Graeme Macpherson
ALEX NEIL has described the prospect of becoming the new Norwich City manager as "potentially life-changing". The 33 year-old is expected to be confirmed as Neil Adams' successor at the Sky Bet Championship club later today after Hamilton Academical agreed a compensation package for the loss of their player-manager. Neil will return to Carrow Road for further talks on personal terms and, although he was adamant to stress any deal is not finalised, it is expected all loose ends will be tied up ahead of Norwich's league game away to top-of-the-table Bournemouth tomorrow. Having been with Hamilton for a decade - first as a player then since 2013 as manager - he admitted it would be a wrench to leave.
"It's potentially life-changing [although] I don't know if that's going to be the case yet," he said. "It will only happen if everything is right for me; I'm not going to throw away what I have here and what I've built here for 10 years - and two of those as the manager - for the prospect of something that I don't think is quite right.
"Hamilton has been the best part of my life. I've had my happiest moments since I've been at Hamilton. I'm really settled with my family up here as well and I have two young kids. I also have a great relationship with Ronnie MacDonald [Hamilton vice-chairman], Les Gray [chairman] and, to be honest, everybody here. I've been here for 10 years and if I do leave it will be a wrench, there is no question about that.
"Hamilton has been a big part of my life and it will be hard for me to leave, but it's one of those things, where obviously if you do well - and we have - then it's recognised. I have the opportunity to go and speak to Norwich and see where that takes me.
"It's a great opportunity, to go and manage in the English Championship is a great opportunity for anyone, but I'm Hamilton manager at the moment and until that changes I won't make any more comment on Norwich."
Macdonald sent Neil on his way with the club's blessing. "I'm happy to report that we have now agreed compensation terms with Norwich City," said the vice-chairman. "A most amicable arrangement eventually broke out. And I'm delighted Alex has now got the opportunity to go and discuss terms with them."
Neil had returned to New Douglas Park yesterday to speak with his players and inform them that he would be likely leaving the club.
"Everybody is a bit flat and a bit disappointed," admitted defender Mikey Devlin. "He has been an inspirational figure for everybody at the club and everybody had a great relationship with him. Everybody loved him here.
"So we are disappointed but at the same time thrilled for him because he deserves it. Everybody is delighted for him that he has got an opportunity to go and manage at a higher level. We all hope he goes on and shows how good he can be."
Neil's progress in leading Hamilton into the SPFL Premiership and then up towards the top end of the table was hailed by his counterpart at Partick Thistle. "It is fantastic, it is great for the Scottish game and for Alex," said Alan Archibald.
"If he goes in with a good mindset then he can be a success. You want to work at the top level whatever you do, whether you are a player or a manager. There is no doubt it inspires everyone to see where they can go in the game."
Possible candidates to replace him
Martin Canning
Captain tipped by Neil to be his successor.
Kenny Shiels
Out-of-work former Kilmarnock boss could fit profile.
Derek Adams
Former Ross County manager looking for new challenge.
Ian Murray
Dumbarton boss has earned many admirers.
Billy Reid
Former Hamilton manager now working in Sweden.
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