Warnock quits as Blades boss
Neil Warnock may now be in line for the Man City job
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Wednesday, 16, May 2007 11:37
Neil Warnock has resigned as manager of relegated Sheffield United.
The Blades boss steps down having spent seven and a half years at the helm at Bramall Lane after reportedly turning down a new two-year deal at the club.
It is believed Warnock does not want another managerial stint out of the top flight and it may be that he is in line to take over as the new boss of Manchester City, who parted company with Stuart Pearce earlier this week.
Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe confirmed the decision was "mutual" and said it was in part prompted by the Blades' relegation and the ongoing dispute over the Premier League's failure to dock fellow strugglers West Ham for breaching league rules on transfers.
"He goes well and truly leaving his mark in the history of Sheffield United," McCabe said.
"He has helped play a key role in assisting in the reshaping of the club which is held in high esteem in the world of football.
"We have come a long way with Neil and on a personal note I thank him for his personal commitment to United. He is and always will be a Blade and has a special place here at Bramall Lane."
Warnock is the fifth manager to leave a Premiership club in less than a month; Sam Allardyce left Bolton at the end of April, while Paul Jewell leaving Wigan, Glenn Roeder being fired by Newcastle and Pearce's sacking all occurred in the last ten days.
"At this moment I have all my options open and am looking forward to one final big challenge in my career," Warnock said, adding that he has nothing lined up at the present time.
"I leave with a thousand happy memories and wish to thank everyone at the club for their support over the years, not least the fantastic fans who have shared my passion for this great club."
The 58-year-old became manager of the Blades in December 1999 and guided the club into the Premiership in 2006 having failed to make it through the play-offs after finishing third in the Championship in 2002/03.
But after a heartbreaking last-day defeat by fellow strugglers Wigan last weekend condemned them to relegation, Warnock has decided to end his time at the Sheffield club.
Warnock leaves the club having been in charge for 388 games of which the Blades won 165.