Stoke sack O'Neill

[Port Said Red]

Just looked at the Sunderland forum and they don't seem at all surprised. Something about a power struggle with the DOF?

[ralphindevon]

I bet @TomF Sunderland counterpart is having fun on the their forum, the meltdown on twitter from their fans has been huge. Cancelling season card direct debits, swearing never to set foot in the ground again while those in charge are there.

Something must be going quite wrong behind the scenes for him to make that move, surely.

[chinapig]

19 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Just looked at the Sunderland forum and they don't seem at all surprised. Something about a power struggle with the DOF?

Is that the one who insisted they sign Defoe when LJ didn't want him? That went well.

[bcfc01]

5 minutes ago, ralphindevon said:

I bet @TomF Sunderland counterpart is having fun on the their forum, the meltdown on twitter from their fans has been huge. Cancelling season card direct debits, swearing never to set foot in the ground again while those in charge are there.

Something must be going quite wrong behind the scenes for him to make that move, surely.

Are they really that stupid ?

[ralphindevon]

7 minutes ago, bcfc01 said:

Are they really that stupid ?

Probably not but you know football fans when they get hot under the collar?!

[Sir Geoff]

1 hour ago, Leveller said:

Apart from the stadium/support side, I suppose the teams have similar potential and of course Stoke’s owners are loaded and genuine local supporters.

And if home life is important that is a lot better than a long distance commute.

So why take the job in the first place ?

[Malago]

Barton to Sunderland?  He’s former Newcastle and a nut job.  What could possibly go wrong?

[Mr Popodopolous]

Reportedly a salary of £1.5m per year to Neil, plus compensation to Sunderland and compensation to O'Neil surely.

Edited August 26, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous

[petehinton]

Sounds like it’s done. Crikey. Their board must be truly awful to deal with for him to jump ship so easily!

[GrahamC]

5 minutes ago, petehinton said:

Sounds like it’s done. Crikey. Their board must be truly awful to deal with for him to jump ship so easily!

Got to be much more to this than meets the eye, wanted to sign players they refused, chairman repeatedly meddles, that sort of thing.

Stoke has chewed up & spat out plenty of managers who have been successful before (& after) being with them, a brave move.

[Port Said Red]

Another Sunderland documentary incoming.

 

[Davefevs]

58 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Just looked at the Sunderland forum and they don't seem at all surprised. Something about a power struggle with the DOF?

37 minutes ago, chinapig said:

Is that the one who insisted they sign Defoe when LJ didn't want him? That went well.

Put it this way Macca and LJ had no idea they were getting the boot, came as a complete surprise. (Source: Macca)

[Harry]

I did mention back in January that LJ wasn’t happy with some of the ‘influences’ within Sunderland. That they sacked him when comfortably in the playoff zone said a lot. Now Neil, who gained success, is clearly finding those ‘influences’ difficult to work under.

As I’d mentioned before, there are people making decisions at Sunderland who aren’t the so-called owner.  

[W-S-M Seagull]

21 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Reportedly a salary of £1.5m per year to Neil, plus compensation to Sunderland and compensation to O'Neil surely.

I heard Neil is only on a 12 month rolling contract so compensation would be pretty minimal?

[Bris Red]

19 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Got to be much more to this than meets the eye, wanted to sign players they refused, chairman repeatedly meddles, that sort of thing.

Stoke has chewed up & spat out plenty of managers who have been successful before (& after) being with them, a brave move.

Plus if the hefty salary of £1.5m per year is to be believed then no surprise he has left.. without doubt would be a massive increase on his wage at Sunderland I’d have thought.

Edited August 26, 2022 by bris red

[petehinton]

15 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Got to be much more to this than meets the eye, wanted to sign players they refused, chairman repeatedly meddles, that sort of thing.

Stoke has chewed up & spat out plenty of managers who have been successful before (& after) being with them, a brave move.

He’s said he wasn’t backed, which is just a mega cop out imo. Same as when a new manager comes in and says players aren’t fit enough or something. They’ve signed 8(?) players this window with another one incoming today by all accounts. Hardly feeding off 1 or 2 free transfer is he 

[Kodjias Wrist]

I find this truly bizzare must have been some bad goings on at Sunderland for Neil to leave. I wonder who would take over at Sunderland? Dyche? Cook? A return for Roy Keane? 

