Came to Exeter as an unknown qauntity along with Jack Geran in 1952 and had little experience of speedway having concentrated on Scrambles and Road racing in his homeland. Began slowly and gradually the points came more regularly, although it wasn't until July of 1954 that Neil scored his first maximum at home against Southampton.

By 1955, double figures became the norm for Neil, before the closure of Exeter and it wasn't until 1966 that Neil once again donned the Falcons vest. He had actually retired at the end of the 65 season but returned to Exeter and had lost none of his sparkle as he averaged 8.23 from 30 meetings, whilst in 1967 he finished on 7.25 from 37.

In 1968 he was still on top of the game when he averaged 7.51 from an ever present 37 meetings and at one stage held the Silver Sash when he beat Bengt Jansson of Hackney. Returned for one more season in 1970, but his average was to dip and he finished on a 5.30 average from an ever present 38 matches.