Neil Warnock comes out of retirement to manage again aged 77

Neil Warnock simply cannot stay away from the dugout.

Torquay United have announced the 77-year-old will be in charge for their non-league match against Farnborough on Tuesday after they sacked Paul Wotton.

Getty

The National League South team axed Wotton a day after they were booed off the field by their own supporters following a 5-0 loss at home to Chelmsford City.

It was Torquay’s worst defeat at home since November 2019, when they were beaten 5-1 by Stockport County.

Torquay’s statement on Wotton’s future

“Torquay United Football Club can confirm that it has today parted company with First-Team Manager Paul Wotton,” the club said in a statement.

“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 endeavours. 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.”

Wotton was appointed in May 2024 and picked up the National League South Manager of the Month award for January.

However, a run of one point from a possible 15 in their last five matches proved to be the death knell for Wotton, with Warnock to step in.

Why Warnock is ready to go

The 77-year-old was already at the club, albeit as a board member.

Warnock was handed a spot on the board in May 2024 and acted as an adviser to the new owners.

However, he’s now set for his first managerial role, even if temporary, since he departed Scottish side Aberdeen in March 2024.

Getty

It proved to be an underwhelming stint as Warnock won just two of his eight games in charge before he stepped down.

Torquay’s match on Tuesday also won’t be the first time Warnock has taken charge of the club, having previously led the Gulls from March to May in 1993.

Warnock’s remarkable stats

Warnock stands alone among his peers, with no manager overseeing more games in English football than the 77-year-old.

He has proven especially adept outside of the Premier League having led his teams to eight promotions, a figure unmatched by any other manager.

Torquay go into Tuesday’s fixture against Farnborough sitting fourth in the National League South with 57 points after 34 games.

Only first place earns instant promotion back to the National League, with teams sitting second and third going straight to the semi-finals in the promotion play-offs.

As for teams between fourth and seventh, they go into the play-off quarter-finals.

Neil Warnock's managerial career at a glance

February 1981 – March 1986: Burton Albion (303 games)

August 1986 – January 1989: Scarborough United (121 games)

January 1989 – January 1993: Notts County (60 games)

March 1993 – May 1993: Torquay United (9 games)

July 1993 – June 1995: Huddersfield Town (6 games)

June 1995 – February 1997: Plymouth Argyle (25 games)

February 1997 – May 1998: Oldham Athletic (63 games)

June 1998 – December 1999: Bury (77 games)

December 1999 – May 2007: Sheffield United (383 games)

October 2007 – March 2010: Crystal Palace (129 games)

March 2010 – January 2012: Queens Park Rangers (84 games)

February 2012 – April 2013: Leeds United (62 games)

August 2014 – December 2014: Crystal Palace (17 games)

November 2015 – December 2015: Queens Park Rangers (3 games)

February 2016 – June 2016: Rotherham United (16 games)

October 2016 – November 2019: Cardiff City (144 games)

June 2020 – November 2021: Middlesbrough (74 games)

February 2023 – September 2023: Huddersfield Town (23 games)

February 2024 – March 2024: Aberdeen (8 games)