Neil Warnock ‘set to step back after just TWO WEEKS in charge of Torquay’ – after legendary manager came out of retirement at age 77

Veteran manager Neil Warnock is set to step back from his role as interim manager at Torquay after coming out of retirement for the job at the age of 77 two weeks ago. 

Warnock has held a role as advisor to the club’s board since 2024 and took up the unpaid role after the National League South side sacked former manager Paul Wotton at the end of February. 

The journeyman boss previously worked at the club over 33 years ago, in a stint that he has said saved his managerial career as he helped them swerve relegation at the end of the 1992-93 season. 

Under Warnock’s tenure, the club beat Salisbury, drew with Farnborough, and lost to Ebbsfleet United, but ahead of facing Chesham, the 77-year-old hinted that his work was done at the club. 

Warnock even went as far as to stress that there would be a possibility of a change in the dugout on Saturday afternoon, although this did not come to pass. 

‘The interview process has taken place, they have got in mind the people or the person that they want,’ Warnock said. ‘Now it is just a matter of the board dealing with it really.

‘I know the candidates, but I said to the board that they have to do their due diligence. 

‘They have spoken to me about it, but I haven’t really given an opinion. They need to appoint who they feel is the right one, having made the decision to let Paul (Wotton) go.

‘I am sure they’re working really hard, they’ve been all over the place in the past couple of days – welcome to my world!

‘They’ve been doing hard work getting interviews, we’ll have to wait and see now.’

In a statement from the board on Saturday afternoon, the club confirmed that they were working as quickly as possible to secure a permanent appointment. 

‘On the managerial situation, we know supporters are keen for clarity, and so are we,’ the statement read. 

‘The process to appoint our new manager is progressing at speed, but this is a hugely important decision for the medium-term future of Torquay United. It is one we simply have to get right. 

‘While we all want matters concluded as quickly as possible, it is more important that the Board completes a thorough process and secures the best possible candidate for our football club than rushes a decision we may later regret.’ 

Prior to taking up his position with the Gulls, Warnock’s last managerial appointment came at Aberdeen, where he was similarly appointed as a caretaker in 2024. 

Warnock started his first manager role in 1980 with Gainsborough Trinity but is probably best known for his work with Sheffield United.

He led his home city club to Premier League promotion in 2006 and took them to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the League Cup.

The popular Yorkshireman also led QPR and Crystal Palace into the Premier League.