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West Brom's hopes of appointing Alex Neil end after Scot signs new Preston contract
West Bromwich Albion’s hopes of appointing Alex Neil are over after the Scot signed a new deal with Preston.
Neil was Albion’s No. 1 target to take over at the Hawthorns, with a formal approach expected on Monday, but he is now staying with the Lancashire club.
Albion placed him on their shortlist alongside Slavisa Jokanovic after dismissing Darren Moore last month and Preston responded by offering him improved terms.
It is understood the contract offer has been on the table for weeks but Preston increased the salary over the last 48 hours.
West Brom thrashed Neil’s Preston 4-1 on Saturday and may now consider keeping caretaker manager James Shan in charge for the remainder of the season.
Shan has guided the club to four wins from six games – averaging two points a game – and West Brom are fourth in the table and appear on course to finish in the play-offs.
Neil had seemed set to take over at West Brom an hour after Saturday’s defeat when he admitted he could not give a straight answer when questioned on his future.
On Sunday, after signing the new three-year deal, he 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.”