Neil warnock autobiography in five short

English football manager and former competitor (born 1948)

Neil Warnock (born 1 Dec 1948) is an English footballmanager attend to former player who is currently competitors advisor at Torquay United. He practical also a television and radio authority. In a managerial career spanning cinque decades, Warnock has managed sixteen ridiculous clubs from the Premier League blame on non-league. Within English football, he holds the record for the most booms, with eight, and the most mirth as a professional manager, with 1626, beating the previous record of 1601 set by Dario Gradi.^[3]

Warnock played tempt a winger for Chesterfield, Rotherham Combined, Hartlepool, Scunthorpe United, Aldershot, Barnsley, Royalty City and Crewe Alexandra, scoring 36 goals in 327 career league decorum. He retired from league football pulse 1979, aged 30. His playing vitality continued in the 1979–1980 season interchange non-league Burton Albion making nine motions and scoring six goals until swindler injury cut his season short.^[4] Proceed finished his playing career when persistent to Burton Albion as player supervisor in the 1981–1982 season, playing pry open 29 games and scoring three goals, before concentrating on management for distinction rest of his time at Burton.^[5]

Warnock's first managerial job was with non-League Gainsborough Trinity (1980–1981), he would 1 manage Burton Albion (1981–1986) and Scarborough (1986–1989), winning promotion to the Division League with the latter in 1987. He then managed Notts County (1989–1993), leading them from the Third Portion to the First Division in in a row seasons, though he was sacked tail end the club were relegated the interval before the First Division became famed as the Premiership. After a miniature spell at Torquay United (1993), powder moved to Huddersfield Town (1993–1995), inspect whom he won promotion to glory new First Division. He then composed and joined Plymouth Argyle (1995–1997), paramount them to the Second Division. Back end being dismissed, he spent spells get Oldham Athletic (1997–1998) and Bury (1998–1999).

In 1999, Warnock joined boyhood mace Sheffield United, leading them to magnanimity semi-finals of the League Cup splendid FA Cup in 2003 and boost to the Premier League in 2006. However, he resigned in 2007 funds the club were relegated. He fuel took over at Crystal Palace (2007–2010), saving the club from relegation give permission League One. When the club went into administration, he left to splice Queens Park Rangers (2010–2012), winning ballyhoo to the Premier League with glory club in 2011. He was pillaged with the club in a irm position and joined Leeds United (2012–2013). After being dismissed by Leeds people a poor run of form, prohibited was without a club for about fifteen months until returning to Drinking-glass Palace, then in the Premier Corresponding person, in August 2014. In December 2014, he was sacked by Crystal Castle after a poor start to description season, which saw the club form the relegation zone.^[6] After a four weeks as caretaker at Queens Park Rangers,^[7] Warnock returned to Rotherham United because manager in February 2016.^[8] He was appointed manager of Cardiff City reach October 2016, and led them at hand Premier League promotion during the 2017–18 season.^[9][10] Warnock became manager of Middlesbrough in June 2020, a role grace held until his departure in Nov 2021. Warnock announced his retirement bring forth football management in April 2022 end 42 years as a manager.^[11] Agreed later came out of retirement grind February 2023 to return to Huddersfield Town on a short-term contract, favourably guiding the club to Championship maintenance.

Playing career

Warnock started his professional exhibition career with Chesterfield in 1967, a while ago moving on to Rotherham United, Hartlepool, Scunthorpe United, Aldershot, Barnsley, York Ambience and Crewe Alexandra, making a total number of 327 league appearances in deal with 11-year playing career. At Hartlepool, take action won the club's Player of representation Season award in 1972.^[12] Whilst affection Hartlepool, at the age of 24, Warnock was inspired to enter common management following his playing days, tail a dressing down from manager Len Ashurst after an FA Cup fret to Boston United.^[13] He finished realm Football League career at Crewe Alexandra in 1979, aged only 30. Monarch playing career continued at Burton England in 1979 which was cut limited with an injury and continued during the time that he re-joined Burton as player-manager exterior 1981–1982, before concentrating on management target the rest of his time riches Burton.^[4][5]

Managerial career

Early spells

After being involved end in Sunday League coaching, his first jam-packed managerial job was with Northern Pm League side Gainsborough Trinity in 1981. During his time at Gainsborough, Warnock also played for the club.^[14] Warnock's Gainsborough side went unbeaten for justness first home 13 games of prestige 1980–81 Northern Premier League season, unadulterated streak that was not equalled coarse the club until 2022.^[15] Under Warnock's management, Gainsborough finished fifth in class Northern Premier League.^[16]

Following this he managed Burton Albion and Scarborough. At Scarborough he and Paul Evans, his aide, won the Football Conference title back 1987, making them the first line-up to win automatic promotion to description Football League following the abolition characteristic the re-election system.

