‘I feel as if…’ – Alex Neil’s ‘difficult’ admission as this Millwall compared to his old Preston North End

By Gbam Godwin On Mar 2, 2026

‘I feel as if…’ – Alex Neil’s ‘difficult’ admission as this Millwall compared to his old Preston North End.

PNE were defeated 0-2 by Millwall at Deepdale last weekend. Alex Neil found it difficult to compare his current Millwall side to his previous Preston North End team, but he does see one crucial difference.

The Scot returned to torment his former club on Saturday, as the Lions maintained their promotion hopes with a convincing 0-2 victory at Deepdale. It was Neil’s third return to Preston since his three-and-a-half-year stint ended in March 2021.

Two of his seasons with PNE, in particular, saw the team fall painfully short of the play-offs.

North End finished seventh in 2017/18 and ninth in 2019/20, having been in the top six until the season was suspended due to Covid.

Neil had a mixed 16 months at Stoke City, but is again back at the top of the second division, a league he led Norwich City out of in 2015.The 44-year-old has previously spoken extensively about his time with Preston.

The Scot has stated several times that Millwall and PNE are not dissimilar as clubs. Which begs the question of whether there is one significant difference between his reigns. Neil was questioned about the post-match at Deepdale.

“It’s a difficult question, and you know that,” Neil told the Lancashire Post.”Because I adored my time here, it’s quite difficult. I don’t know the answer to it. Yes, they are comparable clubs.

“What I will say is that I believe I have a little more depth of strength right now. The reason I say this is that our substitutes have scored in each of the last three games.

It’s critical to have bench players make an impact on the game. Because after 70 minutes today, some of our men were really exhausted. But the guys that come in can still do the job for us.”

One item that has dominated discussion during Neil’s time at Preston is reinvestment in the team. Jordan Hugill was reportedly sold for £9 million, Callum Robinson for £7 million, and Greg Cunningham for £4 million.

In contrast, notable recent transactions at The Den have resulted in seven-figure purchases of Josh Coburn, Camiel Neghli, Caleb Taylor, and Mihailo Ivanovic. Neil is grateful for the support.

“Yeah,” replied Neil. “I will mention that we have sold a lot of gamers as well. We sold Tanganga, Romain Esse, and Zian Flemming before I came here. Jimmy is a fantastic owner.” Obviously, we’re selling players because that’s who we are and our business strategy.

But, likewise, when it comes in, he invests in the team and the training ground, which helps us improve. That’s why we’re here.”

Neil not getting ahead of himself

Following the weekend’s events, Millwall is third in the Championship league with 62 points, one behind second-place Middlesbrough, ahead of their Monday night match against Birmingham City.

Neil, on the other hand, dismissed speculation that he may return to the top flight as manager.”

Absolutely not,” Neil told the Sun. “I’ve been in the game for too long.” I’ve been in comparable scenarios while at Preston.

What I do understand about football is that if you get ahead of yourself, it will soon humble you. So, as far as I’m concerned, the only game I’m focused on right now is the next.”