Neil Warnock on his return to football with Middlesbrough

He has done it thousands of times, yet Neil Warnock still felt a shiver down his spine taking training yesterday as Middlesbrough’s new manager.
Neil Warnock is back in management (Picture: PA)Neil Warnock is back in management (Picture: PA)
Neil Warnock is back in management (Picture: PA)

The Teessiders turned to the 71-year-old veteran of 14 previous clubs over 40 years after losing their first game back after the coronavirus lockdown. He will take charge of the season’s final eight games and is not looking beyond them.

It was less the 3-0 defeat at home to Swansea City, more the manner of it which led to Boro relieving Jonathan Woodgate of head coach duties, though they hope to keep him on the staff.

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For Warnock, sacked by Cardiff City in November, working for “one of the best owners” in the country – and he joked, managing without opposition fans – was irresistible.

Replaced - Jonathan WoodgateReplaced - Jonathan Woodgate
Replaced - Jonathan Woodgate

“I thought, what an opportunity – eight games without anybody booing me!“ he said. “If it wasn’t Steve Gibson ringing me up I’d probably think twice about it, especially with the six-and-a-half-hour journey (from his Cornwall home) at my age. But I like him as one of the best owners. It’s nice to give something back to someone who needs a bit of help.”

Saturday’s defeat left Middlesbrough above the Championship relegation zone by only two goals’ difference from Hull City, the second of eight remaining opponents.

“When you get to my age you don’t really worry about what’s going to happen in a few months, especially at a time like this,” he said.

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“When I spoke to the players before training I still got shivers down my spine. It’s stressful at times but I enjoy it and I want my players to enjoy it.

“I’ve really enjoyed doing the garden, cutting the trees down, having a fish and simple things like that. The bluebells were out and they were absolutely immaculate. I said to (my wife) Sharon, ‘Wow, look at the colouring, I’ve not seen that before,’ and she said, ‘No, you’ve never been in here before!’ You’re that tied up in football.”

Woodgate replaced Tony Pulis in June 2019 but twice oversaw 10 consecutive Championship matches without a win.

“I didn’t look at the game at the weekend but without seeing the squad I’d be confident, it never fazes me,” said Warnock. “When I went to Rotherham (United, in 2016) I think you all know the story (escaping Championship relegation in his 16-game stint), that was probably the best thing I’ve done in my career away from the promotions.

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“I’m not a miracle worker but I wouldn’t have come if I didn’t think I could do it. I always get trouble-shooting jobs but I do enjoy that rather than being mid-table with nothing to play for.

“They’re in this position for a reason. It’s okay saying we’ve got loads of ability, but ability never wins you games.

“You’ve got to have a bit more in your locker.”

There is some confusion about how close Warnock is to 1,500 games as manager, but he says it did not shape his thinking.

“I’m told I need 11 games but they don’t count the play-offs,” he said. “I knew I couldn’t get them this season but it wasn’t the reason I wanted to help out.”

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Warnock will be joined by erstwhile coaches Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson, with Woodgate’s assistant Robbie Keane leaving.

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