Neal began his career at WellingboroughTown before he joined the Cobblers. He was very much a utility player at Northampton playing in nearly every position including that of goalkeeper.
A full back who joined the Liverpool on 9 October 1974 for £66,000 after making his name in English football's lower divisions with Northampton, Neal was the first signing to be made by manager Bob Paisley, snapped up as a replacement for the ageing Chris Lawler. Although he played a few games on the left side of the defence, it was as an industrious, energetic right back that he made his name.
He quit playing in 1989 (when player-manager of Bolton Wanderers) after more than 700 League appearances, as well as 50 caps for England between 1976 and 1983, scoring five goals. Only Gary Neville has won more England caps as a right back. Neal was awarded his first by Don Revie on 24 March 1976.
In recent years, Neal has worked as a football pundit for various television and radio organisations. He has also played for and coached the Liverpool masters side which dominated the Sky Sports Masters series.
He has written two autobiographies, being 'Attack From The Back' in 1981 and 'Life At The Kop' in 1986.