EXCLUSIVE: Neil Warnock sent Gibson message over Boro future

Neil Warnock

Neil Warnock has already been told by Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson that he wants him at the club next season, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Gibson persuaded the 71-year-old to join Boro earlier this month, replacing Jonathan Woodgate as manager.

Warnock has already brought in his own backroom staff including Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson.

Warnock left Cardiff City in November and admitted earlier this year that he wanted ‘one more crack’ at management.

The veteran boss has arrived on a initial deal until the end of the season. Both he and the club are publicly insisting that they have not talked about a long-term contract.

But we understand that Gibson has already told the former Sheffield United and Leeds boss he wants him to be in charge next season.

Now, as long as Boro survive, Warnock is set to have the option of staying on. In doing so, the veteran boss will be hoping to get Boro upwardly mobile. With eight career promotions to his name, Warnock will have ambitions for a ninth.

A source close to the situation confirmed to us: “The plan is for him to stay. The details have not been finalised but Middlesbrough have already made it clear they want him next season.”

 

 

Boro, who are 19th in the table with three matches left, face Reading in a crucial game on Tuesday night.

The source added: “They firmly believe they will stay up with him in charge.”

 

Warnock knows what Boro lack

Warnock has revealed his first impressions of his recently inherited Middlesbrough squad is that it lacks leadership.

“Are there any natural leaders here? Not that I have seen so far.

“We all like one or two nasty people, don’t we? Well, I do.

“It is important. I think Jonny (Howson) and George (Friend) would tell you they are good pros, but whether they are those dominant leaders we are talking about, I am not so sure.

“But they have got to be. Whether they like it or not, they have to be the vocal part because they are the experienced pros in the team.”