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Lottery wizard Warnock proves doubters wrong
IF the play-offs are a lottery then Neil Warnock must sneak a look at the winning numbers.
The former Sheffield United manager, now weaving his magic at Crystal Palace, has qualified for the end-of-season tournament five times in his career.
And four of those appearances have delivered promotion.
Warnock will attempt to make that five from six when Bristol City visit Selhurst Park this afternoon for the first leg of a double-header between two clubs who, it is fair to say, slipped under the radar when the Premiership contenders were first being discussed in August.
Having taken charge of a Palace team seemingly destined for relegation following Peter Taylor's departure in October, Warnock lifted them from 19th in the table to the heady heights of fifth with a record of 16 wins and 13 draws from his 37 games so far.
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Warnock's seven-and-a-half year tenure at Bramall Lane came to an end during the aftermath of United's controversial relegation from the top-flight last year.
He told The Star that the opportunity to prove a point to those who doubted his credentials has been one of his main motivations since then.
"I was always confident that I'd get a good offer when I left United," Warnock said. "A lot of people thought I was mad to take this one but it seemed perfect for me.
"I've got a great relationship with Simon (Jordan, the Palace chairman), always have had, and it's good to feel wanted.
"There was also a part of me that wanted me to show people that I'm still a good manager, especially after some of the things being put around when I left (United).
"I knew I was, but there's always a part of you that wants to make that point to others.
"I think I left United in a much better shape than when I joined and with the best squad in the Championship.
"What Blacky (new boss Kevin Blackwell) has done since he's gone in there has proved that."
Warnock's achievements in the capital are made all the more impressive by the fact that little money has been spent on a team containing some of the most talented youngsters in the division.
"We had to put the kids in because nobody wanted to come to us until January," Warnock admitted. "They've been great - totally fearless.
"Keith Curle and Mick Jones, who were both at United with me, have been absolutely great too on the staff.
"The first thing we had to do was restore confidence because it was rock bottom.
"At United I always made sure people enjoyed coming in to training. When you spend 10 months out of 12 together, you've got to have fun."
On paper, Warnock believes Watford, who face Hull City tomorrow, are the favourites to go up despite winning just one of their final 14 games.
But Warnock's record means the smart money will be on Palace.
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All sport categories and few in South Yorkshire would begrudge him that success.
“I’ve had a lot of people get in touch and send cards from Bramall Lane and it means a lot,” he said.
“Watford have probably got the strongest squad out of the four of us and they’ll be like a wounded animal.
“Although anyone can beat anyone else at this stage, I wouldn’t say it’s a lottery.
“You’ve got to believe in your team and enjoy the experience.
“That’s what I’ve told the lads here - ‘make sure you enjoy it’. If it doesn’t work out, they can still look back on a great season.”
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
