Neil Warnock is to sign a new deal as Sheffield United manager just four months after the so-called Battle of Bramall Lane with West Brom left him in fear for his job.
Warnock, a lifelong United supporter, is to receive a two-year contract and he said last night: 'I'm just delighted. Now I'd like to finish my career at this club - with promotion to the Premiership.'
That dream appeared to have been all but extinguished by the notorious events of March 16. The 53-year-old was accused of deliberately engineering the unprecedented abandonment of United's home game with West Brom after three of his players were sent off and two others left the field injured.
The ensuing furore combined with the Blades' disappointing mid-table position led to calls for Warnock's removal. But the cheating claim was dismissed by FA investigators and Warnock, who was merely fined for a touchline indiscretion, began shoring up his position with a late-season revival.
Throughout, he was staunchly supported by chairman Derek Dooley, who has now delivered a significant declaration of faith in Warnock, saying: 'Neil's contract runs out next June and we're hoping to increase it by another 12 months.'
'When he came here two-and-a-half years ago we'd have gone down into the Second Division but for his efforts. Since then we've been there or thereabouts and things look promising.'
- NEWS
