Next Manager?

[Yellow Fever]

I certainly didn't see it coming, but the more I read, the more I like the look of Neil. Bookies have him 1/2 on now. Have a look at what Accies fans feel about it.

http://www.acciesworld.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=109

 

[Canaryboy]

Yes Neil took Hamilton back into the Premier League (where they were a couple of years earlier), they beat Falkirk in the play-off final. Guess who was the manager of Falkirk?

I do have to wonder whether Gary Holt is going to feel a bit put out by this appointment. He left Scotland for a coaching job, and his closest divisional rival becomes his boss six months later. Of course he can always apply for the Hamilton job! 

I just had a butchers at a Scottish football forum and somebody made the point that Neil Lennon leaves Celtic and gets the Bolton job, and Neil goes from Hamilton to Norwich, all saying that he deserves the recognition but that it is a big leap. 

We'll all have to get behind him and hope for the best, but it just looks like a big gamble from where I'm sitting. 

 

[Yellow Fever]

Here are the current odds on SkyBet:

https://m.skybet.com/football/manager-specials/event/17397980?aff=9773&dcmp=ss_fb_footer_link

Pretty amazing transformation!

 

[Moosheep]

Felt I needed to read up a bit before commenting, as I've never heard of Neil. Interesting articles from Scottish and English press, which I recommend to anyone who is similarly not disposed to make a rushed judgement. Universally praised for what he has achieved at Hamilton. Described last year by the Mail as a natural manager. I've read enough to resolve to give him a good go, and feel excited by what he might bring.

Sensible approach Gorlestongirl. Nice to see rather than the immediate ranting that often accompanies the mention of a name that is unproven or unknown.

I too had never heard of Alex Neil before today, and I've not really had a chance to do any research on the guy so I won't pass any judgement on this decision (or potential decision....it is not a done deal yet). What I am sure of is that the board will have done their research and, if he is appointed, they must feel that he is up to the job. I know some people on here don't believe it, but the board do have the best interest of the club at heart, although I (and I'm sure they) will readily admit that some of their decisions have not worked out.

If Alex Neil is appointed, will it be as a player manager?

Moo

 

[Yellow Fever]

The player/manager angle is an interesting one. The other possibility is that he might bring Tony Andreu with him, a French midfielder who has scored 25 goals in 53 games for the Accies.

 

[It's Character Forming]

Someone so inexperienced has got to be a bit of a gamble

But I'd rather go for someone like him rather than someone with a Norwich connection tbh.

It's a bit reminiscent of the Lambert signing, someone with a relatively small amount of experience but (presumably) very keen & eager. But a bigger gamble as we're at a higher level than we were then. Plus Lamberts team just having destroyed us must've done the world for his initial credibility with everyone at the club.

 

[Moosheep]

59% win rate - that would make Neil the most successful Norwich manager of all time by some considerable margin!

 

[Beauseant]

ANY manager is a gamble. Lambert had achieved very little before coming here and hardly seemed the man to get us to the Prem in two seasons.

I've spent a lot of time on the phone to people in Scotland today and the consensus is that Neil is highly thought of, a strict disciplinarian and a fitness fanatic. He also has no qualms about getting in the face of senior players and god knows we could do with someone like that. My view is that I would rather back someone with a growing reputation, no baggage and fire in their belly than any of the cast offs from other clubs who made up our list of "potentials". I've got a good feeling about this.

 

[Yellow Fever]

Agree with that Beauseant. We need a fresh start and Neil seems to offer that. A gamble yes, but if we keep Phelan and Holt this suggests a new way forward that could be exciting, with a solid element of continuity as well.

 

[Killiecanary]

As a Kilmarnock fan I have seen plenty of Hamilton.

I would be very very happy with this appointment, although it comes totally out of the blue!

Alex Neil has essentially taken a small club and taken it way beyond the level anyone thought was possible, by shrewd signings and very good coaching. Hamilton are punching way above their weight and haven't blown up like everyone expected. I understand he takes no cr@p and is a no-nonsense character but his team play high-tempo football, pressing high up the pitch and playing good football but he isn't afraid to revert to a more direct style when it is called for (the famous plan B?). He has leaned quite heavily on youth and isn't slow to pitch hem into the team if he thinks eh are ready.

My only worry is that he will need some time and patience - and I haven't seen much of that at Carrow Road from the fans recently. It will be a step up but I agree th those who can see parallels with lambert - although Alex Neil wasn't (isn't!) anywhere as near as good a player as PL

Yeah - I would welcome this appointment...but please please can we give him unqualified support from day one, which neither of our last two managers have had?

 

[Killiecanary]

Forgot to add - saw him referred to on a certain other forum as a poor mans Paul Lambert....don't think that at all...he is by some distance more successful at Hamilton than PL was at either Wycombe or Colchester....do not underestimate how much he achieved by taking Hamilton to their current position.

And I cannot imagine for one second he will be here as a player manager....he simply isn't a good enough player for the Championship...even at Hamilton he only uses himself sparingly, usually as a sub I think (only going on games I have watched !)

 

[eatonparkboy]

Of course we need something fresh but hopefully not bewildering.

Someone please convince me that Scottish football in any way resembles what goes on in England and also that the expectation of Hamilton supporters in any way matches even the sometimes attributed less ambitious expectations of NCFC supporters.

I want a manager to come in, and in reality I couldn't care less about their experience or background, who will create the right ambience not only for the players but also the fans.

I do detect a bit of "well this is so far left field that it has to be clever and studied" feelings from some posters. I hope to goodness, assuming he does sign, that that assumption is correct. Getting back to the Prem isn't IMO the greatest priority but we must not have another passage of wasted seasons that seem to accompany a few seasons of success.

