 He played 70 league games and scored 2 goals for Stoke before signing for Preston North End in 2005 in a player swap deal for Marlon Broomes.On 31 October 2008, Neal signed a month-long loan deal with Notts County, and made his debut at home to Bury.After playing 65 league games for Preston, Neal was allowed to join Carlisle United on 30 January 2009, after agreeing to a termination package.