[Bris Red]

1 minute ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

I find this truly bizzare must have been some bad goings on at Sunderland for Neil to leave. I wonder who would take over at Sunderland? Dyche? Cook? A return for Roy Keane? 

Dyche would be a good fit to be honest.

[GrahamC]

2 minutes ago, petehinton said:

He’s said he wasn’t backed, which is just a mega cop out imo. Same as when a new manager comes in and says players aren’t fit enough or something. They’ve signed 8(?) players this window with another one incoming today by all accounts. Hardly feeding off 1 or 2 free transfer is he 

Absolutely, sounds either like he didn’t get on with the owners or it was the location.

[chinapig]

2 minutes ago, petehinton said:

He’s said he wasn’t backed, which is just a mega cop out imo. Same as when a new manager comes in and says players aren’t fit enough or something. They’ve signed 8(?) players this window with another one incoming today by all accounts. Hardly feeding off 1 or 2 free transfer is he 

That may depend on whether the players signed were the ones he wanted perhaps.

[Mr Popodopolous]

7 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

I heard Neil is only on a 12 month rolling contract so compensation would be pretty minimal?

Okay didn't know that, thanks- if he's getting a longer or proper deal at Stoke it'd make a bit more sense certainly.

Edited August 26, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous

[chinapig]

9 minutes ago, Harry said:

I did mention back in January that LJ wasn’t happy with some of the ‘influences’ within Sunderland. That they sacked him when comfortably in the playoff zone said a lot. Now Neil, who gained success, is clearly finding those ‘influences’ difficult to work under.

As I’d mentioned before, there are people making decisions at Sunderland who aren’t the so-called owner.  

That'll be the man who claims to have a controlling stake but only owns 41% of the shares with the rest held by the deeply unpopular Madrox group I take it.

[RedM]

13 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Put it this way Macca and LJ had no idea they were getting the boot, came as a complete surprise. (Source: Macca)

Yes indeed. He said exactly the same to someone I know at the club, it was completely out of the blue.

[BCFCGav]

Sunderland forum is a laugh for anyone waiting for their shift to end. 

[Harry]

4 minutes ago, chinapig said:

That'll be the man who claims to have a controlling stake but only owns 41% of the shares with the rest held by the deeply unpopular Madrox group I take it.

Correct. I was made aware of this ownership issue before it becoming public knowledge (which occurred after LJ left). I was informed that LJ was finding it increasingly frustrating and of course things came to a head with the Defoe debacle. 
Neil did well to get them up but obviously once the next window opened he’s clearly seen the same issues. 
Shame really. The invisible board interference could ruin what should be a prem club. 

[chinapig]

4 minutes ago, Harry said:

Correct. I was made aware of this ownership issue before it becoming public knowledge (which occurred after LJ left). I was informed that LJ was finding it increasingly frustrating and of course things came to a head with the Defoe debacle. 
Neil did well to get them up but obviously once the next window opened he’s clearly seen the same issues. 
Shame really. The invisible board interference could ruin what should be a prem club. 

How lucky we are that our managers have never had any interference from above.

[BUTOR]

56 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Another Sunderland documentary incoming.

 

Believe it or not, it is the first day of filming today for a new season of Sunderland Till I Die

[Kodjias Wrist]

Just now, Bouncearoundtheground said:

Believe it or not, it is the first day of filming today for a new season of Sunderland Till I Die

Brilliant timing that

[Olé]

35 minutes ago, Bouncearoundtheground said:

Believe it or not, it is the first day of filming today for a new season of Sunderland Till I Die

This news has obviously got out as Charlie "turn the music up" Methven is 6/4 favourite to be new manager with Skybet.

[Bazooka Joe]

Stoke sacked O'Neill, and it looks like the next manager might be/is Neal.

If it doesn't work out, as a last resort, they could try Neil from the Young Ones. Obvious choice for them. Nothing more planer.

[Rudolf Hucker]

I truly apologise for the extremely bad language in the following Tweet and invite the mods to delete it if they are concerned that it will cause offence - but it did make me laugh!

[cityexile]

16 minutes ago, Rudolf Hucker said:

I truly apologise for the extremely bad language in the following Tweet and invite the mods to delete it if they are concerned that it will cause offence - but it did make me laugh!

Best quote I saw on their forum was ‘it’s like you have just found out your lass has ran off with Peter Beardsley’.

[Bristol Rob]

1 hour ago, Bazooka Joe said:

Stoke sacked O'Neill, and it looks like the next manager might be/is Neal.

