Neil became the second signing in the summer of 2006 from Team Bath, following Matt Taylor to St James' Park. He had been the club captain at Team Bath for two seasons. Neil was on the books of Watford FC from 1992 to 2002. He has also earned international honours with England's Futsal team. At the University of Bath, Neil was studying for a BA in Coach Education and Sports Development. Unfortunately missed the start of the 2007-08 season due to a knee injury.