Rotherham United v Nottm Forest: Neil Warnock plans final campaign '“ and it could be at Millers

THOROUGHLY enthused by his brief but successful time at Rotherham United, Neil Warnock's attention has already switched to a managerial encore next season.
Rotherham United manager Neil Warnock.Rotherham United manager Neil Warnock.
Rotherham United manager Neil Warnock.

It remains to be seen where, with Millers supporters desperate for the 67-year-old to stick around after presiding over a magnificent renaissance in fortunes at the club.

Warnock’s contract finishes at the end of the current campaign and while he is conscious that other opportunities could entice him in the summer, with rival clubs and chairmen having viewed the managerial veteran’s impressive feats, he admits that the Millers have tugged on his heartstrings and that staying holds a strong allure.

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One thing that Warnock is unequivocal upon is that he will be managing somewhere in the 2016-17 season.

Warnock, brought in as Neil Redfearn’s replacement in February, said: “I have got that little glint in my eye again now. I’m definitely going to manage next season.

“Talking to (wife) Sharon at home, she thinks it’s a great idea. She’s very positive at the minute. Sometimes women cope better at home on their own.

“I’ll give it one more season. I hope the old ticker keeps going and we will see where it takes us.”

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On his path to the Millers, Cornwall-based Warnock added: “I had no intention of coming here. It was too far.

“No disrespect to Rotherham, I didn’t think I could do much for them. But I went up for the QPR game (in January) and was made so welcome.

“It was an amazing afternoon for me. I remember saying to the chairman, ‘If I can help you, just give me a ring’. I never thought I’d end up being his manager.”

Warnock’s mission brief of keeping the Millers in the Championship may almost be complete after a remarkable eight-match unbeaten sequence that has yielded 20 points from a possible 24, but he has already informed chairman Tony Stewart of some longer-term changes that he feels would be beneficial to the club.

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It is as clear a sign as any that Warnock is seriously entertaining the prospect of staying on.

Warnock added: “I’ve already put plans forward for what needs doing this summer. The chairman’s fully behind that.

“If I can leave – whether I leave this season or next season – and I can leave a plan and help the club, that’s what I want to do. I’ve loved every minute of it here.

“Who’s to say I don’t stay here next season to continue the project?”