Middlesbrough v Norwich City - Neil Warnock reveals he was not to Delia Smith’s taste

IN the current century, Middlesbrough have lifted a major trophy and been in Europe on two occasions – even reaching the Uefa Cup final in 2006.
Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock: 'Shock' contenders.Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock: 'Shock' contenders.
Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock: 'Shock' contenders.

But, as far as Neil Warnock is concerned, they are the equivalent of the outsiders looking in towards the top of the Championship in comparison to several other similar-sized clubs.

Among that number are third-placed opponents Norwich City, according to Warnock.

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Despite relegation from the Premier League, the Canaries are strongly fancied to bounce back at the first opportunity, with their recruitment of the Teesside-born duo of Ben Gibson and Jordan Hugill – both former Boro players and lifelong fans – being a couple of reasons why they are being tipped to last the course.

The presence of Watford and Bournemouth, who also dropped out of the top-flight in July, in the top four is also something that Warnock expected.

The Boro chief said: “I do not think there are any shocks or surprises in what Norwich are doing. They play the same way whatever division they are in.

“We always expected the three relegated teams with the wage bills they had and players to be up there.

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“I think we are probably the surprise of everybody because I don’t think anyone expected us to be up there. But we are enjoying it.”

Now in charge at his 14th professional club, Warnock says that he once came close to managing today’s opponents following an interview in the late-1990s.

“It is a lovely club and I nearly went there once. I was not far away,” he added.

“They gave it Bruce Rioch at the time. I remember filling a big form in and they wanted forty questions or something before you got your interview.

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“I went there and sat around a big table with about 10 people including Delia (Smith – joint majority shareholder) and the old club doctor and they looked at me and said: ‘Well, Mr Warnock -– do you think our fans would like your style of football?’

“I looked at everyone in the eye all around the table and said: ‘Yes, I think they would love to win games.’ I knew then I wouldn’t get the job!

“So it was a quick interview.”

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