Dan Neil, talented midfielder for Sunderland, has always dreamt of representing his beloved club in a Tyne-Wear derby. As the Championship promotion chasers gear up to face their Saudi-backed neighbors Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday, Neil believes they have what it takes to pull off a shocking victory.
A Childhood Dream
Neil, a season-ticket holder since the age of six and a product of Sunderland's academy, grew up in Jarrow where being a Mackem is a rarity. Despite most of his school friends being Toon fans, he remained loyal to Sunderland. With the club's first meeting against Newcastle since 2016, Neil is excited about the prospect.
A Historic Rivalry
Recounting his first derby experience in 2008 when Sunderland secured a 2-1 home win with Kieran Richardson's stunning free-kick, Neil understands the significance of this fixture. Surrounded by images of the club's legendary figures in the Stadium of Light's press room, he expressed his delight at the draw and the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
An Opportunity for Glory
For Neil, the derby represents a massive chance for both the team and himself to make their mark in history. With the potential to get on the scoresheet, he believes that scoring in the derby would solidify his place in the club's folklore.
A Changed Landscape
Since their last meeting in 2016, both clubs have undergone significant changes. Newcastle is now backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which has made substantial investments in the team. In contrast, Sunderland's current squad cost a fraction of Newcastle's. However, Neil remains optimistic and sees the derby as an opportunity for the Championship squad to prove themselves against a Premier League team.
A Magical Cup
As the highly anticipated FA Cup clash approaches, Neil acknowledges the challenge but also highlights the unpredictable nature of the competition. He believes that in the magic of the Cup, anything can happen.
Neil's performance in the upcoming derby could attract the attention of top clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham, who are reportedly monitoring his progress. Whether Sunderland can secure a memorable upset against Newcastle remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – Neil is ready to give it his all.
