Alex Neil’s Norwich City land play-off jackpot

ALEX Neil refused to get carried away after guiding Norwich City back into the Barclays Premier League and securing a £130 million promotion jackpot with a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Wembley, which continued his own meteoric rise in the dugout.

Norwich manager Alex Neil celebrates his sides victory over Middlesbrough at Wembley. Picture: PA

Almost 12 months ago to the day, Neil masterminded Hamilton’s promotion to the Scottish Premiership, and following his appointment in January, the Scot has presided over a remarkable run of 17 victories in 25 games which culminated in a comfortable victory over Boro in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final, with first-half goals by Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond.

Despite the magnitude of the achievement, the 33-year-old intends to stay grounded.

“The goal was to gain promotion,” said Neil. “We aimed for automatic, it was difficult but we got close.

“So then it was important that we remained focused. I am pleased I have made everybody happy. That means more than anything else and we have sent those fans home happy.”

On the challenge of the Premier League, Neil added: “I am not silly, I know how big the task is.

“It is going to be extremely different and I am under no illusions about how difficult it is going to be, but we have our goals once we get there about what to do so, hopefully, it will be enough.”