Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are reportedly interested in hiring Preston North End’s Championship manager Alex Neil.
Alex Neil has confirmed he has his heart set on staying at Preston North End, seemingly putting an end to speculation linking him with a move to Celtic, as reported by the Lancashire Evening Post.
The Mail reported recently that Neil was one of the names on Celtic’s shortlist as the reigning Scottish Premiership champions scour the market for Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor.
The 37-year-old certainly ticks a lot of boxes. He has a proven track record when it comes to blooding an improving young players, is renowned for attractive attacking football and knows the Scottish game like the back of his hand, having begun his managerial career north of the border with Hamilton.
But Neil has made it clear that his focus is only on Preston.
“I have got no intention of going anywhere else,” said the former Norwich City coach, who has turned Preston into genuine play-off contenders.
“I speak to Peter Ridsdale all the time about what we are doing here. “There have been no discussions with any other club.
“My sole focus is on Preston and we are making plans for next season.”
It seems then that Celtic will have to look elsewhere. But they could do worse than to hand interim coach Neil Lennon the reigns on a full-time basis.
Since returning to Glasgow in February, the Northern Irishman has increased Celtic’s lead at the top of the table to 13 points while guiding them to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.
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