Neil Warnock jokes he is 'not extinct yet' after joining Huddersfield
‘From one dinosaur to another’: Neil Warnock jokes he is ‘not extinct yet’ in hilarious tweet after he steps out of retirement at 74 to answer struggling Huddersfield’s SOS call – 10 months after vowing he would never manage again
- Neil Warnock was re-appointed as Huddersfield Town manager on Monday
- It comes just 10 months after he retired to spend more time with his wife Sharon
- Warnock – who managed the Terriers from 1993-95 – joked he is ‘not extinct yet’
Neil Warnock has joked he is ‘not extinct yet’ after returning to management just 10 months after he retired.
The 74-year-old had vowed in April last year that he would not to return to the dugout, with Warnock having left his previous role at Middlesbrough by mutual consent in November 2021.
However, he was appointed as Huddersfield boss on Monday in a sensational u-turn, with the Terriers – who Warnock managed between 1993-1995 – in a desperate battle to avoid relegation from the Championship.
The veteran coach is set to jet in from America after agreeing a deal until the end of the season and he will assume his new role on Thursday.
After coming out of retirement to take his 18th permanent job which has encompassed 16 clubs, Warnock’s management career has now spanned 43 years and 1,821 games .
Neil Warnock joked he is ‘not extinct yet’ after returning to management with Huddersfield
The 74-year-old poked fun at himself in a tweet after u-turning on his decision to retire last year
And Warnock, who has become extremely active on social media during his retirement, while also launching a new podcast ‘Die for Three Points’ – a reference to a famous phrase from earlier in his management career – was quick to poke fun at himself after joining the Terriers.
Sharing a photo of him standing in front of a dinosaur, Warnock tweeted: ‘From one dinosaur to another. Not extinct yet.’
The 74-year-old’s cheeky post was in reference to often being criticised as an out-dated and out-of-fashion manager.
Nevertheless, Warnock – who has been in the USA over the last few days – outlined his elation at returning to management.
‘I’m really excited about this challenge,’ Warnock said on Monday.
‘My first spell at Huddersfield Town had everything; we went to Wembley twice, moved into the new stadium, and really built the club from nothing. It was a special time.
‘I’m coming back to help the club, but also Dean Hoyle. I know what he has done behind-the-scenes and I’ve always had a lot of time for him.
‘I’ve looked at the fixtures and we’ve got some fantastic games to come. I want to come back and put smiles on faces.’
Warnock’s last job was with Middlesbrough and he has been on the touchline for 1,821 games
Warnock had previously managed Huddersfield between 1993-1995 and won promotion
The news of Warnock returning to one of his former clubs is likely to go down well among Huddersfield’s fanbase.
He is held in high regard by supporters after overseeing promotion in 1995 in their first season at what is now known as the John Smiths’ Stadium. He quit a short time after their play-off final victory.
But Warnock faces a tricky assignment in revitalising the fortunes of a struggling Huddersfield side who are now on to their third manager of the season.
On Saturday the Terriers slumped to second bottom of the table following a 1-0 defeat at Wigan, who leapfrogged them. They are currently a point from safety. One of Warnock’s former clubs, Cardiff City, occupy the spot outside the dropzone.
Earlier this month they sacked head coach Mark Fotheringham.
Huddersfield take on Stoke City, away, on Wednesday night. It is unlikely that Warnock, will make the dugout for that fixture. On Saturday, Huddersfield entertain Birmingham City.
When he retired last April, Warnock said he wanted to spend more time with his wife Sharon (L)
Warnock’s return comes despite vowing never to return to the dugout following his retirement in April last year.
He had said the main factor in calling time on his management career was spending time with his family and wife Sharon.
‘I just thought it was the right time, really, coming towards the end of the season, there’s not really a job you’re going to get before then,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘I’ve had a good run really. I’m enjoying things I’ve not done for years, I’m having a lot of time with the family, my dogs and I’ve taken up cycling too.
‘I’m not saying the enthusiasm’s gone, I’ve not lost that, but when I see some of my friends who are struggling health wise, there comes a time where you have to let your family enjoy a little bit more of your time, in particular my wife Sharon.’
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