Middlesbrough v Bristol City – How Neil Warnock is leading the way for fellow ‘wise, old heads’

Brought in to Middlesbrough to rescue the club’s ailing fortunes towards the end of a difficult 2019-20 campaign – initially on a short-term basis – the veteran manager has presided over an impressive transformation in the medium term at Boro after agreeing to lead the club this season.

Following a fraught spell this term, tonight’s opponents Bristol City have now elected to bring a senior managerial figure, in an initial short-term arrangement, in Nigel Pearson.

The former Boro captain makes his return to the dug-out at a place he knows well in the Riverside tonight.

This coming weekend, Warnock also pits his wits against another vastly-experienced manager in Cardiff chief McCarthy, named as Bluebirds manager for the rest of the season on January 22.

Warnock will be seeking to outwit both in Boro’s next two matches as his side seek to provide further ignition to their play-off push after two much-needed victories.

On his next two opponents following the template of Boro in bringing in an ‘old head’ in a temporary agreement at first, Warnock said: “I think we have started a fashion at Middlesbrough with the ‘old man’ coming in for the rest of the season and there’s Mick McCarthy down at Cardiff and now Nigel.

“It is the thing to do now. I do think it is the best thing to do. Have four months off at the start of the season and then finish off!

“I think Nigel and Mick owe me a big favour in showing them (clubs) where to go to get their next managers.

“Management is not rocket science, it is getting the best out of what you have got.

“I had a chat with Mick when he took over and told him what I thought.

“Really, Mick has just done his own thing and Mick is a good manager.

“Nigel is and he has proved at certain clubs that he can motivate players and get the best out of them.”

Warnock says he has no issue with striker Ashley Fletcher pausing contract negotiations after being offered fresh terms .

Last six games: Middlesbrough LDLLWW; Bristol City LLLLLL.

Referee: T Robinson (West Sussex).

Last time: Middlesbrough 1 Bristol City 3, July 11, 2020; Championship.

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