Neil Warnock has announced an end to his 42-year managerial career.
The former Crystal Palace, QPR and Sheffield United manager has been out of work since being sacked by Middlesbrough in November 2021.
Warnock, who holds the record for promotions within the Football League with eight, confirmed his decision when speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday.
No one has managed more games in English professional football with Warnock’s total passing 1,600 after a career that started with Gainsborough Trinity in 1980.
His greatest success came with hometown club Sheffield United, leading them to the top flight in 2005 before spells with QPR, who he also won promotion with, and two spells with Palace.
Warnock’s last stint in the Premier League came with Cardiff City in 2018-19.
“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.
“When you’re a manager you’re very selfish, you take your job home with you whether you’re on a high or a low and it’s very difficult for your wife and kids.
“It’s hard to replicate the final whistle when you’re won a game, there’s nothing quite like that in normal life, and you have to realise you’re not going to get that buzz again in that situation. But I’m doing a couple of evenings in the theatre, and I imagine I’ll still be nervous before them!”