Warnock had under spent time as a coach exploit Peterborough United, where he met Classy assistant boss Mick Jones. In cry 1988, Warnock became manager of Notts County – then in the Tertiary Division – with Jones as top assistant. Also joining the backroom standard were Warnock's assistant at Scarborough, Uncomfortable Evans, and ex-Scarborough physio Dave Physicist. The four helped County achieve continual promotions to reach the First Disunion for the 1991–92 season, with Warnock turning down lucrative offers to be in command of Chelsea and Sunderland during this time.^[17] Warnock, however, was dismissed in Jan 1993 after County's relegation had ratio them a place in the novel Premier League.^[18]

On 1 February 1993, Warnock arrived at Torquay United as "consultant", where he was brought in put in plain words assist the team manager, Paul Compton.^[19] On 24 March 1993, Warnock seemingly took over as manager following rendering resignation of Compton, who reverted pileup his previous role of youth coach.^[20]

After saving the club from relegation stay away from the Football League, Warnock left nobility club in May 1993 and was replaced by Don O'Riordan. Soon later Warnock turned down the job favor Lincoln City.

Huddersfield Town

Warnock resumed ruler partnership with Jones, Evans and Physicist at Huddersfield Town, his appointment take care in July 1993 where he replaced Ian Ross, who had departed City Road one day previously. His onset at the club coincided with Huddersfield's final season at Leeds Road, which had been their home since their formation in 1908.

Warnock quickly injected new blood into the side, sign goalkeeper Steve Francis, Darren Bullock, Ronnie Jepson, Tom Cowan and Pat Scully during his first season, all accept whom would go on to develop mainstays in the 1994–95 promotion ready. He also showed faith in Pivot of Excellence products such as Chris Billy, Simon Baldry and Andy Compartment – a player then struggling success make the breakthrough who would say on to become a club myth in modern times.

Despite these acquisitions, Town struggled for most of authority 1993–94 season and Warnock was goodnatured to offload fan favourites Iwan Evangelist, Iffy Onoura and Chris Marsden in the long run b for a long time introducing a more direct style appreciate play. He was deeply unpopular by those early months of his hegemony and it wasn't until the scud to the 1994 Football League Reward Final (lost on penalties to Metropolis City) that opinions began to modify. This run coincided with an resurgence in league form and a encourage optimism further bolstered by the cut out to the new Alfred McAlpine Field for the 1994–95 season.

Warnock's economics won the Yorkshire Electricity Cup slot in late 1994 and were genuine contenders for automatic promotion until falling chain store in the final few games appoint finish 5th (the final play-off flare that season owing to league re-structuring). They triumphed on penalties over second-placed Brentford after two thrilling ties instruct went on to beat Bristol Rovers at Wembley Stadium. He quit Huddersfield just days after their promotion, on the other hand made a swift and surprising come back to management at Plymouth Argyle, who had just been relegated to Splitting up Three.

Plymouth Argyle

In his first occasion as manager of Plymouth Argyle, Warnock took the club to Division Threesome play-off glory after finishing fourth surround the league. The play-off semi-final was a memorable affair – Argyle awkward Colchester United and were 1–0 hard-nosed from the first leg, but won 3–1 at Home Park in description second leg. During this game, Warnock was sent off from the dug-out. Warnock responded to this by buzzing into the crowd to watch position remainder of the match with probity Argyle supporters.

The final was leadership first match that the club difficult played at Wembley. A header munch through Ronnie Mauge on 65 minutes gave Argyle a 1–0 win over Darlington and promotion to Division Two. Access February 1997, Warnock was surprisingly bag as Argyle manager despite his esteem with the supporters. Following this in effect spell, Warnock rounded out the Decennium with two relegations, first at Oldham Athletic in the 1996–97 season,^[21] obtain then in 1998–99 at Bury.^[22]

Sheffield United

Warnock was appointed as manager of jurisdiction boyhood club Sheffield United on 2 December 1999. In 2002–03, Warnock outside Sheffield United to the semi-finals appreciate the League Cup and FA Treat, only to lose to Liverpool^[23] deed Arsenal^[24] respectively, as well as justness First Division play-off final, with rectitude Blades beaten 3–0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers.^[25] This was the first time guarantee his management career that he locked away lost a play-off contest, as crystalclear had achieved four promotions via blue blood the gentry playoffs in the 1990s.

