Alex Neil has been appointed as Millwall’s new Head Coach.
ThatMillwallPodcast spoke to Journalist and Preston North End fan Jack Goodwin.
•How would you assess Alex Neil’s overall tenure as Preston North End’s manager?
On the whole, he did a good job at PNE. There were some fantastic spells and some lower moments but he’s highly thought of by the majority of supporters and most would’ve embraced him back with welcomed arms when there was a vacancy for us earlier in the season.
•Did the team demonstrate progress or improvement compared to his predecessor’s era?
Interesting question. On the face of it, Simon Grayson had us 11th for our first two seasons back in the Championship and Neil only bettered this twice. However, we built on the excellent foundations that Grayson left and we managed to develop the style of play to become a more enjoyable watch, whilst giving us genuine hope of a top six finish.
•What were the standout moments, both high and low, during his time in charge?
Our first season in 2017/18 was immense. We pushed the teams at the top right to the end and eventually, missed out on play offs after the last game of the season. The so called ‘Covid Era‘ was a tougher period and this eventually led to his dismissal whilst we were 16th in the league – which is by no means a dreadful place to be in when you consider our budget.
Playing Style
•What was the defining style of play for Preston under Alex Neil’s management?
Intensity. It was a good watch, with plenty of energy and fight. The team was willing to press and be direct, which will go down a treat at Millwall.
•Did he stick to a specific tactical philosophy, or was he adaptable in his formations and strategies?
Throughout the majority of his reign we played a 4-2-3-1 although towards the end he tinkered with a back three. He was always insistent on North End being proactive rather than reactive to in game situations.
•Are there any memorable matches or performances that best illustrate his tactical approach?
PNE 3-2 Blackburn – This game epitomised North End’s strength in local derbies during AN’s tenure. We went in at break 2 down but there was a ‘never say die’ attitude and we once again defeated Rovers. He recognised the importance of the rivalries to supporters and we always prepared well and usually won.
PNE 2-1 Fulham – Another particular strength during Neil’s time in charge – was our ability to upset the apple cart. This was a star studded Cottagers side but we were on top throughout and didn’t give them any respect.
Player Development
•Which individual players showed the most improvement during Alex Neil’s tenure?
Jordan Hugill was sold on for 10 million – which he looked light years away from when Neil joined the club. Paul Gallagher was probably his strongest player in a quarterback role – just conducting play. Think Barry Bannan (with excellent penalty taking too).
•Were there notable success stories involving young players thriving under his guidance?
The aforementioned Hugill was sold for 10 million. Callum Robinson was sold on for 7 million. We should have got a lot more for Ben Davies and Ben Pearson but we let their contracts run out. All four of them haven’t reached these levels since leaving Deepdale.
•How effective was the team in utilising transfers and loan deals during his time in charge?
This is one area that he got a bit of scrutiny for. There were far too many lacklustre signings that flattered to deceive, although the recruitment can’t be solely on the manager at any club. We had Lukas Nmecha and Anthony Gordon on loan – the latter infamously didn’t play so much.
Fan Relationship
•How did Preston’s fanbase perceive Alex Neil throughout his tenure?
For 3 years – he was loved by pretty much every PNE supporter you could find. It was exciting on the pitch and off it, he talked with his feet on the ground and he was not lost in the world of hyperbole. Towards the end, the fanbase became split – which is natural when the performances and results start to teeter off at any club. Some felt it was time for a change, I like others would’ve liked us to rebuild and reset in the summer with a coach who doesn’t become a failure overnight.
•Did he establish a strong connection with the supporters, or was there a sense of detachment?
Now, this is a key one. For me, I hate this modern day hysteria over the incumbent in charge flamboyantly throwing his fists in the direction of a begging crowd of supporters, chasing materialistic adoration. A connection should be built on the pitch and any manager that is willing to play aggressive football of high intensity will be liked at Deepdale. He doesn’t come over and play up to the crowd; he may even head to the tunnel after a game, which I’m sure will frustrate a section of your supporters!
Club Expectations
•To what extent did Alex Neil meet or exceed the club’s expectations when he was appointed?
Naturally, some supporters will point to Grayson delivering two top half finishes – suggesting the expectation would be to push closer to the top six. However, the budget during Neil’s 4 years in charge was consistently in the bottom six every year. The expectation would have been to raise our ceiling and to provide a competitive Championship side.
•Were there signs suggesting he could elevate the team to new heights, particularly in pursuit of promotion?
In his first and third season we came close. We sat in the play off spots when the season was curtailed for Covid-19 and most felt this knocked our momentum as we headed towards the dying stages of the campaign.
•How close did Preston come to securing a Premier League spot under his leadership?
The general feeling is that the 1-0 home loss to Frank Lampard’s Derby cost us in the 17/18 season. We had the chance to score from the spot and we had 19 shots to their 2. If we’d have won that we should’ve made the top six and pipped County to the final spot.
End of Tenure
•What were the key factors that led to Alex Neil’s departure from Preston?
Poor form. 1 win in 9 and it was just 16 months beforehand, that we found ourselves top of the Championship table. He was sacked in 16th which shouldn’t be looked at as some sort of failure.
•In hindsight, was it the right time for him to leave, or was his departure premature?
I would say premature. There was the feeling that we were in danger of the drop, when in reality we could have got zero points from the final eight and still survived. Some will say that it was time for a change but I’m a big believer that managers don’t become bad one’s overnight. We had sold three of his best players in January and we gave him seven weeks to find a way of playing with a new bunch of players. It’s the one major gripe I have with the club since our return to the Championship.
•How did the club perform in the immediate aftermath of his exit?
Frankie McAvoy – his long time assistant was given the job and after a short manager bounce – it was a pretty tough watch. There were some enjoyable moments of Frankie’s reign and he was a lovely bloke but I think in hindsight he’d have preferred to stay in the background continuing the good work he was doing on the training pitch.
Comparison
•How does Alex Neil’s tenure stack up against other Preston managers in recent years?
Ryan Lowe came after McAvoy’s removal and he had us finish 13th, 12th and 10th. He did a good job in terms of results but we we’re not as enjoyable as a watch as under Neil, there were far too many one sided defeats and he rubbed up supporters with his abrasive comments at times. It is too soon to properly judge Paul Heckingbottom but it feels he is a good blend between Grayson’s fatherly warmth and Neil’s tactical ingenuity.
•If given the chance, would bringing him back be a viable option for the club?
He would’ve been considered when Ryan Lowe resigned in August. I think the fact that it would’ve upset a minority of supporters probably went against him and it was best starting afresh with a manager who also has a Championship promotion on his CV.
