to former Black Cats manager Alex Neil after he left the club to join Stoke City.
The Black Cats issued a statement on Sunday confirming that Neil had left Wearside and would become the Potters' new boss with immediate effect. Simultaneously, Stoke also confirmed that Neil had been appointed as their new manager on a three-year contract.
Sunderland's statement said that Neil had signed an improved contract earlier this month, but that he expressed a desire to leave on Friday morning. It said the club had offered "significantly enhanced" terms on Friday afternoon, but that those had been turned down.
Read more: Kristjaan Speakman promises update on Sunderland head coach search 'shortly' as more names linked
His shock departure left a sour taste in the mouths of fans across Wearside with some dubbing him a "traitor". And it seems the city centre club and live music venue, Independent, made their feelings crystal clear with an illuminated sign outside that read "F*** Alex Neil".
Photos of the sign were shared across social media as fans reacted to the brutally honest message. One fan said: "Independent speaking for all Sunderland fans tonight" while another said: "Absolutely love it!" A third called it "amazing".
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman thanked Neil for his contributions at the club but said they were "extremely disappointed" by his departure. He said in a statement: "First and foremost, we want to thank Alex for his contribution to Sunderland AFC.
"The impact he made is clear and he played an integral role in our promotion last season. Despite signing revised terms earlier this month and receiving an offer to further improve his contract on Friday, Alex felt this was an opportunity that he wanted to pursue.
"We are extremely disappointed by his departure, but we ultimately respect his decision and we wish him well. The process to appoint a new head coach is underway and we will provide a further update to our supporters shortly."
Stoke welcomed Neil to their club, with joint chairman John Coates saying: "Alex was our number one choice to become our new manager and I'm delighted we have secured his services so quickly. His managerial pedigree is excellent with three promotions already on his CV and we are looking forward to working closely with him to help him realise the ambitions that he and the club share."
Read more:
- Sunderland confirm Alex Neil has left the club to take over at Stoke City
- Investigation launched after Darlington footballer 'racially abused' by fan during match against Spennymoor
- Sunderland's front two enough to 'frighten' any Championship side, says Corry Evans
- Sunderland legend Micky Gray questions handling of Stoke City bound Alex Neil's contract situation
- Sunderland target Edouard Michut is at the Stadium of Light amid report a deal is agreed
