PUTTING BOOT IN
Boss Neil ‘busting doors’
ALEX Neil will not be hammering on the doors of Sunderland’s moneymen demanding more signings.
The reason is because the fiery Scot claims he has already taken them off their latches in frustration at the lack of transfer activity at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats head for Sheffield United tonight, unbeaten in three league games so far since their return to the Championship.
But while Neil is satisfied with his side’s start, he is concerned the squad is lacking depth.
And his fears have increased in the last 48 hours with centre-half Dan Ballard, a £2m summer buy from Arsenal, facing weeks on the sidelines after breaking his foot in the 2-2 draw against QPR.
To make matters worse, the versatile Carl Winchester is another long-term absentee with a back problem.
Neil already had a sizeable shopping list before those setbacks but his need for defensive reinforcements has forced him to reassess his plans
Asked if he would be banging on doors for assistance upstairs, he said: “I can’t knock on the door anymore. There’s probably no door there any more because I’ve pretty much bust it down.”
While his reply was tongue in cheek, it betrays Neil’s increasing irritation.
He admits Northern Ireland international Ballard will be difficult to replace.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United wing-back George Baldock insists that they have one of the best players in the Championship in “amazing” Sander Berge.
The £22m Norwegian midfielder already has two goals this season.
Baldock said: “He is unstoppable at times. He is a real threat and is getting better and better.”