Neil Warnock given guard of honour by his own players after 74-year-old miraculously saves Huddersfield from relegation
NEIL WARNOCK was given a guard of honour by his Huddersfield players after leading them to safety.
The Terriers beat newly-promoted Sheffield United 1-0 at The John’s Smith Stadium on Friday night to secure their Championship status as Warnock prepares to depart the club at the end of the season.
Reading were relegated as a result of Huddersfield‘s win.
It comes less than three months after Warnock returned to the club which he took into the second tier back in 1995.
Arriving to begin his second stint, Huddersfield sat one point adrift of safety.
But the 74-year-old veteran coach has guided them to six wins and four draws in 14 matches to clinch survival, moving them up to 18th place with one game remaining.
And Warnock’s players showed their appreciation for their manager by giving him a guard of honour at full-time.
The boyhood Sheffield United fan applauded the Huddersfield crowd as he made his way down the tunnel with a beaming smile on his face.
Speaking about the guard of honour in his post-match press conference, he said: “I wasn’t expecting that at all. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever had one of them.
“It was an emotional night all round for the fans. They really got behind us and it’s been a rollercoaster ride.
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“I think tonight will have converted youngsters for years to come.
“I remember going to Bramall Lane as a kid, I think it was Arsenal we were playing under floodlights. That just did me, I had to be a Unitedite, and I’m sure we’ll have done the same for a few young Town fans tonight.”
Despite the success, Warnock has confirmed he will not be carrying on at Huddersfield next season.
He only signed a short-term deal until the end of the campaign and insists he still plans to leave in the summer.
Asked if he is tempted to stay, Warnock added: “No, I can’t do ten months of this. I’ll be back somewhere in February I’m sure! No, I think the job is done now for me.
“I didn’t want to leave it on a bad note and getting relegated but the job’s finished now. They’re a great group of lads – still a bit naive but a good honest group of lads.
“You only see me laughing and joking and doing pressers but behind the scenes it’s bloody hard work.”
Warnock’s final game as Huddersfield boss comes at home to Reading on Monday.