If it doesn't work out, as a last resort, they could try Neil from the Young Ones. Obvious choice for them. Nothing more planer.

I got it, even if no one else did.

[Major Isewater]

3 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Okay didn't know that, thanks- if he's getting a longer or proper deal at Stoke it'd make a bit more sense certainly.

A twelve rolling contract is a good and proper deal. As an employee you always have twelve months security.

 

[myol'man]

1 hour ago, Major Isewater said:

A twelve rolling contract is a good and proper deal. As an employee you always have twelve months security.

 

A 12 month rolling contract at Stoke means he gets a year's pay when he's sacked at Christmas 

[Davefevs]

I read that Stoke met the release clause.  It could be as simple as that.

[Sheltons Army]

Just now, Davefevs said:

I read that Stoke met the release clause.  It could be as simple as that.

I don’t know whether it’s been mentioned but he had a clause in his contract that he could talk to other clubs

Never a great sign

[bcfc01]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

I read that Stoke met the release clause.  It could be as simple as that.

Release clause - for a manager !

Mad.

[Cardy]

But why would he even contemplate leaving Sunderland for Stoke?!

[Lew-T]

Stoke and Alex Neil. What a match that is!

[bcfc01]

4 minutes ago, Lew-T said:

Stoke and Alex Neil. What a match that is!

What could possibly go wrong..

[Mr Popodopolous]

18 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

The Coates family . 

See the FFP thread, still under investigation potentially- and they're under the same rules as the rest of us, if they get up different story.

[Mr Popodopolous]

15 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

Working with them is a delight . No idea on FFP , but as owners , top notch . 

Fair, very good local owners although they seem to have become a bit sack happy in recent years.

[Mr Popodopolous]

22 minutes ago, billywedlock said:

But they spend the money . Not like Derby . The Coates family pay the bills . For me , that is a. Big difference . 

That's absolutely true and of they course they are light years ahead of Mel Morris as he was towards the end, but FFP and finance aside, football wise they have become a bit sack happy in recent years.

[Lanterne Rouge]

Sunderland v Norwich live on Sky at 12:30. Will Mr Neil be in the dugout or in the stands at Stoke later?

[WarksRobin]

15 hours ago, Davefevs said:

I read that Stoke met the release clause.  It could be as simple as that.

Yes, looks like he had a release clause in his contract. 

Ps Return for LJ?

[GrahamC]

Gary Bennett, Sunderland legend (& proper hard bastard defender in his day) apparently said on local radio last night that the signing the previous day of a Costa Rican international that Neil knew absolutely nothing about, was rumoured to be the final straw.

Kristjaan Speakman seems to be their Mark Ashton equivalent up there, & whilst location or salary could well have been a factor, this appears to be the background to the problems up there.

[TheReds]

6 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Gary Bennett, Sunderland legend (& proper hard bastard defender in his day) apparently said on local radio last night that the signing the previous day of a Costa Rican international that Neil knew absolutely nothing about, was rumoured to be the final straw.

Kristjaan Speakman seems to be their Mark Ashton equivalent up there, & whilst location or salary could well have been a factor, this appears to be the background to the problems up there.

Who in their right mind thinks this will work at any club longterm? If it's true I don't blame him for walking.

[Mr Popodopolous]

5 minutes ago, TheReds said:

Who in their right mind thinks this will work at any club longterm? If it's true I don't blame him for walking.

The higher you go though, how much say does a manager get over signings?

It's hard to find a happy medium between the manager/head coach running the show and getting the full say, and players picked and the guy in charge told to coach them, organise them etc.

Downside of giving the manager carte blanche is that he can spend his budget, or beyond- leave the club hamstrung or worse in breach of FFP on departure, or failing that just leave the budget blown when he quite or is sacked leaving the replacement with little room for change.

Which can leave the new boss inheriting lots of players who are underperforming, unhappy and ultimately not gelling or simply unwanted, don't fit the system whatever..

[DaveF]

19 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Gary Bennett, Sunderland legend (& proper hard bastard defender in his day) apparently said on local radio last night that the signing the previous day of a Costa Rican international that Neil knew absolutely nothing about, was rumoured to be the final straw.

Kristjaan Speakman seems to be their Mark Ashton equivalent up there, & whilst location or salary could well have been a factor, this appears to be the background to the problems up there.

Neil seemed very positive about the signing though?

