Preston North End manager Alex Neil has signed a new three-year contract with the club, keeping him in the north-west until 2022. The deal ends speculation that the Scotsman would make the move to West Bromwich Albion, who had Neil in their sights after sacking Darren Moore last month.
Preston North End Tie Alex Neil to New Deal
A Job Well Done
Neil took over at North End after having his contract at Norwich City terminated in March 2017. After just missing out on the play-offs last season, he has established Preston as a solid mid-table Championship side after their promotion back to the division in 2015 under Simon Grayson.
The side currently sit 12th in the Championship and although it seems too far away now, they have been outside candidates for a late play-off run for much of the season.
West Brom Speculation
After West Brom shocked everybody by sacking club legend Darren Moore despite them being fourth in the table, coach James Shan has taken the reins on a caretaker basis. The Baggies were thought to be considering the idea of keeping Shan in charge until the summer, but with their position in the table remaining consistent, they felt as though someone with more experience was needed to guide them through the play-offs.
Reports as recently as yesterday suggested that the West Midlands club were set to swoop for Neil, despite Preston demanding £750,000 in compensation.
Alex Neil’s Thoughts
Upon signing the new deal, Neil told Preston’s website:
“This is a fantastic football club and we have built a young squad that not only has great ability but has great potential to improve and I thoroughly enjoy working with them and seeing them give everything to get better, every single day.
“I am grateful to the owner, Mr Hemmings, and his representative, Peter Ridsdale, for showing faith in me and supporting me and I look forward to giving everything for this proud club going forward.”
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