Warnock has always been a divisive character and his appointment as Leeds United manager was not necessarily greeted with cheers by all of the club’s long suffering supporters. However, few would have expected the controversial 64-year-old to publicly ask to be fired.
That was effectively what Warnock did when he responded to speculation that he may not be kept on as manager by the club’s new owners if Leeds don’t win promotion.
“If we don’t go up, I think everybody knows I won’t be here next season,” said Warnock.
“They might want to make a change sooner. If they think it will help them, I’m not against it. If I can help them, I will.”
To publicly state that he is “not against” leaving is a shocking admission from someone who is supposed to be rallying his troops for a playoff push and it is one that should be taken very seriously by GFH Capital.
They claim to have not made any decisions about the manager’s position.
"We have not yet spoken to anyone regarding the manager's position," they said.
"As everyone is aware, Neil Warnock is under contract until the end of the season, and it would be wrong of us to discuss his future publicly at this time."
However, it is counter-productive to retain the services of someone who is clearly not committed to the club and Leeds United owners would be advised to make a change sooner rather than later, particularly with the club still in with a shot of making the playoffs. Warnock is clearly aware that any dismissal would come with a payoff and many will feel that he shouldn’t be given his wish.
Unfortunately, in situations like this it is a necessary evil and it is more prudent for Leeds to give Warnock his three months salary now and have a chance of promotion than to stand their ground and have to wait until next season.
Written by Neil Roarty from Bettingpro.com.