Alex Neil and Luke O’Nien issue Sunderland rallying cry ahead of play-off push

Sunderland manager Alex Neil and returning midfielder Luke O’Nien have issued a rallying call to supporters ahead the Black Cats’ final push for a League One play-off spot.

The Mackems had looked contenders to be promoted automatically, before a 6-0 defeat at Bolton in January, which spelt the end for former manager Lee Johnson, was followed by a spell of just one win in their following seven league games.

Speaking to William Hill at Sunday’s Football Writers’ Association North East Awards, Neil was keen to take the positives from his time at the club so far.

“It’s been a bit of a mixed bag so far,” Neil said. “I think we’ve had some good performances and equally some frustrating ones. If we take the last two games, which is probably more appropriate because we’ve done more work, Wigan was a fantastic result and Saturday was arguably our best performance since I’ve been here.

“I think we’re certainly moving in the right direction. The lads are carrying out everything I’ve asked them to do and there’s just a little bit of frustration from Saturday’s game that we didn’t get what we deserved.”

The club was able to add re-enforcements during a busy January window, with Jermain Defoe returning to the club for a second spell, alongside other experienced campaigners such as Danny Batth, Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke, but Neil was keen to stress the importance of hard work in the remaining matches.

He said: “Talent doesn’t do anything without hard work. We need to get back to the fundamentals: hard work, work ethic, understanding what your role is, understanding the strategy in terms of what we’re trying to do each game and making sure we give everything on the pitch.

“To be fair to the lads, that message has become stronger and stronger as my time has gone on and I think the fans appreciate that.”

Neil will also be boosted by the return of O’Nien, who has resumed training following recent shoulder surgery. The midfielder also spoke to William Hill as he collected his Bobby Robson Foundation Community Award for 2020 and shared his relief to be back around the squad.

“It’s great timing with the exciting end to the season,” said O’Nien. “You miss it. You miss being amongst the boys and going out to try and battle for the points week-in, week-out. So it’s good to be back training with the lads and whether I’m in the squad or not, I’m going to try and support the team in the best way I can.”

With ten games left in the season, both player and manager were keen to get the fans on board as the club look to make one final push towards the Championship.

“All I would say (to the fans) is back us,” said Neil. “Because we’ll give everything we can and hopefully together we can get across the line.”

“Make as much noise as you can and get behind us, I’m looking forward to it!” O’Nien added.