ALEX Neil said he just couldn’t turn down the ‘fantastic opportunity’ to take the reins at Carrow Road after he was unveiled as Norwich City’s new manager on Friday.

Confirmation of Neil’s appointment was revealed via the Club’s official channels in the morning, and the 33-year-old sat alongside Chief Executive David McNally for his first press conference at Colney Training Centre at lunchtime.

Despite building up a strong association with Hamilton Academical, who he served as player, captain and manager over close to ten years, the Scotsman – who becomes City’s 39th different permanent manager – says he can’t wait to get started at his new club.

“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” he told Norwich City.

-    Alex Neil unveiled as Norwich City manager
-    Ex-Hamilton boss signs one-year rolling contract
-    “I’m absolutely delighted”
-    Frankie McAvoy likely to join current backroom team
-    Mike Phelan and Gary Holt to be in dugout vs Bournemouth, Neil in stands
-    33-year-old has no plans to resume playing career at Carrow Road

“It was difficult to leave (Hamilton), but when you get an opportunity like this, you can do nothing but grab it. I’m here now and I’m really looking forward to trying to take Norwich forward.

“I’m excited about taking over a squad with so much quality, and taking over a squad in the Championship in England. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to go and show what I can do. Hopefully I can get the team functioning really well and winning games.”

Neil confirmed that he is set to bring in Frankie McAvoy – his assistant with the Accies – to join him at the Club, but that all members of the current coaching set-up will also retain their positions in his backroom team.

He also revealed that he will take a back seat when it comes to this Saturday’s game at Bournemouth, with Mike Phelan and Gary Holt in the dugout, but that he will speak to the players before the game, and at half-time and full-time.

“Mike and Gary have been getting the team ready this week, and I don’t want to interfere too much with that because there’s limited period between now and the game,” he explained.

“I’ll certainly take the game in and then deal with the squad as of next week.

“I’m looking forward to working with them, I’m not looking to make wholesale changes. It’s just about making sure the team can function properly.”

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