I believe Neil is leaving Sunderland to go to Stoke, one of the reasons was he was offered more transfer funds at Stoke of course and a bigger salary as well. Pools have been there with Challinor so we know how annoyed the Mackums will feel.
Apparently it was written into his contract if he was approached by another club he would be allowed to speak with them, he has gone down that road and now there is no way back for him.

It's horrible for fans when they lose a manger they rate in circumstances like this.

Looking at it from a manager's point of view, it's a very precarious way to make a living and far more get sacked than chose to leave of their own volition. Sunderland have made a good start back in the Championship under Alex Neil but if it turned into a season of struggle chairmen have short memories. It's by no means unheard of for newly promoted managers to get the sack.

Think Challinor might have wondered if he'd taken Pools as far as he could - after all, he's still crap at winning away games even with all Stockport's money

only loyalty you will get in football is a player or manager doing his best in the time they are at the club. they are not fans and its only a job for them. from any managers point of view if their club is doing well they are a hero, loose a few games on the bounce the same people will be calling for his head. why stay anywhere out of just loyalty to fickle fans and owners.

There is very little except the fans.
Feel like a mug at times?

I think the only loyalty in football is the fans.

The one and only consistent thing.

Spot on Mr C

I agree the only loyalty is the fans. To most managers unless they have along standing affinity with the club it is merely a job and both a higher salary or longer contract should be taken into consideration also location if he is working away from his family or home area. It is said Neil had it in his contract he could speak tp other clubs. Make no mistake if Sunderland had a poor season they would have sacked him, ask yourself what price loyalty.