However, four straight defeats since then have left them eight points adrift with four games remaining.

Neil had been linked with the vacant role at West Brom and was pleased to end speculation by signing a new contract at Preston.

"It has been a difficult few days working in a situation where the club and I had no control over what has been said, but I am absolutely delighted to be able to commit my future to the club and to continue with the project we have been working on," Neil told the club's website.

"This is a fantastic football club and we have built a young squad that not only has great ability but has great potential to improve, and I thoroughly enjoy working with them and seeing them give everything to get better, every single day."

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