In an ideal world I'm sure Neil would have wanted it sorting much quicker, but, unfortunately, it isn't always like that.
And no, I don't think he waited to 'see if he could get his own way.' For a start, I don't believe Neil is like that and, secondly, I think it was always going to be his last season running the Tigers, so, no matter what, he was going to sell.
Only my opinion of course. Only Neil (and a few close associates I'd guess), know for certain.