Amid connections with Birmingham City boss, Alex Neil reveals his future career goal.

Alex Neil is optimistic about finding an ideal managerial role as he prepares to return to work. Neil, formerly of Stoke City, is currently a leading candidate for the managerial position at Birmingham City.

Birmingham City recently announced that Tony Mowbray will not be returning to the club this summer due to medical treatment he began in February. Despite interim manager Gary Rowett’s efforts, the team has been relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in nearly 30 years.

With numerous player departures at the end of the season, Birmingham City is focused on recruiting new talent and appointing a permanent manager. Neil, who has extensive experience in the EFL with Preston and Norwich and who successfully led Sunderland out of League One two years ago, is looking for a working relationship similar to those he has enjoyed in the past.

“I’m not sure, if I’m honest,” Neil said in an interview with the EFL Debate YouTube channel in March when asked about his next job. “I’ve had conversations with a couple of clubs since I left Stoke, but they didn’t feel quite right for me at the time. I’m looking for something I can really get my teeth into, with stability around it. The timing of when you join a club is absolutely key.

“The timing of the Sunderland job was perfect for me and the club. The same goes for the Norwich and Preston jobs. For me, the timing wasn’t quite right when I joined Stoke, and the work needed during the first ten months before the summer was crucial to turning things around.”