Odds slashed on shock return to management for ex-Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock

Former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has been linked with a surprise return to management in Scotland.

Warnock left Cardiff City in November with the Welsh side lagging behind in the Championship promotion race, having been relegated from the Premier League in May.

The ex-Blades boss had made noises about retiring in the near-future, yet Warnock has now been linked to the vacant managerial post at Kilmarnock.

Killie sacked Angelo Alessio from the role earlier this week, after he struggled to match the success of previous gaffer Steve Clarke, who left Rugby Park to manage the Scottish national team.

Alessio’s number two Alex Dyer is the bookies favourite at evens, but odds have been slashed on a move for Warnock, to the extent that he is now third favourite for the role at 4/1.

Other notable names in the running include Ally McCoist at 16/1 and David Moyes at 20/1.

Warnock managed the Blades the last time they were in the Premier League, achieving promotion from the Championship in second place in 2005/06.

The Blades were relegated from the top flight in controversial circumstances, with Carlos Tevez playing a pivotal role in West Ham United’s survival whilst in the midst of a complicated third-party ownership contract dispute.

Warnock resigned from his role after the relegation, and has since managed a number of teams including Rotherham United, Crystal Palace and Leeds United.