Alex Neil outlines his next job aspirations amid Birmingham City manager links
When Alex Neil returns to work, he hopes for a perfect marriage. Manager Neil, who most recently worked for Stoke City, is looking forward to his next football adventure and is presently leading the market as Birmingham City look for their new manager.
Blues confirmed that Tony Mowbray would not return to the club this summer after being obliged to take a leave of absence in February for medical treatment. Despite the efforts of temporary manager Gary Rowett, the Blues have dropped to the third division of English football for the first time in over 30 years.
With lots of work to be done on the recruitment front in the coming weeks and months, following a rush of departures at the conclusion of the season, selecting and hiring Mowbray’s permanent replacement is now the Blues’ top priority. Neil, who has plenty of EFL experience with Preston and Norwich, and who took Sunderland out of League One two years ago, is looking for a similar working relationship to those he has previously experienced.
“I’m not sure, if I’m honest,” Neil told the EFL Debate YouTube channel in March, when asked what he wants in his future role. “I’ve spoken with a few teams since leaving Stoke, which didn’t feel right for me at the time. Something I can get my teeth into that is stable. I believe the challenge you have is that the time of when you go in there is absolutely critical.
“The Sunderland position came at the best
time for both me and the club. The Norwich appointment was well timed for both myself and the club. The Preston job was timed well. For me, it’s undoubtedly the one thing that wasn’t quite right when I first arrived in Stoke, and what needed to be done in the first ten months before the summer to make things right.
“I feel I have a lot to give. I’ve had three promotions as a coach. Having a bald head does not help, but I am still just 42! Many young coaches are only beginning their careers at that point. I consider myself fortunate to have had much expertise at an early age. I have a lot more to learn and achieve as I go.
“I want something I believe in, but also somewhere that feels I’m the ideal person to lead it. I’ve been lucky to have four or five clubs that have worked out incredibly well for both me and them. I hope another one is on the way soon.
“I’m not naive. Football players are expected to be successful, winning games and finishing at the top of their divisions. If you aren’t, especially in the Championship, it will cost you your job. I’ve had no complaints. Could I have performed better? Of course, you can always improve.
