Neil had already won promotion from the Championship with Norwich City and he started off life in PR1 well.
His first game resulted in a win, Daniel Johnson scoring from the spot to earn North End all three points.
The Lilywhites lost one of their opening 12 games, that to a spot kick at Derby County, as Neil made a strong start to life in Lancashire.
North End finished the season in 7th, their best finish since returning to the second tier in 2015.
PNE Starting XI: Maxwell, Fisher, Huntington, Spurr, Cunningham, Johnson, Pearson, Robinson, Browne (Hugill, 67’), Barkhuizen, Maguire (Gallagher, 74’).
PNE subs not used: Rudd, Davies, Vermijl, Horgan, May.
Sheffield Wednesday Starting XI: Westwood, Hutchinson (Jones, 70’), Lees, Loovens, Hunt, Pudil, Reach, Bannan, Boyd (Wallace, 67’), Forestieri, Rhodes (Hooper, 57’).
Sheffield Wednesday subs not used: Wildsmith, Fox, Fletcher, Hooper, Nuhiu.
5. 5
Preston North End's Jordan Hugill chips the ball over Sheffield Wednesday's Keiren Westwood late in the game and receives a yellow card for his troubles. Photo: CameraSport - Rich Linley
6. 6
Preston North End's Sean Maguire see's his first half effort from close range saved by Sheffield Wednesday's Keiren Westwood. Photo: CameraSport - Rich Linley
8. 8
Preston's Daniel Johnson beats Owls keeper Keiren Westwood from the spot for the game's only goal. Photo: Steve Ellis