We've been crying out for a leader, both on and off the pitch. Chris Hughton wasn't a strong enough leader. Neil Adams sure as hell wasn't one. This guy sounds like one to me. Let's see if the players respond
He is older than everyone in our squad, age/experience is only one factor in commanding respect. I'm cautiously optimistic and I don't seem to be alone, even the pinkun seems broadly positive, I think it's the lack of preconceived ideas about him.
Probably. I mentioned it earlier but you almost sense there's a bit of a buzz about the place, simply because people are so surprised that they're (seemingly) appointing someone they know little about. A trip into the unknown. It appeals to many and the snippets we've scrambled together about him are all promising. When I heard this morning Alex Neil had been approached, I was stunned.
You, the rest of us and last but not least - the bookies!!!! I've been out most of the day, so it was quite a shock to see how much has happened in that time. Let's hope he can agree terms and take charge of the squad before we face Cardiff on the 17th.
I think it'll be sorted tomorrow to be honest. From the sounds of things, it all sounds very amicable. Hamilton put out a very sincere statement earlier today and Neil has been touring our ground and training complex. Can't really see any late hitches but I suppose you never know. Could be in line for a watching brief from the stands at Bournemouth on Saturday, all being well.
I'm a little surprised but also a little pleased that most people see this favourably (even Carrabuh!), given how little we actually know about Neil. I suspect that the similarities with Lambert may be part of that, but there are a lot of uncertainties still. Being relatively inexperienced seems somehow less important (why?), having played at relatively low levels in both England and Scotland also (why?). It seems people are up for a 'shot in the dark' all of a sudden, and perhaps that's a good thing.
I think the reason that most people are seeing this favourably is that, while there are many question marks over the guy and it is still a big risk, at least this looks like it has been very carefully thought through, they've done their homework. It's been planned. That's no guarantee of success, of course, but it looks a hell of a lot more professionally done than the ****show over the summer. That is, for me, reassuring. I could be wrong, but that's the reason I'm feeling comfortable with this. Plus if it doesn't work out it should be pretty obvious pretty quick and then at least we can draw a line under this season and go again next.
For some reason I feel optimistic, too. I'd much rather take this kind of risk than go for one of the merry-go-round managers. Also, as Rob says, it seems thought-out rather than just a knee-jerk reaction. Let's hope.
Yes, pretty much agree with Rob on that. It does seem a little odd to feel comfortable with a guy I knew nothing about, but the fact the board managed to surprise me is good in itself. Also, when I looked at the betting before he came on the scene, the list of possibles was pretty grim I thought. A risk, yes, but more exciting than having Colin or the like here for a few months. I'd rather stay in this division than have someone here like that.
I'm just glad it's not one of the "old guard" like warnock. Hopefully this guy will give the guys some much needed fire in their bellies and change the dynamic of the relegation hangover feeling the club has had since we went down. I dont know if it will work, but at least it will be interesting to watch. He sounds like a high tempo, attack minded manager. Fingers crossed! Can't wait to see how it pans out!
Agreed on Colin. And this new guy has a pretty fair wind in my opinion. If we make the play-offs, most of us would be happy at this stage, and that only means overtaking Brentford and/or Watford. And if we make up the difference to the top two, he'll be a hero. Unlike Adams, he is taking up the post at a good time, with pressure but not overwhelming pressure.
As a comparison for Rick, appointing Adams was like taking an old, rescued Labrador from a shelter. He's not been trained, little wet patches are dotted around the house. He's a lovely old thing, acts a bit like a puppy because he's just pleased to have found a home at last, but he's been out of touch with the real world for a while now and it's a bit too late for him to learn. Alex Neil is a younger Labrador, brought up by a nice, young family. He's house trained. He's moving to a new area soon and he'll be able to play in a bigger garden. Not really sure what my point is here! But which dog has the brighter future?
Just seen all this on the BBC and reading on the Accies board sounds like we have a bit of a pit-bull (not a Labrador!). I, like others posting above am delighted we haven't got the knackered tactician Warnock. Alex Neil sounds like he will take zero bull and I hope to see him stamp out complacency. WTF will happen? Who knows.
The more I read about Alex Neil, the more I'm hoping he'll be announced as our new manager later today!!! Just read this article on the EDP website and I'm now even more keen that he takes the helm at Carrow Road - http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwic...t_from_players_in_hamilton_1_3909088#cxrecs_s
I don't completely go along with all of the ' fear factor' mentality but it is a bonus. I remember Mick Dennis talking on Radio Norfolk about a particularly poor display under Hughton and saying that the players just strolled off at half time without a care in the world. Under Lambert, he said, 2 of them would already have been substituted and the rest would have been looking for a change of underwear in the dressing room!! This guy sounds like a young Lambert - local laundry firms could get a bit busy!! 1950canary? Non! - Je suis Charlie.
