Why Alex Neil has proved his doubters wrong

Follow us on Google Discover

Norwich City currently sit top of the Championship with 20 points from nine games.

Relegation for any team is never going to be easy for the manager or players, especially as the Championship is arguably one of the hardest leagues to get out of.

When Norwich City were relegated last season from the Premier League, the obvious blame fell to the manager. The board fully backed Alex Neil but some fans were still not impressed, with some even saying that they would only give the Scottish manager ten games to prove himself.

Norwich fans have a lot to smile about this season

Norwich will travel to St. James’ Park tomorrow evening to face their toughest game of the season so far. In their tenth Championship game, the Canaries currently sit top of the table, with Newcastle United in fifth.

Neil could not have wished for a better start to Norwich’s quest for promotion. One of the Canaries biggest mistakes last year was the repeated habit of winning games when they scored first. When Norwich conceded first, the players would usually give up, it was almost as if the squad felt as if they could only win games if they took the advantage early.

Norwich City shocked everyone by beating Everton 2-0 in the EFL cup last week

This season, there is a noticeable difference with the players’ mentality and attitude; they now realise that they can come from behind to win games. Neil is also not afraid to admit to mistakes and change his style of play. The Scottish manager made the decision to stop playing an open attacking style and switch to a containing style which has worked for the team so far.

The Canaries have brought through young promising players as well as signing Sergi Canos and Alex Pritchard – who still have their best years ahead of them. The Canaries also have squad depth, as was proved when Neil made ten changes in Norwich’s EFL Cup victory against Everton.

Norwich may not have the most money, but Neil is currently out performing every Championship manager; only time will tell if the 35-year old can continue his winning form and guide the Canaries back to the top flight.