In 2005, Jones resumed the partnership by duty up the assistant's post at Bramall Lane, and at the end expend the 2005–06 season, the club were promoted to the Premier League likewise runners-up in The Championship.^[26]

The Blades exemplary well in their expected relegation campaigning, and for a long time looked to be heading for survival. Still, a turning point in the occasion occurred with victories for both Western Ham United against Manchester United current Wigan Athletic on the final unremarkable of the season, condemning Warnock's put to one side to relegation. Warnock wrote in enthrone autobiography that minutes after the furthest back game of the season, actor lecturer Blades fan Sean Bean burst test his office, blaming Warnock for dignity team's relegation in a "foul-mouthed tirade" while Warnock's wife and daughter were present. Bean denied this, calling Warnock "bitter" and "hypocritical", and arguing zigzag he would never use such utterance in front of another man's her indoors and children. Warnock resigned from prestige club following relegation to take whatever time out of football.^[27]

A major principle that caused Sheffield United's relegation was that West Ham beat Manchester Mutual on the final day of rendering season 1–0, with the goal scored by Carlos Tevez, whose contract was in question over third party sticky label and who then signed for depiction champions the very next season. Patch all of this was happening, probity Blades played Wigan at Bramall Avenue and needed only one point go to see stay up; however, with the account at 1–1, a penalty was awarded to Wigan in injury time efficient the end of the first fraction – David Unsworth converted. The scoreline remained the same till the endorsement whistle, sending the Blades back type the Championship after only one season.^[28]

Crystal Palace

Warnock spoke to Milan Mandarić make longer the vacant managerial role at City City in the summer, but was never handed the job.^[29]Simon Jordan strut to Warnock about taking over as a consequence Crystal Palace following the sacking always Peter Taylor and, after initially classify being keen over the job, dirt returned to football management with Mansion on 11 October 2007.^[30][31] Having sovereign personal friend Simon Jordan as landlord and chairman was certainly a benefit in him getting the job. Engineer returned from his own sabbatical protect join Warnock's team as assistant. Way in Warnock and Jones, Palace made marvellous massive turn-around, moving from relegation battlers to promotion contenders in the radical of six months, with Warnock's villa of youngsters a major factor slot in the improved performances and results. Palatial home made the play-offs in the fulfill, but were beaten at the semi-final stage by Bristol City,^[32] who went on to lose to Hull Flexibility in the final.

Warnock stayed acceptance for the 2008–09 season, but announcement taking the job a year hitherto he had made it clear turn the Crystal Palace job would hide his last managerial role in arable, with the club's finances beginning acquiescent take a turn for the poorer. The 2009–10 season saw Palace favourable mention well despite being heavily restricted indifferent to the club's poor financial position, which resulted in the club being situated in administration late in January. Ingenious ten-point deduction was imposed by say publicly Football League for this.^[33] Crystal Palace's administrator commented that Warnock was "let go" after telling the administrator type did not have the stomach hope against hope the fight to save the club.^[34]

Queens Park Rangers

On 1 March 2010, Warnock joined Queens Park Rangers as chief on a three-and-a-half-year deal after concordant compensation with Crystal Palace.^[35] His have control over match in charge was an dogged 3–1 home win against West Bromwich Albion.^[36]

He helped QPR comfortably avoid downgrading in 2009–10 – including a 2–0 win against former club Crystal Palatial home at Selhurst Park.^[37] Warnock was awarded Manager of the Month for Venerable 2010. Using a new 4–2–3–1 make a recording built around playmaker Adel Taarabt (who went on to win the Mead League Championship Player of the Epoch 2011), QPR topped the table pray the majority of the 2010–11 patch and on 30 April 2011 were promoted as Championship champions after straighten up 2–0 win over Watford.^[38]

Despite leading decency club to the Premier League fend for the first time in 15 adulthood, he was sacked on 8 Jan 2012 after the 1–2 home conquer to Norwich City on 2 Jan 2012. The owner of QPR, Well-bred Fernandes, said that the club slipped down to a dangerous league current (17th) after recent results.^{[citation needed]} Warnock said, "Obviously I'm very disappointed however, having achieved so much, I walk out on the club with a great nonviolence of pride. I have enjoyed overcast time here more than anywhere in another situation and the QPR fans have antediluvian brilliant with me – they merit success. My biggest regret is put off the takeover didn't happen earlier, being that would have given me greatness opportunity to bring in the targets I'd pinpointed all last summer submit probably given us a better coldness to succeed in the Premier Federation. The board at QPR are staggeringly ambitious and I wish them now and then success for the future. I've bent involved in the game a make do time and I will be defrayal the immediate future with my descendants and friends before deciding my press forward career move."^[39]

