Phil Smith
@philsmithreporter.bsky.social
#SAFC reporter for the Sunderland Echo. Maybe some cricket and music and stuff, too.
Reposted by Phil Smith
Some transfers feel a bit different. Having covered about 197 of Dan Neil's 201 #SAFC games - it's impossible not to feel emotional.
Wrote down a few thoughts on what marked him out as a special figure and what a joy it has been following his journey
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Wrote down a few thoughts on what marked him out as a special figure and what a joy it has been following his journey
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Dan Neil will always be one of Sunderland's own and his legacy is his gift to fans
Dan Neil’s loan switch to Ipswich Town brings an end to his 18-year association with Sunderland
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Some transfers feel a bit different. Having covered about 197 of Dan Neil's 201 #SAFC games - it's impossible not to feel emotional.
Wrote down a few thoughts on what marked him out as a special figure and what a joy it has been following his journey
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Wrote down a few thoughts on what marked him out as a special figure and what a joy it has been following his journey
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Some transfers feel a bit different. Having covered about 197 of Dan Neil's 201 #SAFC games - it's impossible not to feel emotional.
Wrote down a few thoughts on what marked him out as a special figure and what a joy it has been following his journey
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Wrote down a few thoughts on what marked him out as a special figure and what a joy it has been following his journey
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Dan Neil will always be one of Sunderland's own and his legacy is his gift to fans
Dan Neil’s loan switch to Ipswich Town brings an end to his 18-year association with Sunderland
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Some transfers feel a bit different. Having covered about 197 of Dan Neil's 201 #SAFC games - it's impossible not to feel emotional.
Wrote down a few thoughts on what marked him out as a special figure and what a joy it has been following his journey
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Wrote down a few thoughts on what marked him out as a special figure and what a joy it has been following his journey
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Why now and why on loan?
A few thoughts on the mechanics of DN's #SAFC departure and why it's the right time
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
A few thoughts on the mechanics of DN's #SAFC departure and why it's the right time
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Why Dan Neil has left Sunderland on loan ahead of summer exit explained
Sunderland confirmed on Tuesday morning that Dan Neil would be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 27, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Why now and why on loan?
A few thoughts on the mechanics of DN's #SAFC departure and why it's the right time
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
A few thoughts on the mechanics of DN's #SAFC departure and why it's the right time
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Reposted by Phil Smith
Hey folks! The On The Whistle live show is back next Wednesday at Pop Recs.
Will be absolutely loads to talk about... transfers, season so far, Europe?! Would love to see you all there. Tix available now:
www.musicglue.com/pop-recs-ltd...
#SAFC
Will be absolutely loads to talk about... transfers, season so far, Europe?! Would love to see you all there. Tix available now:
www.musicglue.com/pop-recs-ltd...
#SAFC
January 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Hey folks! The On The Whistle live show is back next Wednesday at Pop Recs.
Will be absolutely loads to talk about... transfers, season so far, Europe?! Would love to see you all there. Tix available now:
www.musicglue.com/pop-recs-ltd...
#SAFC
Will be absolutely loads to talk about... transfers, season so far, Europe?! Would love to see you all there. Tix available now:
www.musicglue.com/pop-recs-ltd...
#SAFC
Hey folks! The On The Whistle live show is back next Wednesday at Pop Recs.
Will be absolutely loads to talk about... transfers, season so far, Europe?! Would love to see you all there. Tix available now:
www.musicglue.com/pop-recs-ltd...
#SAFC
Will be absolutely loads to talk about... transfers, season so far, Europe?! Would love to see you all there. Tix available now:
www.musicglue.com/pop-recs-ltd...
#SAFC
January 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Hey folks! The On The Whistle live show is back next Wednesday at Pop Recs.
Will be absolutely loads to talk about... transfers, season so far, Europe?! Would love to see you all there. Tix available now:
www.musicglue.com/pop-recs-ltd...
#SAFC
Will be absolutely loads to talk about... transfers, season so far, Europe?! Would love to see you all there. Tix available now:
www.musicglue.com/pop-recs-ltd...
#SAFC
Looks like Ipswich Town will win race to sign Dan Neil. Loan until the end of the season now believed to be close.
