Soccer legend Neil Warnock, 77, comes out of retirement to manage former team

Veteran manager Neil Warnock will return to the dugout for National League South side Torquay United's game against Farnborough, nearly two years after confirming his retirement from football management

Neil Warnock during his time at Huddersfield Town(Image: Getty Images)

Neil Warnock is set to return to the touchline, stepping in to lead National League South outfit Torquay United for the team's forthcoming fixture against Farnborough.

This marks Warnock's first managerial assignment in nearly two years. The 77-year-old, who once almost signed Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, announced his departure from management in April 2024, after a caretaker stint with Scottish club Aberdeen. Despite this, he's remained involved with Torquay in an advisory capacity over the past two years.

Following a crushing 5-0 defeat at home to Chelmsford City on Saturday, the club decided to part ways with Paul Wotton.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the club confirmed: "Torquay United Football Club can confirm that it has today parted company with first team manager Paul Wotton.

"We are very grateful to Paul for his hard work, professionalism, and commitment during his time at the club. We thank Paul for his contribution, both on and off the pitch. Torquay United wish Paul every success in his future endeavors.

"Neil Warnock will take the team for Tuesday night's fixture with Farnborough, and an update on interim arrangements will be communicated in due course."

Neil Warnock will return to the dugout this week, almost two years after announcing his retirement from management(Image: Getty Images)

Warnock, who previously coached Torquay in 1993, launched his managerial journey with Gainsborough in 1980, making Torquay the 17th side he's overseen across 46 years.

Throughout that period, he's presided over 1,060 matches, securing 392 victories, 293 draws and suffering 375 defeats.

Reflecting on his accomplishments back in August last year, he shared with The Guardian: "I've had eight promotions, and if I went back to these clubs tomorrow, I'd get a great reception.

"I got Cardiff in the Premier League. Look where they are now. To get Notts County in the top flight?

"If I had a fashionable name or I were a fashionable manager, I think I'd have got more acknowledgment.

"But they gave me an award this year at the Football League, for my contribution to the EFL."

Currently, Torquay is positioned fourth in the National League South, but without a win in its last five matches, prompting the decision to change management.

While Warnock will assume control for Tuesday's match, it seems that this is not a long-term solution as the club commences its hunt for a permanent successor.