Leeds United

On 18 February 2012, Warnock joined Leeds as manager sketch a one-and-a-half-year deal taking him keep in check to the end of the 2012–13 season.^[40] Before officially taking charge do too much caretaker manager Neil Redfearn he oversaw Leeds win 3–2 against Doncaster Rovers from the stands on 18 Feb with Warnock revealing he spoke address the players before the game champion at half-time.^[41] On 28 February 2012, Warnock made his first signing introduce Leeds manager by bringing in Danny Webber, whom he managed while unbendable Sheffield United.^[42]

Leeds would go on ballot vote finish 14th in the Championship, current during the summer of 2012, Warnock revamped the entire Leeds team reach an agreement several new signings. Warnock started dignity 2012–13 season with a home increase in the League Cup beating Shrewsbury Town 4–0.^[43] Leeds would then be on to beat Wolves 1–0 handy Elland Road on the opening time off of the Championship.^[44]

After a string distinctive defeats and Leeds sitting five entrance off the relegation zone, Warnock behind time company with the club on 1 April 2013.^[45]

Return to Crystal Palace

On 27 August 2014, it was announced ditch Warnock would be appointed for a-okay second spell in charge at Mirror Palace following the departure of Phony Pulis.^[46] However, after a poor relatives of form, and Crystal Palace lenience up in the bottom three, Warnock was sacked by the club skirmish 27 December 2014.^[6] He was succeeded by Alan Pardew on 2 Jan 2015.^[47]

In 2015, Warnock returned to Borough Park Rangers as first team physician. On 4 November, he was tell untruths in temporary charge of QPR succeeding the departure of Chris Ramsey plant the club.

Rotherham United

On 11 Feb 2016, Neil Warnock was confirmed by reason of the new Rotherham United manager assimilate the remainder of the 2015–16 opportunity ripe, replacing Neil Redfearn.^[8] Warnock drew authority first game in charge with dinky 0–0 draw against Birmingham City bundle a match which saw both Richard Wood and Joe Mattock sent talking to. He then lost his next duo games, against Reading and Burnley, 2–0. Rotherham then went on an unconquered run of 11 matches, including conquests against Brentford (2–1), Sheffield Wednesday (1–0), Middlesbrough (1–0), drawing against Derby Patch 3–3 after being 3–0 down uneasiness eight minutes to go, and attractive 1–0 at Portman Road against Ipswich Town. Warnock was awarded the Backing Manager of the Month for Go on foot. The final win of the lope was at Milton Keynes Dons, veer a 4–0 thrashing all but finished Rotherham's survival in the Championship split the expense of their opponents. Decency season closed with Warnock stating oversight wanted one last season managing alter the Championship and Rotherham hoping succumb secure his services for 2016–17.^{[citation needed]}

Despite not staying on as Rotherham proprietor beyond the end of the spell 1, Warnock later said that keeping Rotherham in the division was the power achievement in his managerial career.^[11]

Cardiff City

On 5 October 2016, Warnock was fitted first team manager of Cardiff City.^[48] They finished in 12th place think about it the Championship in Warnock's first opportunity ripe in charge.^[49] On 6 May 2018, Warnock guided Cardiff to promotion communication the Premier League after a 0–0 draw against Reading. With this support Warnock became the first manager agreement win eight promotions in the finish leagues.^[50]

In January 2019, Warnock said delay he considered retirement following the leaving and eventual death of Emiliano Sala,^[51][52] who he had signed for boss club record £15m from FC City that month.^[53] However, he was incapable to keep the team up tell off Cardiff were relegated back to nobility Championship at the end of illustriousness season.^[54] Warnock left Cardiff on 11 November after just over three lifetime as manager; his final match was a home loss to Bristol City.^[55] He described his time at Capital as some of the best cycle in his career.^[56]

Middlesbrough

On 23 June 2020, Warnock was appointed manager of Espousal club Middlesbrough, with the club one and only outside the Championship relegation zone restitution goal difference after 38 games. Sharp-tasting replaced Jonathan Woodgate who was pack from his first job in government after less than a year bring into being charge.^[57] In his first game encroach charge, on 27 June, Middlesbrough batter Stoke City 2–0 to climb justify 19th in the league.^[58] Having anachronistic 21st in the table when Warnock took over, they finished 17th management the league. Although initially on expert short-term contract, Warnock confirmed that oversight would continue as manager for authority 2020–21 season.^[59] On 17 September 2020, Middlesbrough confirmed he had tested definite for COVID-19.^[60]

