Warnock eager for management role next season

“I'm definitely going to manage next season.”

The words Millers fans have been waiting to hear for the past two months were uttered by Neil Warnock in his pre-Nottingham Forest press chat.

Warnock – who signed a deal in February until the end of the season ­– is on the verge of completing a survival miracle at Rotherham United and three points today followed by another three against Huddersfield Town on Tuesday would seal Championship status.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A run of eight games without defeat – six wins and two draws – has left the Millers faithful clamouring for Warnock to sign a longer deal, but the words spoken by the 67-year-old will have a bitter-sweet feel to them.

Warnock was keen to keep his cards close to his chest when it came to what club he would be in charge of next term, saying: "There will be opportunities and I have to have a look.

“I will get mentioned (for other jobs) because I'm not under contract in a few weeks time. I don't worry about that at my age. I don't look beyond next month.

“What will be will be.”

Warnock’s ability to turn around a club’s fortunes ­– as demonstrated so far in his time at Rotherham – has led to him being linked with the vacant jobs at relegated Premier League big boys Aston Villa and today’s opponents, ‘sleeping giants’ Forest.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the former Sheffield United boss was in no mood to give away any secrets and was firmly in the mindset of keeping people on their toes – fans included.

He is also keen to pass on as much of his knowledge and experience to the club as possible while still employed in South Yorkshire, to give them the best chance of flourishing as a Championship side next season.

He said: “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 already put plans forward for what needs doing this summer. The chairman's fully behind that.

“It's got to be an environment that gives you a chance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“My heart might give in next week and the cub still needs an infrastructure. I don't just want to keep the club up, I want to hopefully help them plan for the future.

“I've loved every minute of it here so who's to say I don't stay here next season to continue the project?”

Warnock is eager to get safety in England’s second tier secured as quickly as possible and three points today would go a long way to it.

Warnock added: “We've got to get over the line as quickly as possible.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The fans have lifted the roof off at times at New York and this game will be a good atmosphere.

“Forest are a top club and they'll bring a good following.

“It's a club I've always wanted to manage.

“They'll be pushing for the Premier League next season.”