“Great appointment” – Pundit reacts to latest Birmingham City, Alex Neil news

Carlton Palmer, a former England midfielder, believes that Birmingham City would benefit greatly from hiring Alex Neil.

The Blues are searching for a new manager as the summer approaches, following Tony Mowbray’s announcement that he will not be rejoining the team.

Gary Rowett was Birmingham City’s manager until the end of the season, however the team finished in 22nd place, one point outside of safety, and he was unable to keep them in the Championship.

As a result, the Blues will play in League One starting in 2024–2025, and it appears Neil will be leading them from the dugout.

John Percy disclosed last week that Neil was considered a good prospect after negotiations over the management post with Birmingham City.

After interviewing for the manager’s position, Football Insider has since claimed that Neil has emerged as the front-runner for the position.

Carlton Palmer thinks Alex Neil would be a great appointment for Birmingham City

Here, we questioned Carlton Palmer, a former player for Sheffield Wednesday, about his opinion of Alex Neil leading Birmingham City into the managerial position.

Palmer exclusively stated to Football League World: “Alex Neil is reportedly in position to become Birmingham City’s next head coach.

Alex Neil left Stoke City in December 2023 and hasn’t had a job since. Neil has demonstrated his competence. He left Sunderland after he helped them advance because sometimes going to a football club doesn’t work.

“Everyone assumed he would stay, but perhaps it was just Sunderland’s decision-making process and the way things were going at the time.

Working with the younger players rather than the more seasoned players, and perhaps Alex reasoned that at Stoke City he would have a larger budget to work with.

“He signed players, but things didn’t work out for him. That being said, he did an excellent job at Sunderland and Preston.”

He has demonstrated tactical shrewdness throughout his managing career, thus I believe Birmingham City made a wise hire in him.

“Wayne Rooney came in, and I think it wasn’t as clear-cut as that dismissing Eustace, but Birmingham failed with the awful judgment about John Eustace last season. I think they intended to bring Wayne Rooney in the summer, but he was unable to do so until his contract in America expired.

The club was in the top six at the time under John Eustace’s leadership. After that, they let Rooney leave, and sadly, Tony Mowbray got sick.

“I don’t think they would have been demoted if Mowbray had been the manager instead. Sadly, Tony is now recuperating from his sickness, therefore they will need to name a new boss.

“If Akex Neil receives support in the transfer market, I believe he is a terrific addition.” It’s evident that he can collaborate with younger players. Former Sunderland player Pritchard, who flourished under Neil at Sunderland, has struggled to get going at Birmingham City. However, I’m sure he will be happy to see Alex Neil, and Birmingham supporters will get to see the best of him next season.

The appointment of Alex Neil as Birmingham City’s new manager would be a wise decision for the team.

Given that his tenure at Stoke City wasn’t particularly successful, Neil is likely someone that not many Blues supporters have given much thought to.

Looking past that period, though, the Scotsman has had a pretty successful management career in England.

Neil accomplished a great job at Preston and has managed promotions at Hamilton, Norwich City, and Sunderland.

He managed promotion with the Black Cats during their League One season, despite his brief tenure in the EFL, and he has proven to be an effective player. Given his expertise at that level and his knowledge of how to exit the league, Birmingham most likely took him into consideration for the position.

It makes perfect sense for Birmingham City to pursue someone like Neil because they require that and cannot afford to remain in that division.

GET MORE NEWS HERE