Steely Starter

Born in Sheffield, Neil Warnock began his football playing career in 1967 at Chesterfield, followed by spells at Rotherham United, Hartlepool United, Scunthorpe United, Aldershot, Barnsley, York City and Crewe Alexandra. However it was football management he went on to excel in, with a controversial aggressive style pushing his players and teams to the limit.

Hard Talking Neil Warnock

He also gained a reputation for hard outspoken comments in the media. Neil is qualified as a referee, but has never officiated at the very top level, is renowned for his outbursts with referees sometimes his target.

Manager Beginning

Neil began his managerial career at Gainsborough Trinity in 1981, before managing Burton Albion. After Burton, he led Scarborough into the Football League for the first time in their history. Following this success, Notts County was his next destination in January 1989; where he led the club to the top flight after successive promotions.

All The Way To Wembley

In 1993, Warnock then joined Huddersfield Town where another promotion was achieved; as well as an appearance at Wembley in the Football League Trophy final. After yet another promotion, this time with Plymouth, Warnock took charge of Oldham and Bury; before being appointed manager of Sheffield United in December 1999. During his time in charge he led the side to FA Cup and League Cup Semi-Finals, the First Division Play-off Final; and then, in May 2006, promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

Neil Warnock At Palace

He would later join Crystal Palace, where Warnock guided The Eagles to 5th and 15th place finishes in the Championship; before he left Selhurst Park to join QPR during the 2009/10 campaign. In his first full season at Loftus Road, Warnock guided his side back to the Barclays Premier League; after a 15 year absence by winning the npower Championship.

Rangers Promotion

QPR’s spell outside the top flight during that period had included administration, a spell in League One, several owners and numerous managers; but they topped the table since November of the 2010/11 season. QPR were 20th in the Championship in March 2010 and Warnock transformed his team to promotion in 13 months. It was the seventh promotion of his managerial career.

Leeds Leeds Leeds

Neil later managed Leeds United before he returned to Palace at the start of the 2014/15 campaign. In February 2016, Neil was appointed at relegation threatened Rotherham United; but managed to steer the club to safety, winning Manager of the Month in March following a good run of form.

Neil Warnock Author

Neil has published two books, Neil Warnock’s Wembley Way: The Manager’s Inside Story with Rick Cowdery in 1996, which recalls Plymouth Argyle’s Third Division play-off final win in the same year; and Made in Sheffield: Neil Warnock – My Story, his autobiography, published in 2007.