West Brom shock: Alex Neil staying at Preston
Alex Neil has committed his future to Preston North End – just days before he was expected to take over at West Brom.
The 37-year-old Scot had emerged as the Baggies' No.1 target to be their new head coach and heavily hinted yesterday that he was set to take the job after seeing North End defeated 4-1 at The Hawthorns.
However, in a shock twist this afternoon, Preston announced the Neil would be staying at Deepdale in a hammer blow to Albion's hopes.
In an announcement on social media, Preston revealed Neil had signed a new three-year deal with the club.
Neil said: “It has been a difficult few days working in a situation where the club and I had no control over what has been said, but I am absolutely delighted to be able to commit my future to the club and to continue with the project we have been working on.
“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.”
Ridsdale, on behalf of owner Mr Trevor Hemmings, added: “Alex has shown in the past two years that he is one of the best young managers in the game and it shows the club’s ambition and commitment to improvement that he has agreed this new deal with us.
"Alex’s work rate and passion for the game is second to none and we are delighted that he has committed his long-term future to Preston North End and the owner and I look forward to working closely with him to achieve the ambitions we have for the club.”