[TheReds]

3 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

The higher you go though, how much say does a manager get over signings?

It's hard to find a happy medium between the manager/head coach running the show and getting the full say, and players picked and the guy in charge told to coach them, organise them etc.

Downside of giving the manager carte blanche is that he can spend his budget, or beyond- leave the club hamstrung or worse in breach of FFP on departure, or failing that just leave the budget blown when he quite or is sacked leaving the replacement with little room for change.

Which can leave the new boss inheriting lots of players who are underperforming, unhappy and ultimately not gelling or simply unwanted, don't fit the system whatever..

Having someone show up and being told he's your new player is completely different to any happy medium, getting carte blanche, or trying to get your own players. 

[GrahamC]

41 minutes ago, DaveF said:

Neil seemed very positive about the signing though?

What’s he going to say for public consumption?

Who the **** is he?

[WarksRobin]

Sunderland fans already suggesting either Dyche or Allerdyce as their next manager. As if Stoke would take O’Neil over either of them if they were interested in a Championship job

[Mr Popodopolous]

Big Sam worked there albeit when PL, had a fairly  happy time there I believe but obviously wouldn't stay if England job on offer. Could he go back?

[The Bard]

17 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Big Sam worked there albeit when PL, had a fairly  happy time there I believe but obviously wouldn't stay if England job on offer. Could he go back?

Big Sam for England?  Have I time travelled?

[Mr Popodopolous]

2 minutes ago, The Bard said:

Big Sam for England?  Have I time travelled?

What I'm saying is that he was at Sunderland for about 6 months or so in 2015/16.

Got offered England and away he went. However he perhaps had quite a good time at Sunderland so wouldn't rule out a return entirely.

[downendcity]

17 hours ago, Davefevs said:

I read that Stoke met the release clause.  It could be as simple as that.

Brooker, Partridge and Orr had release clauses.

That was for good behaviour though! 

[downendcity]

1 hour ago, TheReds said:

Having someone show up and being told he's your new player is completely different to any happy medium, getting carte blanche, or trying to get your own players. 

What's Mystic Meg and Dierdre's Mum from Corrie got to do with Sunderland?

[Kodjias Wrist]

42 minutes ago, WarksRobin said:

Sunderland fans already suggesting either Dyche or Allerdyce as their next manager. As if Stoke would take O’Neil over either of them if they were interested in a Championship job

But Sunderland are by far the bigger draw IMO hence the shock surrounding this. Stoke are in a similar financial situation to us and Sunderland have the ability to pull crowds that dwarf that of Stokes. I don't think the names you mentioned would choose Stoke City.

[Bristol Oil Services]

1 hour ago, billywedlock said:

  Feel a bit sorry for Sunderland fans , promotion and started well . 

A bit like us in August / September 1990 ....

[Superjack]

If anyone wants a laugh, the 'Odds on Mowbray shortening by the hour' thread on the Sunderland forum is worth a go.

[sephjnr]

1 hour ago, GrahamC said:

What’s he going to say for public consumption?

Who the **** is he?

Give it to Conor McGregor for the season .

/probably doin' nothin'

[Northern Red]

Stoke tried to get Neil last time they were looking, don't know if they ended up in hot water over it but certainly Preston weren't very happy.

[DaveF]

2 hours ago, GrahamC said:

What’s he going to say for public consumption?

Who the **** is he?

Pearson would have in that situation 

[Lanterne Rouge]

Mowbray it is then according to Jeff just now.

[Seventeen]

On 25/08/2022 at 17:29, Port Said Red said:

There are people with scruples out there. My friend follows Yate Town and said he was chatting to 4 guys who were gasheads and have become season ticket holders there instead. There maybe more. Was it @Seventeenwho said on here that he hasn't been down since Barton came in?

Correct

[Sheltons Army]

Stelling just said Stole asked Holden to take charge today , which he did , and they win 1-0 at Blackburn

Immediately after the game he loses his job !

 

 

[bcfc01]

21 hours ago, Sheltons Army said:

Stelling just said Stole asked Holden to take charge today , which he did , and they win 1-0 at Blackburn

Immediately after the game he loses his job !

 

 

He made 5 changes and changed the formation.

Wins 1-0 and immediately gets the elbow.

Brutal.

[Northern Red]

Depending on who you believe, he was either sacked on the touchline not long after the game, or he knew that he'd be going beforehand.

[Lanterne Rouge]

100% win record though......................