Neil Warnock announces retirment to call an end to his 42 years in management

Neil Warnock announced his retirement while working as a pundit on Soccer Saturday, suggesting it was "the right time" for him to call an end to his management career.

The 73-year-old's last stint came at Middlesbrough, who he took charge of for a season and a half before leaving in November 2021.

His first job came back in 1980 when he took charge of Gainsborough Trinity, and 42 years later Warnock has taken charge of more than 1,600 games.

His time as a manager saw him take charge of 16 different clubs, and he leaves with a CV boasting a record eight promotions, including taking Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff to the Premier League.

The charismatic manager also holds the record for the most games managed in professional English football, a compliment to the longetivity of Warnock's remarkable career.

When announcing his retirement on Sky Sports, Warnock said:

"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.

"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!"