That will of course take him to the end of his #SAFC contract
That will of course take him to the end of his #SAFC contract
January 26, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Looks like Ipswich Town will win race to sign Dan Neil. Loan until the end of the season now believed to be close.
That will of course take him to the end of his #SAFC contract
That will of course take him to the end of his #SAFC contract
Why #SAFC recalled Milan Aleksic and what it means for the rest of the window
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Why Sunderland recalled Milan Aleksić and what it means for January window plans
Sunderland confirmed that they had recalled the Serbia youth international over the weekend
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Why #SAFC recalled Milan Aleksic and what it means for the rest of the window
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Reposted by Phil Smith
With apologies for it being v late - the latest episode of #onthewhistle is up.
Great talking points sent in this week, cheers!
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/LzcfI4ViQKU
Great talking points sent in this week, cheers!
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/LzcfI4ViQKU
What went wrong at West Ham, the key lessons and midfield change I'd now make - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 8:12 PM
With apologies for it being v late - the latest episode of #onthewhistle is up.
Great talking points sent in this week, cheers!
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/LzcfI4ViQKU
Great talking points sent in this week, cheers!
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/LzcfI4ViQKU
With apologies for it being v late - the latest episode of #onthewhistle is up.
Great talking points sent in this week, cheers!
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/LzcfI4ViQKU
Great talking points sent in this week, cheers!
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/LzcfI4ViQKU
What went wrong at West Ham, the key lessons and midfield change I'd now make - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 8:12 PM
With apologies for it being v late - the latest episode of #onthewhistle is up.
Great talking points sent in this week, cheers!
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/LzcfI4ViQKU
Great talking points sent in this week, cheers!
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/LzcfI4ViQKU
RLB issues Xhaka injury update and delivers verdict on West Ham defeat
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Régis Le Bris issues major Granit Xhaka injury update after West Ham defeat
Sunderland could be without Granit Xhaka for more Premier League fixtures due to an ankle injury
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:35 PM
RLB issues Xhaka injury update and delivers verdict on West Ham defeat
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
RLB says Xhaka needs a fortnight of rest, before his ankle is then assessed again.
So would suggest no chance for Burnley, and early doubt for couple after that
#SAFC
So would suggest no chance for Burnley, and early doubt for couple after that
#SAFC
January 24, 2026 at 3:07 PM
RLB says Xhaka needs a fortnight of rest, before his ankle is then assessed again.
So would suggest no chance for Burnley, and early doubt for couple after that
#SAFC
So would suggest no chance for Burnley, and early doubt for couple after that
#SAFC
January 24, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Player ratings from the London Stadium
Impressed with Diarra in second half but otherwise pretty much everyone well below what we know they're capable of
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Impressed with Diarra in second half but otherwise pretty much everyone well below what we know they're capable of
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Low marks dominate Phil Smith's Sunderland player ratings vs West Ham
Sunderland were back in Premier League action as they faced West Ham United on Saturday
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Player ratings from the London Stadium
Impressed with Diarra in second half but otherwise pretty much everyone well below what we know they're capable of
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Impressed with Diarra in second half but otherwise pretty much everyone well below what we know they're capable of
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Some on the whistle analysis as #SAFC
A better second half but no arguments with that scoreline, Sunderland deservedly beaten. Back to drawing board if Xhaka is to miss any more games - first half a shambles
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
A better second half but no arguments with that scoreline, Sunderland deservedly beaten. Back to drawing board if Xhaka is to miss any more games - first half a shambles
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
What went wrong for Sunderland in dismal West Ham United defeat
Sunderland were beaten 3-1 by West Ham United at the London Stadium
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Some on the whistle analysis as #SAFC
A better second half but no arguments with that scoreline, Sunderland deservedly beaten. Back to drawing board if Xhaka is to miss any more games - first half a shambles
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
A better second half but no arguments with that scoreline, Sunderland deservedly beaten. Back to drawing board if Xhaka is to miss any more games - first half a shambles
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Credit to West Ham, who have clicked into a positive formation and approach under Nuno.
