Neil Warnock reveals that he almost took over at Sheffield Wednesday

Warnock, a lifelong Sheffield United fan, is looking forward to Saturday’s home game with the Owls, who could go down if they lose at the Riverside Stadium and Derby beat Birmingham City.

Warnock’s Boro side did Wednesday a favour in their 2-1 victory at the Owls’ relegation rivals and his former club Rotherham United in midweek and he says that his side will be giving their all again on Saturday.

Warnock said: “If Sheffield Wednesday fans were watching the other night, they cannot say I was not trying against my old club Rotherham because I did and tried my hardest and I bet they were really pleased I played like that. We will be trying exactly the same to help Rotherham, it is nothing against them (Sheffield Wednesday).

“I am glad it is Sheffield Wednesday because it is always the club I look at in the calendar - when do we play them at Hillsborough and at home and I am just disappointed there is no fans in as the Wednesday fans usually give me rousing applause!.”

On previously almost taking over at Hillsborough, he added: “I nearly took over there a few years ago. Milan Mandaric offered me the job on the Friday night and I said: ‘Listen, you have the weekend to think about, Milan.'

“'Ask your chief executive and one or two others about what they think about it. Get it out in the press what you are thinking and if you still want me next week, I will take over on the Monday.

“And he said: ‘Ah yes, Neil - I see what you mean!’ In fairness to the Sheffield Star newspaper, they did a poll and I think I got sixty per cent would say they would have me. I thought that was good, if I am honest. I would have enjoyed it as well at that time.”