Neil Warnock is set to return to the dugout this week, although the experienced manager has twice announced his retirement from football management.
Neil Warnock will return to the dugout this week, nearly two years after announcing his retirement from management. (Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Veteran manager Neil Warnock will return to the dugout to take charge of National League South side Torquay United in their next game against Farnborough. This will be the first time for Warnock, who has been the manager for about two years.
The 77-year-old has confirmed he will retire from football management in April 2024 following an interim spell at Scottish side Aberdeen. But he has been working as an advisor in Torquay for the past two years.
The team suffered a 5-0 defeat at home to Chelmsford City on Saturday and sacked manager Paul Wotton.
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A club statement released on Sunday said: “Torquay United Football Club can today confirm that we are parting ways with first-team manager Paul Wotton.
“We are extremely grateful to Paul for his hard work, professionalism and dedication during his time at the club. We are grateful for his contribution both on and off the pitch.”
“Torquay United wish Paul all the best in his future endeavours. Neil Warnock will be in charge of the squad against Farnborough on Tuesday night and an update on interim arrangements will be provided in due course.”
Warnock began his managerial career at Gainsborough in 1980, with Torquay becoming the 17th club he has managed over 46 years. During that time, he coached a total of 1,060 games, recording 392 wins, 293 draws, and 375 losses.
Neil Warnock at Huddersfield Town. (Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Reflecting on his achievements last August, he told the Guardian: “I’ve been promoted eight times and if I went back to these clubs tomorrow I’d get a great welcome.
“I got Cardiff into the Premier League. Look where they are now. How can I get Notts County into the top flight?”
“If I had a fashionable name or a fashionable manager I think I would have been recognized more, but this year the Football League gave me an award for my contribution to the EFL.”
Torquay currently sit in fourth place in the National League South, but have not won in their last five games, leading to a change of manager.
Warnock will be in charge for Tuesday night’s game, but it does not appear to be a long-term solution as he begins a search for a permanent replacement.
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