Neil Warnock, the seasoned football manager with an impressive track record in English professional football, has revealed his deep desire to manage in Scotland. Despite his long and storied career, the 74-year-old has never had the opportunity to take the helm of a Scottish club.
In a recent interview with BBC Scotland’s “Sacked in the Morning” podcast, Warnock expressed his affection for Scotland and his aspiration to manage a team there. He reminisced about a time when he was tantalizingly close to becoming the manager of Heart of Midlothian, the Edinburgh-based football club. However, to his bemusement, the job went to someone from Latvia, which led him to quip, “they obviously didn’t want me.”
It’s worth noting that Hearts have never actually had a Latvian manager, but they did have a string of managers from countries that were once part of the former Soviet Union during the ownership of Vladimir Romanov.
Warnock’s connection to Scotland goes beyond his professional ambitions. He spoke fondly of his holiday home in Argyll, where he and his wife, Sharon, have found solace during challenging moments in his career. Explaining the bond he has with the area, he mentioned how they have a house in Dunoon and even have a connection with Greenock Morton, a local football team.
“I’ve got bricks in the wall at Greenock Morton because that’s our local team as we have a house at Dunoon,” he shared. “My wife Sharon’s grandparents came from Dunoon, so from the ’90s we’ve gone up there. It’s so peaceful.”
In addition to enjoying the tranquility of Scotland, Warnock and his wife indulge in golf at a picturesque course called Blairmore and Strone, which he described as beautiful and relaxing. These serene moments in Scotland have served as a respite for the seasoned manager, allowing him to clear his mind during international breaks and other periods of respite.
Warnock’s love for Scotland is so profound that not even a humorous anecdote from one of his players dissuaded him from considering a job in the country. He recounted how he once applied for the Aberdeen job but didn’t receive a reply. When he asked one of his players, Laurent D’Jaffo, about Aberdeen, D’Jaffo humorously remarked that it was so cold even seagulls avoided landing there.
Beyond football, Warnock’s interview on the podcast delved into some unexpected territory, including his skills as a chiropodist. He admitted to being good at it but shared a comical anecdote about an incident involving his club’s chairman and an ingrown toenail.
Despite his recent departure from Huddersfield Town, Warnock is optimistic about his future in football. He anticipates being back in a managerial role after enjoying a relaxing Christmas break. He’s embraced a new routine of working from February until the end of the season, aligning his career with some major sporting events, including the Ryder Cup, the Rugby World Cup, and the Cricket World Cup.
In conclusion, Neil Warnock’s passion for Scotland and his candid anecdotes make for an engaging story of a football manager with a deep-seated desire to cross the border into Scottish football management. His enduring love for the country and his unique experiences add a layer of intrigue to his already illustrious career in football. Who knows, perhaps one day, he’ll finally get the chance to fulfill his dream of managing in Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Neil Warnock’s Scottish Ambitions
Q: Who is Neil Warnock, and what is his connection to Scotland?
A: Neil Warnock is a highly experienced football manager with a remarkable career in English professional football. He has managed 16 clubs and holds a record for managing the most matches in English professional football. While he hasn’t managed in Scotland yet, he has expressed a strong desire to do so. He once came close to becoming the manager of Heart of Midlothian, a Scottish football club, though the job ultimately went to someone from Latvia.
Q: What is Neil Warnock’s relationship with Scotland beyond football?
A: Neil Warnock has a deep affinity for Scotland that goes beyond his professional ambitions. He and his wife own a holiday home in Argyll, and they have cherished their peaceful moments there for years. They also have a connection to the local football team, Greenock Morton. Warnock and his wife enjoy golf at a picturesque course called Blairmore and Strone, which adds to their love for the country.
Q: Did Neil Warnock have any amusing experiences related to Scotland?
A: Yes, during his interview, Neil Warnock shared a humorous anecdote about one of his players, Laurent D’Jaffo, who described Aberdeen as so cold that even seagulls avoided landing there. Despite the jest, Warnock’s passion for Scotland remains undiminished.
Q: What are Neil Warnock’s future plans in football?
A: Neil Warnock is optimistic about his future in football. Despite being sacked by Huddersfield Town, he plans to return to management after enjoying a relaxing Christmas break. He has adopted a new routine of working from February until the end of the season, aligning his career with major sporting events like the Ryder Cup, Rugby World Cup, and Cricket World Cup.
Q: How can I learn more about Neil Warnock’s Scottish dreams and his football career?
A: You can explore Neil Warnock’s Scottish aspirations and his intriguing football journey by listening to his interview on the “Sacked in the Morning” podcast, which provides a deeper insight into his experiences and ambitions.
More about Neil Warnock’s Scottish Ambitions
- Neil Warnock: Football Manager Profile – Learn more about Neil Warnock’s extensive career in football.
- Heart of Midlothian Football Club – Explore the official website of Heart of Midlothian, the Scottish club mentioned in the text.
- Greenock Morton Football Club – Visit the official website of Greenock Morton, the local team associated with Neil Warnock’s Scottish adventures.
- Blairmore and Strone Golf Club – Discover more about the picturesque golf course mentioned in the text.
- Sacked in the Morning Podcast – Listen to Neil Warnock’s interview on the “Sacked in the Morning” podcast for his insights and anecdotes.
- Ryder Cup – Learn about one of the major sporting events Neil Warnock mentioned as part of his future plans.
- Rugby World Cup – Explore the Rugby World Cup, another event aligning with Warnock’s career plans.
- Cricket World Cup – Discover more about the Cricket World Cup, the third major sporting event mentioned by Neil Warnock.
1 comment
I ken the beauty o’ Argyll, braw place! Warnock’s got bricks at Greenock Morton? Naw, really? Golf at Blairmore & Strone – sounds awfae guid!