Alex Neil disappointed by Norwich sacking but thankful for opportunity
Monday 13 March 2017 11:45, UK
Alex Neil has expressed his disappointment after being sacked by Norwich City with the club sitting outside the Sky Bet Championship play-off places.
The Scot was relieved of his duties on Friday evening after a run of five matches without a victory, which had left them in eighth place.
They have since slipped to ninth after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Blackburn and are eight points adrift of the top six with just nine games left to play.
Neil, who had been appointed at Carrow Road in January 2015, has found himself under pressure at various points this season as his team struggled in its bid to get back into the Premier League.
The 35-year-old said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the opportunity to manage Norwich City Football Club. Naturally, I feel very disappointed to have lost my job.
"This season has been one of transition, with the club adjusting to the consequences of relegation from the Premier League, as well as two chief executives moving on in a short space of time.
"I have worked with some great people at the club and have shared some fantastic memories with them.
"I will always be very proud of our achievement of winning promotion, via the playoffs at Wembley, and of having the opportunity to manage Norwich in the Premier League.
"I would like to thank my coaching staff for their hard work and loyalty and all the players and the staff throughout the club for their efforts on and off the pitch."
Weekend newspaper reports claimed Neil had fallen out with the board, including owners Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones.
It was claimed there was a difference of opinion over how the East Anglia club should move forward.
But Neil added: "My thanks also go to club owners, Delia and Michael, for giving me the opportunity to manage Norwich City.
"I wish them every success for the future and hope that the club goes on to achieve the ambitions that the dedicated city and fans deserve.
"The experience I have gained at Norwich City will be invaluable to me and I look forward to my next challenge in the game."
