Some of you may be getting a bit nervous about Monday, like me, so to take your mind off things I've prepared a quiz. It's supposed to be quite tough (but might not be what with google skills probably being better than mine...) If you fancy a go, reply below that you're going to answer and then PM me your answers. I'll reply below with your score and I'll PM you to let you know which ones you got. Given that it's supposedly difficult, you don't need to answer all the questions. Some of the questions are deliberately a bit vague, but if you work out the answers you'll see where I'm going with them. I will need full answers to a couple of the questions for full marks, but half marks might be awarded... ALEX NEIL - THE FOOTBALLER This quiz is based on his playing career. (1) Of the teams Alex Neil has faced six or more times, which one does he have the best record against: (a) in terms of team performance (most points per game) (b) in terms of his personal performance (goals and assists) (2) What other connection does Alex Neil have to the answer to (1)(b)? (3) There are five different teams who Alex Neil played against twice and lost twice. Name them. (4) Alex Neil's captain for much of his season at Mansfield Town went on to play in the Premier League for Blackpool. Name him. (5) Who else captained Mansfield Town during that season? (6) What is it about their appearances which linked that season's Mansfield Town captains? (7) How many Scottish Premiership matches has Alex Neil played? (8) Under which manager has Alex Neil received the most straight red cards? (9) Who did Alex Neil score his first goal for Hamilton Accies against and in what minute of the game was it? (10) In Neil's first match as manager, who was the match against, what was the score and where did Neil play? (1)(a) Greenock Morton FC (2.22ppg from nine games) (1)(b) Airdrie United (one goal, one assist in six matches) (2) They are now called Airdrieonians FC, the name of the club Alex Neil began his career. The old Airdrieonians was wound up the season after Alex Neil left. Airdrie United was formed and, in order to get back into the Scottish League system, they bought out second division side Clydebank FC, relocated them to Airdrie. Airdrie United changed its name to Airdrieonians FC in 2013. (3) Manchester City, Leyton Orient, Macclesfield Town, Oxford United, Norwich City (4) Alex-John Baptiste (5) Former Manchester United goalkeeper, Kevin Pilkington, and... Alex Neil. (6) In a tumultuous season on and off the pitch for the Stags, these were the only three players to make 30+ appearances. (7) 72 (8) Alex Neil! (9) Against Stirling in a 4-0 romp as part of their 07-08 promotion season. Neil's goal was the first of the game in the 26th minute. (10) They beat Dunfermline Athletic 2-3, Neil did not come off the bench.
Bloody hell Rob, these are very tough indeed! I would never use Google for a quiz because it would be just pointless (in my opinion) but I thought that one might be which team did he manage prior to Norwich City for example. On that basis I have had a look at your questions and admit immediate defeat, sorry mate, far too hard for little old me.
Sorry - I can see this is not working! The idea was that quiz answerers would use google, but the answers aren't always in the first search result - to occupy a bit of time to take the mind off nerves! And find out a bit more about Neil...
Well in which case let's change it - anyone can post any answers they know or find out below and I'll post the full lot tomorrow or Monday morning. Some (I think) are quite interesting or surprising.
Right, so it was a very close fought thing, but runner-up for his admirable contribution is.... Wellyblue! Which means the winner is, and I think there's no controversy, Thurnby Yellow, for his bravery, honesty and integrity in considering an attempt at answering the questions. Please give a big hand to all participants, there were some solid efforts... Answers have now been posted in the OP.
Well what can I say Rob? I am grateful for your kind words, it is nice to know that being honest does count for something - lol. This really was a very tough set of questions though, do you work on Mastermind?
