Neil Warnock staying at Middlesbrough to help bring the smiles back

A ‘Marmite’ manager to many – and a figure who has endured a love-hate relationship with certain clubs – the Middlesbrough chief will be sticking around in 2021-22 after agreeing to stay on at the club next season, hopefully with crowds in attendance.

Despite run-ins with rival sides, respect has endured and the 72-year-old is determined to have some fun next year.

Warnock, yet to manage Boro in front of fans at the Riverside Stadium, said: “I would not like to think I remembered my last season stood on my own listening to my voice.

“Every home game, I have had a young lad on the bridge chanting ‘Middlesbrough’. He must be there for two to three hours without watching the game. It means such a lot to people and we have got to try and put smiles back on their faces next year.”

It is likely that Warnock will lead Boro in the Championship next season with the Teessiders being outsiders to reach the play-offs. Typically, he is not quite giving up hope on that front yet.

If Boro remain in the Championship, Warnock aims to have a ‘good go next season’ and believes the club are two or three signings away from having a strong chance of promotion.

Warnock, who confirmed his future after talks with chairman Steve Gibson, said: “I know we are long shots with the results this week, but anything can happen in 12 games. I don’t just want it to peter out.”

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