Neil Nearing Norwich Switch

Photo by Jeff Holmes Hamilton are preparing for life without Alex Neil after their player/manager told his squad he was set to move to Norwich. The players were called into a meeting at noon on Thursday afternoon where 33-year-old Neil left them in little doubt that he was on his way to Carrow Road after meeting with the npower Championship club on Wednesday. Neil remained at New Douglas Park after the players left and it is believed that vice-chairman Ronnie MacDonald is trying to finalise a compensation deal with the Norfolk club. Norwich have been quick to pinpoint Neil as a replacement for Neil Adams, who quit following their weekend FA Cup defeat by Preston, and with his team sitting just outside the promotion play-off places. The mood of the Hamilton players was decidedly downbeat when they emerged from the meeting with their manager and team-mate, who captained the club before taking over from Billy Reid little over 18 months ago. Defender Mikey Devlin admitted "it looks like" Neil was moving on. The 21-year-old said: "Everybody is a bit flat and a bit disappointed. He has been an inspirational figure for everybody at the club and everybody had a great relationship with him. Everybody loved him here. "So we are disappointed but at the same time thrilled for him because he deserves it. "Everybody is delighted for him that he has got an opportunity to go and manage at a higher level. We all hope he goes on and shows how good he can be." Neil led the club to promotion in his first full season as manager, while they are now on course for their best-ever campaign in the top flight. Accies topped the Scottish Premiership after a 1-0 win at Celtic Park in October - their first victory at Parkhead for 76 years - and they have scored nine goals without reply in two league games against Lanarkshire rivals Motherwell. They currently sit third in the table, four points behind leaders Aberdeen. Speaking on Wednesday, vice-chairman Ronnie Macdonald said: "We are delighted that Alex's achievements have been recognised by this approach and that our policy of progressing players, staff and managers continues."