West Brom caretaker boss James Shan: Alex Neil’s done a fantastic job
Caretaker manager James Shan believes Alex Neil has proved himself to be a ‘fantastic’ manager as he continues to be linked with the Albion job.
The Preston North End boss is odds on with the bookies to be the next permanent manager at The Hawthorns – with the Baggies readying an approach after the two sides meet on Saturday.
Neil has become Albion’s leading managerial target after two successive defeats under Shan.
The Scot won the Scottish Premiership play-offs with Hamilton in 2014 and the Championship play-offs with Norwich in 2015.
Shan was asked about the speculation surrounding Neil at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s game.
And he admitted he’s been impressed with the 37-year-old ever since meeting him while he was Hamilton boss a few years ago.
“I haven’t read too much into who has been speculated and who may or may not come in,” Shan said.
“You always have speculation around a club of this stature, we are going to attract some big names and some good names.
“Alex, over the years, has done a fantastic job. I first came across him when he brought down a Hamilton team to play against us at under-23 level.
“He was manager of the first team there. But he came down with the 23s and took care of that game as well.
“He came across as a good, footballing man with a good character and personality. And since then he has gone on and done very well.”
The game against PNE will be Shan’s sixth match in charge of the Baggies.
Asked if he expected to get six games following the departure of Darren Moore Shan said: “If I am honest, no I didn’t.
“The remit was to take charge for the game against Swansea. Then it moved quickly to Brentford. And we are sat here and it’s now Preston.
“I’ve said from day one I’m employed by the football club and I will do the job to the best of my ability. I’m taking care of first-team affairs until further notice.
“I am comfortable with that position.
“The players are seemingly comfortable with that situation.
“We have been together a long time, I have been on the first-team coaching staff for almost a calendar year, 12-months.
“We just go about our business to the best of our ability and as professionally as we can.”
