A former Sunderland manager will be back at the Stadium of Light in March, as he nears a new job in the Championship.
Regis Le Bris certainly seems like the perfect fit for Sunderland right now, with the Black Cats flourishing under the Frenchman so far this season.
After 23 games of the campaign, the Black Cats sit in 4th place of the Championship table and just four points behind leaders Leeds United.
Few fans would’ve envisaged this kind of start to the season. But Sunderland have been in rampant form of late, making a habit of coming from behind and winning games.
Last time out though, Sunderland were held to a 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers despite coming from behind to lead 2-1, almost securing what would’ve been a third-straight comeback win in the Championship.
Le Bris is achieving what few before him could, by making Sunderland into a more consistent and formidable outfit. But one who was on track to do so was Alex Neil.
Championship club ‘finalising’ deal for former Sunderland boss Alex Neil
Neil left Sunderland during the 2022/23 season. He had the Black Cats inside the top six of the Championship after guiding them to promotion from League One, but he jumped ship to Stoke City, who were thought to be paying Neil much more than the Sunderland owners were.
He lasted 66 games at the bet365 Stadium, being sacked in December 2023 and having been without a job since.
Recent reports claimed that Neil was a candidate for the Philadelphia Union job in the MLS. Since however, it’s been reported that Millwall are considering hiring Neil.
Now, it looks like the Lions have made their decision. Telegraph journalist Frankie Christou has revealed on X: “#Millwall are finalising the appointment of Alex Neil as Neil Harris’ successor. Expected to be in the stands against Coventry on Sunday.”
Millwall recently parted ways with Neil Harris, despite what had been a fairly positive start to the 2024/25 campaign.
When do Sunderland next play Millwall?
Sunderland drew 1-1 with Millwall at The Den back in November, in a game where Aaron Connolly scored his first and only goal for the club so far.
And Neil will be back at the Stadium of Light with his new Millwall side on March 29th where he’ll no doubt get a mixed reception from fans.
Neil was well-liked when he was at Sunderland. And he did a good job too, guiding the club out of League One after a tough four-year spell in the third tier.
But his exit left a sour taste. For Millwall, it’s a steady appointment, and it’ll certainly be interesting to see how Neil fares at The Den.