Lynden Gooch and Corry Evans salute 'Mackem legend' Dan Neil after Sunderland exit | OneFootball

Former Sunderland players Lynden Gooch and Corry Evans have paid tribute to Dan Neil after confirmation of his departure. Sunderland Echo reports that both reflected on his rise from academy prospect to captain and Premier League promotion winner.

Neil’s exit ends a long spell that began in the academy and culminated in leading his boyhood club back to the top flight. He made more than 200 senior appearances.

Gooch recalled spotting Neil’s potential early, saying he tried to guide a fellow academy lad and help him settle when he reached the first team. He described a teenager desperate to play for the club he loves.

He praised Neil’s hours on the training ground and in the gym, arguing that once the chance came, he never looked back. Gooch called his journey from academy graduate to three Wembley final wins and captaincy an extraordinary arc, and labelled him a Mackem legend.

Evans backed Neil to thrive in the next chapter, describing him as an outstanding midfielder and an even better person. He highlighted the academy roots, the captaincy and the promotion, and wished him well at Ipswich.

Source: Sunderland Echo