Dan Neil out to do something no Sunderland player has managed in 87 years
Sunderland are preparing for what could be one of their greatest achievements in recent history.
After Dan Ballard catapulted the Black Cats to victory against Coventry City, they will face Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
Dan Neil is set to captain Regis Le Bris’ side at the home of football and will make history if they are to win.
Neil out to stamp his name in Sunderland folk law
Sunderland and Sheffield United are not blessed with the greatest play-off records.
However, the Wearsiders lifted a curse by defeating Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final some years ago.
| Year | Competition | Result |
| 2014 | League Cup final | Sunderland 1-3 Manchester City |
| 2019 | Checkatrade Trophy final | Sunderland 2-2 Portsmouth (*Pompey won 5-4 on penalties) |
| 2019 | League One play-off final | Sunderland 1-2 Charlton Athletic |
| 2021 | Papa John’s Trophy final | Sunderland 1-0 Tranmere Rovers |
| 2022 | League One play-off final | Sunderland 2-0 Wycombe |
They will be riding the wave of hype as they head to Wembley for an epic encounter with Chris Wilder’s side.
A win, and the North East outfit will return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years.
Sunderland will enter the match as underdogs, having finished one place and 14 points behind their opponents.
However, the Black Cats did defeat the Blades at home and should have beaten them at Bramall Lane.
If they were to win, Neil would become the first North East-born homegrown player to captain Sunderland to victory at Wembley since Raich Carter in 1937, according to James Copley.
Both Barry Venison (1985) and George Honeyman (2019 x 2) failed in their quests, and Neil will not want to emulate them.
Neil will play pivotal role for Sunderland
The Black Cats’ captain endured a difficult start to the season, fitting into Le Bris’ new style of play.
However, he accepted his poor form and accelerated his game to another level to guide Sunderland to the play-offs.
He is a leader within the team and understands just what it means to wear his beloved red and white.
The North East club will need big performances for the final, and Neil can be the man to pull his team over the line.