But that's a rare absolute shocker of a half from #SAFC - so sloppy on the ball and have barely won a duel. Overrun out wide and surely should have gone Geertruida in Xhaka's absence
But that's a rare absolute shocker of a half from #SAFC - so sloppy on the ball and have barely won a duel. Overrun out wide and surely should have gone Geertruida in Xhaka's absence
January 24, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Credit to West Ham, who have clicked into a positive formation and approach under Nuno.
But that's a rare absolute shocker of a half from #SAFC - so sloppy on the ball and have barely won a duel. Overrun out wide and surely should have gone Geertruida in Xhaka's absence
But that's a rare absolute shocker of a half from #SAFC - so sloppy on the ball and have barely won a duel. Overrun out wide and surely should have gone Geertruida in Xhaka's absence
Why #SAFC signed Jocelin Ta Bi - a new mini episode of #onthewhistle is now live
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/8qwdt4qELnk
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/8qwdt4qELnk
The stats that convinced Sunderland to sign Jocelin Ta Bi - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC
youtu.be
January 23, 2026 at 8:24 AM
Why #SAFC signed Jocelin Ta Bi - a new mini episode of #onthewhistle is now live
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/8qwdt4qELnk
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/8qwdt4qELnk
RLB hints he's unlikely to move Enzo back out to the wing - at least in the short team
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Régis Le Bris drops big Sunderland selection hint for West Ham clash
The Sunderland head coach has some very welcome selection dilemmas as the club prepare to face West Ham
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM
RLB hints he's unlikely to move Enzo back out to the wing - at least in the short team
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
RLB confirms Diarra and Talbi are back on Wearside and back training. Diarra's first session today, though.
Could be back in squad on Saturday.
#SAFC
Could be back in squad on Saturday.
#SAFC
January 22, 2026 at 1:51 PM
RLB confirms Diarra and Talbi are back on Wearside and back training. Diarra's first session today, though.
Could be back in squad on Saturday.
#SAFC
Could be back in squad on Saturday.
#SAFC
Made the mistake of looking at the news once or twice today... Retreating into this gorgeous Neil Young cover - think a few of you on here will enjoy x
youtu.be/x-vsDsvAQtY?...
youtu.be/x-vsDsvAQtY?...
Kassi valazza performs One Of These Days (Neil Young Cover) live at The state51 Factory
YouTube video by The state51 Conspiracy
youtu.be
January 20, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Made the mistake of looking at the news once or twice today... Retreating into this gorgeous Neil Young cover - think a few of you on here will enjoy x
youtu.be/x-vsDsvAQtY?...
youtu.be/x-vsDsvAQtY?...
Nee MOTD analysis on #SAFC ? Over 20 mins of it here!
Morning #SAFC - the latest ep of #onthewhistle is now up
Chatting Palace comeback, January, Ta Bi and much more
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/oXRmgDV4wXY
Chatting Palace comeback, January, Ta Bi and much more
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/oXRmgDV4wXY
The key to Sunderland's comeback, midfield debate and Jocelin Ta Bi plan explained - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC
youtu.be
January 18, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Nee MOTD analysis on #SAFC ? Over 20 mins of it here!
Morning #SAFC - the latest ep of #onthewhistle is now up
Chatting Palace comeback, January, Ta Bi and much more
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/oXRmgDV4wXY
Chatting Palace comeback, January, Ta Bi and much more
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/oXRmgDV4wXY
The key to Sunderland's comeback, midfield debate and Jocelin Ta Bi plan explained - #onthewhistle
YouTube video by Sunderland Echo - SAFC
youtu.be
January 18, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Morning #SAFC - the latest ep of #onthewhistle is now up
Chatting Palace comeback, January, Ta Bi and much more
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/oXRmgDV4wXY
Chatting Palace comeback, January, Ta Bi and much more
🔴⚪️📹
youtu.be/oXRmgDV4wXY
RLB reacts to Ta Bi signing and explains injury situation
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
Régis Le Bris reacts to Jocelin Ta Bi signing and clarifies winger's injury situation
Sunderland made Jocelin Ta Bi their first signing of the January window earlier this week
www.sunderlandecho.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:39 AM
RLB reacts to Ta Bi signing and explains injury situation
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...
#SAFC
www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/footba...