Neil Warnock is back in management with Huddersfield despite claiming he was retiring back in April.
The long-time manager, who has been in dugouts for more than four decades, said he was done when he left Middlesbrough by mutual consent in April 2021 as he looked to spend more time with his family. However, Huddersfield's plea has evoked a sudden u-turn.
The Terriers, who are sat in the Championship relegation zone, were looking for their fourth manager of the season after axing Mark Fotheringham recently. Warnock, who previously worked at Huddersfield during the mid-1990s, flew over from the USA to pen a deal until the end of the season.
Warnock said on his return: “I’m really excited about this challenge! My first spell at Huddersfield Town had everything; we went to Wembley twice, moved into the new stadium, and really built the club from nothing. It was a special time.
"I’m coming back to help the club, but also Dean Hoyle. I know what he has done behind-the-scenes and I’ve always had a lot of time for him. I’ve looked at the fixtures and we’ve got some fantastic games to come. I want to come back and put smiles on faces!”
Warnock has previously pulled off impressive rescue acts, namely his short spell at Rotherham, whom he steered clear of relegation back in the 2015/16 season.
The 74-year-old remains a firm favourite among Huddersfield supporters having gained promotion with them back in 1995 - which was their first year in their new stadium. He left shortly after their play-off victory over Bristol Rovers at Wembley. He has appointed club favourite Ronnie Jepson as his assistant.
Former Sheffield United and QPR boss Warnock has secured a host of promotions from the Football League, but his task now will be survival. Huddersfield made the play-off final last term and were 90 minutes from the Premier League, only to lose to Nottingham Forest.
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That proved to be Carlos Corberan's final game and Danny Schofield and Fotheringham have since been axed after short spells in the dugout. Huddersfield have now won just seven of their 30 games in the Championship and haven't picked up three points in 2023.
Warnock's imminent return to management comes despite previous comments where he stated the need to spend more time with those closest to him. "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."
