The three offers Neil Warnock had before joining Cardiff City and his message to Junior Hoilett and Sol Bamba
The Yorkshireman has spoken about why he chose to manage Cardiff over a trio of other clubs while also likening the Bluebirds to a Premier League side
By Ian Mitchelmore
Friday 10th April 2020
Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock celebrates with Sol Bamba
Neil Warnock has revealed he turned down the the advances of three different clubs before being appointed as Cardiff City boss.
The Yorkshireman took charge of the Bluebirds in October 2017 following the sacking of Paul Trollope, with Cardiff languishing in 23rd place in the Championship before Warnock led them to a top half finish.
Warnock has revealed he rejected approaches from Nottingham Forest, Blackburn and Derby before taking the hotseat in the Welsh capital following his period with Rotherham.
And the veteran boss - who guided the Bluebirds to a stunning promotion in his first full season in charge at Cardiff City Stadium - has said Sol Bamba and Junior Hoilett became "fed up" of waiting to re-unite themselves with the now jobless manager after being promised he would sign them at his new club.
“Before going to Cardiff — which did feel right from the start — I’d had two or three clubs come in for me: Nottingham Forest, Derby and Blackburn," he told The Athletic.
"I had told Sol Bamba (then at Leeds) and Junior (Hoilett, then at Queens Park Rangers) to wait for me but even they were getting fed up as it was October before I went to Cardiff.
“The club reminded me a bit of Sheffield United — one of those places where the fans really get behind the team, making it hostile for the visiting team. We were a good match."
Warnock ultimately left his role as manager of Cardiff in November last year, with Neil Harris being named as his successor.
But the experienced boss has refused to rule out a return to the dugout in the near future.
“Never say never,” he added.
"Age should not be the deciding factor. Roy Hodgson is older than me, for a start.
"The big thing is whether you still have the drive. And if the right job comes along.
“I still love the game as much as ever. There really is nothing like that moment when the final whistle blows and you have won a match. Or just clinched promotion."
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