Neil aims to end superb year with more joy in the play-offs

ALEX NEIL will be looking to cap a quite remarkable 12 months by leading Norwich City to the promised land of the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. Despite being one of the youngest managers in the Football League, Neil can already boast a proven track record of success in the play-off format, having led Hamilton Accies to the Scottish Premiership last season in dramatic fashion against Hibs. With Norwich toiling in seventh place when he took charge in January, 33-year-old Neil has revitalised the club and led them to a third-place finish in the table, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion. As if his managerial prowess needed any further confirmation, Accies have won only twice in the four months since he left. Neil and his players now face an East Anglian derby in the semifinal against Ipswich, who have former Hearts captain and Scotland centre-half Christophe Berra among their ranks. In the other semi-final, Brentford take on Middlesbrough. Brentford secured their place on a thrilling final day on Saturday, overtaking promotion-favourites Derby County. However, former Rangers midfielder Lewis Macleod is unlikely to feature for Mark Warburton’s side. Macleod has yet to make a single appearance and has struggled with injuries since his move from Ibrox in January. Looking for promotion to the Championship from the League One play-offs will be Sheffield United — who have nine Scots in their squad. Among their ranks is the likes of former Motherwell man Jamie Murphy and on-loan Hearts midfielder Jason Holt, along with Jay McEveley. United, managed by Nigel Clough, will go up against Swindon Town — who have a certain Andy Williams to call upon. Clough’s men will certainly be hoping that their promotion dream is not too good to be true. Contesting the other semi-final will be Preston North End and Chesterfield. Former Rangers man Andy Little will be looking to lead the line for Preston, but the striker struggled to nail down a first-team place during the regular season. Vying for promotion from the League Two play-offs will be Wycombe Wanderers and Steven Craig. The ex-Aberdeen, Ross County and Partick Thistle man has established himself as a regular at Adams Park. He will be looking to impress manager Gareth Ainsworth as they take on Plymouth Argyle. In the other play-off, Southend United will take on Stevenage.