Neil Warnock, 76, Eyes Crisis Club Rescue with Shock Return: ‘You’ve Got to Say Yes’

Neil Warnock, 76, Open to Shock Return as Sheffield Wednesday Faces Crisis

Veteran manager Neil Warnock has hinted he could come out of retirement at age 76 to rescue crisis-stricken Sheffield Wednesday. Despite retiring in 2022, Warnock’s managerial career has been marked by brief comebacks, including a dramatic stint at Huddersfield Town in 2023, where he guided the club to Championship safety. A short-lived role at Aberdeen followed in late 2023, and he remains involved as an advisor at Torquay United.

Warnock’s latest comments come after Sheffield Wednesday’s manager Danny Rohl exited by mutual consent this week, leaving the club in turmoil. Financial woes, a transfer embargo, and a depleted squad have compounded the crisis, with the Hillsborough Stadium’s North Stand also closed due to structural concerns.

[IMAGE: Neil Warnock during a past press conference. Caption: Warnock, 76, guided Huddersfield to safety in 2023 after coming out of retirement.]

When asked by talkSPORT about taking the vacant managerial role, Warnock said, “You’ve got to say yes. At my age? Deary me, but you never say never.” He praised Wednesday’s loyal fanbase but acknowledged their struggles: “It’s sad to see players leaving… but good clubs bounce back.”

However, his potential appointment seems unlikely. Warnock, a lifelong Sheffield United fan, previously turned down the Owls in 2013 due to fears of a fan backlash. His past tenure with the Blades (1999–2007), which included promotion to the Premier League, and a 2002 interview criticizing Wednesday (“I’d buy so many tosspots… and retire laughing”) remain contentious.

[IMAGE: Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium. Caption: The club faces on-field and structural challenges ahead of the new season.]

Sheffield Wednesday’s crisis deepens with a third EFL transfer embargo, blocking signings until 2026. Wage delays have sparked calls for owner Dejphon Chansiri to sell, while key player departures leave the squad threadbare ahead of their Championship opener against Leicester on August 10.

[IMAGE: Danny Rohl during a match. Caption: Rohl’s exit leaves Wednesday without a manager two weeks before the season starts.]

Reports suggest Henrik Pedersen, Rohl’s former assistant, is the frontrunner for the job. Warnock, meanwhile, remains a reluctant hero, joking about his age but leaving the door ajar: “It is a good club, and it does need managing.”

[IMAGE: Warnock celebrating with Sheffield United. Caption: His Blades allegiance complicates a potential Owls move.]

Though Warnock’s experience could steady the ship, his history with Sheffield United and past remarks may overshadow any rescue mission. For now, Wednesday’s hopes rest on resolving off-field chaos—and finding a manager willing to tackle the challenge.