A surprise Sunderland captaincy candidate will lead out the Black Cats in the 2024/25 Championship season.
Sunderland are gearing up for Championship action this weekend as they face a trip to South Wales against Cardiff City.
The confirmation of arrivals appear to have dragged on across the summer transfer window so far, with just four signings made so far, two of which are back-up goalkeepers.
The striker saga has taken the brunt of the window and is still far from a conclusion after Sunderland lost out on Ike Ugbo, who returned to Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
There have also been significant talks to bring Alexandre Mendy to the Stadium of Light, however any pursuit to bring him to the club appears to have dragged on excessively.
Aside from the signings, Sunderland have made progress ahead of the new season in determining their new captain, following Corry Evans’ departure from the club.
- READ MORE: Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has just sent a clear transfer warning to Kristjaan Speakman
Dan Neil set to take Sunderland captaincy
Following the departure of Evans this summer, questions were raised as to who will take up the captaincy this season with new signing Alan Browne and defender Luke O’Nien undoubtedly candidates.
However, it looks likely that Sunderland Academy product Dan Neil will be team captain this season, per Michael Graham on X.
It has also been confirmed that defender O’Nien has been chosen as club captain for the forthcoming season.
The South Shields born midfielder has already captained the Black Cats on three occasions, which all fell in the 2023/24 season.
Neil will lead out the side in South Wales for his 150th appearance in the Sunderland first team.
The difference in leadership amongst Sunderland’s ranks will be crucial
Following the lacklustre 2023/24 season, Sunderland will need to ensure that leadership qualities are shown amongst their top ranks.
Heads were too easily tipped in the 2023/24 season under both Michael Beale and Mike Dodds, and it’s hoped that in the dugout Regis Le Bris will be more successful in galvanising his side in times of trouble.
However, it can be assured that Sunderland will have more leadership on the pitch, with the likes of Browne, who has a decade’s worth of Championship experience up his sleeve for Preston North End, as well as O’Nein, who will still prove to be a leader for his side this season.
Neil as well will be crucial this season, although he is just 22-years-old, he has so much experience already at this level and will be a great mentor for the younger ranks, something that provides a tangible improvement to performances and effort from the side.
It’s clear that Kristjaan Speakman identified the key area needing improvement from last season, which was the lack of leadership, and he has done so in brilliant fashion this window. It is now a case of the board following through with the necessary signing of a striker this summer.