By Gareth James
Legendary former Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has made a surprising return to the scene by taking the helm at Huddersfield Town – and will now be gunning for the Bluebirds.
The 74-year-old, who previously managed Middlesbrough, stepped away from the sport last April, but has been enticed back by the opportunity to keep Huddersfield in the Championship.
Warnock will officially start his duties at the club after returning from a holiday in the United States and will then set his sights on lifting Huddersfield above Cardiff in the depths of the Championship.
The Terriers are currently in the relegation zone, but just a point behind Cardiff and have a game in hand.
It could make for a dramatic battle with Cardiff, the club Warnock took into the Premier League and with whom he was linked again just a month ago after the sacking of Mark Hudson.
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Cardiff will host Huddersfield and Warnock on April 29, their penultimate fixture of the campaign.
If the Bluebirds still needs points to avoid the drop in those last two matches, they must get them against Warnock and then away on the last day at runaway leaders Burnley.
In 2021, Warnock achieved a notable milestone by breaking the record for the most matches managed in English professional football, with a total of 1,601 games.
He has signed a deal that will see him stay at Huddersfield until the end of the season, similar to the agreement he reached with Rotherham in 2016 when he helped the club retain their place in the second tier.
Huddersfield, currently sitting 23rd in the Championship and just one point from safety, will be led by interim manager Narcis Pelach for their upcoming game against Stoke on Wednesday.
Warnock has a previous history with Huddersfield, having managed the team between 1993 and 1995, leading them to promotion through the play-offs.
This appointment is expected to be well-received by supporters.
Warnock will be joined by his trusted friend and former player, Ronnie Jepson.
Warnock announced his departure from Middlesbrough in November 2021, and in an interview with Sky Sports five months later, he declared that it was “the right time” to retire.
However, he has now come out of retirement to help Huddersfield and the club’s chairman, Dean Hoyle. With a career spanning over four decades and eight promotions, Warnock is widely regarded as one of the most successful managers in English football.
Huddersfield have already gone through two changes in management this season, having sacked Danny Schofield in September and Mark Fotheringham last Wednesday.
“I’m really excited about this challenge,” said Warnock.
“My first spell at Huddersfield Town was special. We went to Wembley twice, moved into a new stadium, and built the club from scratch.
“I’m coming back to help the club and also [the chairman] Dean Hoyle. I have a lot of respect for what he has done and I’ve always appreciated him.
“I’ve looked at the fixtures and there are some fantastic games to come. I want to come back and bring joy to the fans.”
