Next Cardiff City manager favourite admits love for bitter rivals Bristol City

Bristol City’s old adversary Neil Warnock has been linked with a sensational return to Cardiff City.

The 74-year-old announced his retirement from football management in April 2022, bringing to an end a 42-year career. Warnock could be set for a return to management however with his former club Cardiff on the search for a new manager.

The Bluebirds sacked their second coach of the season, Mark Hudson, three months after succeeding Steve Morison. Cardiff are a point above the relegation zone and their Championship status is under threat.

Warnock, who led the Welsh club to promotion to the Premier League in 2018, could now come in for a second spell. The eight-time promotion winner is the firm favourite for the post and there was talk whilst Hudson was at the helm.

As talk continues about Warnock returning to Cardiff City, the former Leeds United boss recently admitted his admiration for the Robins. He went as far as admitting that not managing City was one of his regrets with praise for the fan base.

“The clubs I would have liked to have managed there are so many really,” he said to the Football Ramble. “I love Portsmouth, Ipswich, and Bristol City.

“I do love them three, I’ve always enjoyed managing there. I always think they get behind their teams.”

In February 2017, Warnock went viral when appearing on Goals on Sunday. He made a bizarre request of asking how he wants to be commemorated when he passes.

Warnock for all his battles with City, including a Championship play-off in 2008 in which his Crystal Palace team lost to Gary Johnson’s heroes, wants minutes boo at Ashton Gate specifically.

He added: “I said that to Bristol City fans, not in general. It’s gone a little bit viral that, hasn’t it?

“I’d like to close my eyes and smile and think about what I have done at your clubs. Bristol City, I’ve had some battles with them.”