The much-loved Leeds United manager has really put his foot in it this time, as Back of the Net'sPaul Watson reports
Leeds United midfielder Michael Tonge has admitted that his fellow players are growing tired of manager Neil WarnockâÂÂs hands-on approach.
Leeds were drubbed 6-1 by Watford last weekend and have dropped to 17th in the table, despite the best efforts of pugnacious tactician Warnock.
While the Sheffield-born bossâ infectious enthusiasm for the game has been key to his success at other clubs, it seems to be hindering his current players.
âÂÂThere can be no doubting the gafferâÂÂs [Neil WarnockâÂÂs] passion,â Leedsâ scorer Tonge told FourFourTwo in a post-match press conference.
âÂÂHeâÂÂs quite literally kicking every ball out there. But thatâÂÂs starting to slightly rile some of us more experienced players.
"It's alright, Luke, I've got this one!"
âÂÂSometimes itâÂÂs great to see Neil hoof a dangerous ball clear, but against Watford a couple of inviting balls dropped for our strikers only to see the gaffer [Warnock] take too many touches, have his shot blocked or break down into a wheezing fit.âÂÂ
Throughout his managerial career, Warnock has slowly edged towards the playing surface, but itâÂÂs only recently that he openly started chasing the ball and taking occasional wayward shots at goal while barking incomprehensible Yorkshire threats at opponents, teammates and officials alike.
âÂÂI have to admit itâÂÂs quite frustrating when weâÂÂve got a well-placed free-kick and while weâÂÂre still discussing who should take it, the gaffer [Warnock] has stepped up and clipped a feeble, toe-poke into the wall,â Sam Byram explained.
âÂÂThe odd thing is that in training he doesnâÂÂt get involved at all on the playing side. He prefers to sit in a deckchair and eat a full roast dinner with all the trimmings. If he shouts anything at all itâÂÂll be to do with gravy.âÂÂ
Renowned as a feisty character, Warnock has been embroiled in public spats with Gerard Houllier, Stan Ternent, Mick Jones, Joe Kinnear, Kevin Blackwell, three members of Los Lobos, Nigel Worthington, Wally Downes, Gareth Southgate, Gus Poyet, Lord Triesman, Graham Poll, David Elleray, Richard Beeby, the Catholic Church and most acrimoniously with Neil Warnock.
Warnock is expected to make several changes for Leedsâ trip to Millwall, but is likely to field an unchanged Warnock.
Editor's note: this isn't a serious accusation and all quotes are fictionalised. But you knew that, because you're not stupid.
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