Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth has praised Sunderland boss Alex Neil ahead of the League One play-off final this Saturday.
Neil, who achieved promotion to the Premier League with Norwich City via the same competition in 2015, took over at the Stadium of Light in February following the departure of Lee Johnson.
Gareth Ainsworth has only lost one play-off match (in 90 mins) out of the eight he has managed.
— Alex Broom (@AlexBroom_) May 11, 2022
That was the 1-0 defeat to MK Dons on Sunday when Wycombe still progressed through the tie.
Best manager in our history. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/kT0krRQ09H
In his 17 games in charge of the club so far, he has won nine, drawn seven and has only lost one.
His performances in the Sunderland dugout has seen him receive plaudits all across the country, which included the Chairboys boss.
Speaking about the Scotsman, Ainsworth said: “He’s done a brilliant job.
“He’s got some good players and it’s a tough job, Sunderland.
Alex Neil though… just gets it.#SAFC pic.twitter.com/dkE2I6u80f
— James Copley (@JamesCopley_) May 9, 2022
“I was publicly linked with that job a few years ago and it really is a tough, tough job when you find out just how big that club can be.
READ MORE: Sunderland fan to travel to Wycombe final via SPAIN as it's cheaper than going by train
“They are probably the biggest club outside the Premier League.
“So for us to be playing them in a final is just phenomenal, and the job he has done so far has been fantastic.”
Gareth Ainsworth and Alex Neil have faced each other four times in the opposite technical areas, with the former achieving two wins over the latter.
"Were you concerned it was too big a job?"
— Chris (@christoph_21) May 9, 2022
Alex Neil: "Too big a job for me?"
Whatever happens in 12 days, he walked into complete chaos and has done an outstanding job
They were in January 2021 and March 2021 respectively at Adams Park, with the first encounter being a 4-1 win for Wycombe over Preston in the FA Cup, before the Chairboys defeated PNE in the Championship two months later.
In the first league meeting of that season, it finished 2-2 at Deepdale.
The inaugural fixture which saw both managers in the dugout was in January 2018, as Preston defeated Wanderers 5-1 at Adams Park in the FA Cup.
FT: @wwfcofficial 1-5 Preston
— North End News (@DeepdaleTalk) January 6, 2018
Lilywhites run triumphant as they stroll into the fourth round with goals from Browne, Harrop and Horgan. #pnefc #EmiratesFACup
Daryl Horgan was one of Preston's goal scorers that day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here