Dan Neil has heaped praise on Chris Mepham, calling him Sunderland’s unsung hero this season. The Bournemouth loanee, according to Neil, has played a vital role both on and off the pitch, and deserves significant recognition—especially for the way he responded to the disappointment of losing his place in the team for the play-offs. Mepham had been a consistent figure in Regis Le Bris’ starting lineup, featuring in 37 of Sunderland’s 46 Championship games.
However, as the play-offs approached, Le Bris made a bold decision to leave Mepham out following Dan Ballard’s return from injury. The gamble paid off: Ballard delivered a dominant display in the first leg against Coventry at the CBS Arena and went on to score the decisive goal deep into extra time in the second leg, sealing Sunderland’s spot at Wembley and putting them within touching distance of Premier League promotion.
While Neil fully supports the choice to bring Ballard back—describing him as one of the best centre-backs in the league—he also made a point of acknowledging how difficult it must have been for Mepham to miss out on such crucial matches. What impressed Neil most, however, was Mepham’s reaction. Rather than sulking or withdrawing, the Wales international remained fully engaged, supporting his teammates and offering valuable insights drawn from his own experience in high-pressure games.
Neil highlighted how Mepham’s influence extended far beyond matchdays. He credited the defender with helping unify the squad, fostering a strong team spirit through simple yet meaningful acts—like organising quiz nights on away trips and bonding over card games. These gestures, though often overlooked, have had a profound impact on the group’s morale and cohesion.
As Mepham nears the end of his loan spell, his future remains uncertain. His contract with Bournemouth is set to expire this summer, though the club reportedly holds an option to extend it by another year. Regardless of what happens next, Neil made it clear that Mepham has been one of the key figures in Sunderland’s promotion push—both as a player and a leader in the dressing room.
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