Former Leeds and Blades boss Warnock earns Premier League return

The former Sheffield United and Leeds United manager is back at Selhurst Park, where he managed between 2007 and 2010, as Tony Pulis’ replacement.

Warnock, who has not managed since leaving Leeds in 2013, beat former West Brom head coach Steve Clarke to the job after the pair became the front runners to replace Pulis this week.

A Palace statement read: “Crystal Palace are delighted to announce that Neil Warnock has been appointed as their new first team manager with immediate effect.

“Neil has agreed a two-year deal and will lead the team this Saturday in our Premier League game at Newcastle United.”

Warnock left Palace for QPR in 2010 after two-and-a-half years in charge and helped them to the Championship play-offs in 2008, where they were beaten in the semi-finals by Bristol City.

After the Eagles went into administration he joined QPR and guided them to a place in the Premier League for the first time in 15 years in 2011.

Warnock was sacked in 2012 before joining Leeds but lasted just over a year at Elland Road, leaving in April 2013.

In March of this year he rejected the chance to take over at Nottingham Forest and also distanced himself from reports linking him to the Huddersfield job earlier this month.

Palace had been linked with a series of replacements for Pulis including Glenn Hoddle and Tim Sherwood.

Malky Mackay was expected to be appointed before offensive text messages he sent while Cardiff boss were made public.