According to The Express and Star, Alex Neil is one of two candidates to become West Bromwich Albion boss.
The Baggies parted ways with Darren Moore earlier this month, despite him sitting in fourth place in the Championship table. Caretaker boss James Shan has overseen two wins, beating Swansea City and Brentford.
With the international break upon us, West Brom are hoping to make progress on a permanent appointment. It seems like a slow process so far; many would have expected a clear candidate in mind given the timing of Moore’s sacking.
However, The Express and Star claim a meeting was held yesterday, and two candidates are in contention. North End boss Neil is one of them, with Slavisa Jokanovic the other.
It’s noted that North End chairman/’advisor’ Peter Ridsdale is desperate to keep Neil, with the club so close to the play-offs.
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In truth, it would be a bizarre time for Neil to leave anyway. With just eight games to go, he has Preston on the cusp of an unlikely top six place. Understandably, North End are hoping to rule out any exit.
Neil calls the shot at Deepdale and has great job security, meaning an exit would be a huge surprise for a manager who just fits perfectly with the club.
Yet West Brom can offer greater money, both in terms of funds and wages. They have some big players there, but missing out on promotion may seem some of them leave. There’s every chance West Brom will need a rebuild this summer. After rebuilding his reputation following his Norwich exit, would Neil take that risk now?
Neil is better off staying at North End right now and for the foreseeable future. At 37, he has a long managerial career ahead of him, and he currently has the chance to build something special at Deepdale, rather than risk it all to go to West Brom. After all, if fourth place is enough to get sacked, why would Neil want to make that swap?