From what I have read, he will give youth its opportunity which I think is good although is that because of the financial constraints of being Hamilton manager.

 

[Killiecanary]

Unbelievable, a 33 year old with 18 months of experience of coaching and management. 

Our club has gone mental. 

Ps. Just seen an interview with him, he's even more difficult to understand than Paul Lambert, its like he's speaking another language....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFQVMLD6h-Y

Could Killiecanary please translate?  :lol:

Sure...my translation would be do not, under any circumstances, p!ss this man off...he will eat you!!

As I said in my post (hadn't trawled through the comments at that point) I would be chuffed and optimistic

I think the more I think about it (only picked it up a wee while ago as was late back from work) the happier I am actually.

It is pretty well understood that he dealt with the dead wood at Accies quite quickly, and given the frankly disgraceful lack of effort and commitment from certain members of the first team squad for Neil Adams I would hope he would kick some of their arses equally quickly!

 

[eatonparkboy]

Sure...my translation would be do not, under any circumstances, p!ss this man off...he will eat you!!

As I said in my post (hadn't trawled through the comments at that point) I would be chuffed and optimistic

I think the more I think about it (only picked it up a wee while ago as was late back from work) the happier I am actually.

It is pretty well understood that he dealt with the dead wood at Accies quite quickly, and given the frankly disgraceful lack of effort and commitment from certain members of the first team squad for Neil Adams I would hope he would kick some of their arses equally quickly!

But do you think he can assert himself at Norwich with a dressing room full of ex Prem internationals who we know are in a mess partly because they thought they were too good for this division.

I do not he will be transferred (as a player) rather than being appointed manager. Is this a way to settle the compensation in a transparent manner?

 

[Killiecanary]

Of course we need something fresh but hopefully not bewildering.

Someone please convince me that Scottish football in any way resembles what goes on in England and also that the expectation of Hamilton supporters in any way matches even the sometimes attributed less ambitious expectations of NCFC supporters.

I want a manager to come in, and in reality I couldn't care less about their experience or background, who will create the right ambience not only for the players but also the fans.

I do detect a bit of "well this is so far left field that it has to be clever and studied" feelings from some posters. I hope to goodness, assuming he does sign, that that assumption is correct. Getting back to the Prem isn't IMO the greatest priority but we must not have another passage of wasted seasons that seem to accompany a few seasons of success.

From what I have read, he will give youth its opportunity which I think is good although is that because of the financial constraints of being Hamilton manager.

Ok I will try to convince you. Scottish football is the same game, same rules, same tactics. Lower overall standard (although I would happily back any Scottish premier team to give Millwall and Blackpool a spanking!!). Less money, lower crowds, but no lack of passion, intensity or occasional quality player.

Alex Neil has achieved more at Hamilton than I ever thought would be possible. He has own promotion with a team assembled for next to nothing. He plays good football, with good tactical awareness, he bloods young players (probably through necessity as you say, but more importantly is that they are well-prepared when they do come in and generally acquit themselves well.

Paul Lambert failed miserably when he was manger of Livingston - but went on to do quite well here. This may be a success, it may be a disaster...it is almost impossible to tell with any managerial appointment. But I would welcome his arrival. If the fans are already against him before he arrives he will need an amazing start and he begins with the odds against him.

 

[Killiecanary]

But do you think he can assert himself at Norwich with a dressing room full of ex Prem internationals who we know are in a mess partly because they thought they were too good for this division.

I do not he will be transferred (as a player) rather than being appointed manager. Is this a way to settle the compensation in a transparent manner?

I think he will assert himself...because he is a scary little fecker!

Will it have an impact is a more difficult question to answer...his history suggests if you don't do things his way you won't be there very long. Who will win any battle of wills would be difficult to call

But we aren't in any position really to be too sniffy....we are a mid table championship side at present...the players haven't really anything to be too up themselves about out with their recent form.

 

[SussexYellow]

Before we all think it is a done deal, wasn't Malky at 1:12 at some point in the summer. Which is Neil's current odds.

Obviously loads of money going but that does not necessarily mean inside knowledge.

Not sure what to make of this one, would either be a roaring success or a complete disaster - not expecting any middle ground. Rather than wondering what Gary Holt is to make of it, possibly he put in a good testimonial. He would surely have been consulted

OTBC

 

[Surgeryman]

Not at all sure about this. I would have thought what we need as a club and to get the fans excited and back on board is an experienced manager, but get there are not too many available that meet that criteria. However it could be another ( hopefully) Lambert type appointment so will support him if he is selected ( although it does feel a little underwhelming).

 

[Killiecanary]

Before we all think it is a done deal, wasn't Malky at 1:12 at some point in the summer.

Obviously loads of money going but that does not necessarily mean inside knowledge.

Not sure what to make of this one, would either be a roaring success or a complete disaster - not expecting any middle ground. Rather than wondering what Gary Holt is to make of it, possibly he put in a good testimonial. He would surely have been consulted

OTBC

I agree with you....I suspect he is interviewing us as much as we are him. Hamilton have confirmed that there has been an official approach and that he is in talks...so it seems that we are keen...he still needs to agree terms and agree to working practices.

My biggest worry remains if he gets it will the fans accept him?

 

[Brian Fantana]

I am excited by this, much better than Sherwood, Warnock or the other usual names bandied around.

Hope he is given a fair crack at it before people get on his back but I will happily see us move to a high fitness high tempo pressing game after three years of sitting off teams.

God I hope this works out!