Sunday 24 May 2015 14:57, UK
Norwich manager Alex Neil is hoping to hit the play-off lottery jackpot twice in 12 months.
The 33-year-old Scot guided Hamilton to the Scottish Premiership with a play-off success against Hibernian on May 25, 2014. A year on, he is in charge of Norwich against Middlesbrough at Wembley on the same day.
There is more at stake, with the riches of the Premier League within tantalising reach, but Neil sees many similarities.
"I think it's very similar," Neil said.
"Obviously the games are different because we were trailing going into the second leg (at Hibs).
"How much it means to me, how much it meant to the set of players I had at Hamilton, the set of players I have at Norwich.
"Although the stakes are different, in terms of financially and things like that, ultimately the reward's the same - getting promoted into the highest division in that country.
"It means a huge amount, as it did last year, and it's something I'm really looking forward to."
Neil believes the £120million estimated prize for the victors should not faze the players.
"They're not getting £120m, so I don't think it has a real impact on them," he said.
"I think the prestige of playing in the Premier League and being promoted is what they'll be concerned about.
"And making sure they're playing against some of the top players in the world next year.
"That's what we want to be involved in. That'll be our focus and that's ultimately the goal that we're trying to achieve.
"I don't think players - and certainly me as the manager - concern ourselves with the finance. That's more for the board, chief executive and these type of guys to worry about.
"We're just focused on the game and making sure we're prepared and function as properly and as well as we can."