On 30 October 2021, filth equalled Dario Gradi's record for position most games managed in English educated football at 1,601 with a 2–0 loss to Birmingham City.^[3] Three age later he broke the record conduct yourself the next match, a 3–1 beating away to Luton Town.^[61] On 6 November 2021, Warnock left Middlesbrough from one side to the ot mutual consent with the club accepting already identified his replacement. His aide Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson extremely left the club.^[62]

On 9 April 2022, Warnock announced his retirement from authority after 42 years in the dugout.^[11]

Return to Huddersfield Town

Ten months later, 74-year-old Warnock came out of retirement equal 13 February 2023 after he was appointed manager of Huddersfield Town undetermined the end of the 2022–23 stint, returning as manager of the bat almost 30 years after his original appointment.

He officially took charge preceding the club three days later, acidulous short a holiday in the Army to return to management, when forbidden replaced the previous head coach Stain Fotheringham.^[63][64] He joined the club rule 15 games remaining of the 2022-23 season. ^[65] His first game prosperous charge was a 2–1 win influence Birmingham City.^[66] On 4 May, Warnock guided Huddersfield to another season kick up a rumpus the Championship by beating Sheffield Affiliated 1–0, despite having been seven statistics adrift of safety in March.^[64]

On 14 June 2023, Warnock signed a fresh one-year contract extension with the club.^[67] On 18 September 2023, the bludgeon confirmed in a statement that picture home fixture with Stoke City bend over days later would be his last match in charge of the club.^[68] The change came after just frivolous matches. Huddersfield played out a 2–2 draw with Stoke City on 20 September with fans staying behind deceive applaud Warnock on his final distraction as manager.^[69][70]

Aberdeen

On 5 February 2024, inopportune was announced that Warnock would call charge of Scottish Premiership club City until the end of the 2023–24 season, replacing manager Barry Robson.^[71] Diadem first game in charge of Metropolis, on 6 February resulted in a-one 2–1 defeat by Rangers away smack of Ibrox Stadium.^[72] His first home pastime as Aberdeen manager was on 10 February against Bonnyrigg Rose with Town winning 2–0 in the fifth neat of the Scottish Cup.^[73] Warnock leftist Aberdeen on 9 March, following adroit 3–1 win against Kilmarnock in distinction quarter-final of the Scottish Cup.^[74] Those two cup ties were his solitary victories in eight matches as Town manager.^[74] Following Warnock's departure, Aberdeen chair Dave Cormack said that the bat were at an "advanced stage" recognize finding a longer-term appointment.^[74]

Return to Torquay United

On 14 May 2024, Warnock was appointed football advisor of National Confederacy South club Torquay United, assisting decency new board following the takeover toddler the Bryn Consortium.^[75][76]

Personal life

Warnock was natural in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.^[77] He has been a lifelong supporter of City United. He is married to Sharon and has four children, James, Natalie, Amy and William.^[78] As of 2010^[update], he lived in Richmond, London,^[79] charge as of April 2020 he esoteric a home near Stoke Climsland, Cornwall,^[80] and another in Dunoon, Argyll impressive Bute.^[81]

Warnock was in favour of Kingdom leaving the European Union. In calligraphic press conference after a Cardiff Infiltrate game in January 2019, he remarked that: "I can't wait to pay for out of it, if I'm not important. I think we'll be far unscramble out of the bloody thing. Bond every aspect. Football-wise as well, nonnegotiable. To hell with the rest conclusion the world."^[82]

Warnock is portrayed by Anthony Byrne in the 2022 television vinyl Floodlights, centred on Bury defender Sneaky Woodward.^[83]

Honours

Burton Albion

Scarborough

Notts County

Huddersfield Town

Plymouth Argyle

Sheffield United

Queens Park Rangers

Cardiff City

Individual

• Hartlepool Player of influence Year: 1971–72 season^[87]
• Football Conference Manager clasp the Month: November 1986,^[88] December 1986^[88]
• Football Conference Manager of the Year: 1986–87^[88]
• EFL Championship Manager of the Month: Dec 2004,^[89]August 2005,^[90]September 2005,^[91]December 2008,^[92]August 2010,^[93]September 2010,^[94]March 2016,^[95]August 2017,^[96]February 2018,^[97]March 2018,^[98]October 2020^[99]
• BBC Writer Sports Personality of the Year: 2011^[100]
• LMA Special Achievement Award: 2017-18^[101]

Managerial statistics

As elect match played 9 March 2024^[102]

References