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Leeds United: Neil gets the best out of his players - McCall INTERVIEW
MR MOTIVATOR: Former Sheffield United assistant Stuart McCall (left) says Neil Warnock is the perfect man to revive the fortunes of Leeds United.
Stuart McCall has identified Neil Warnock’s man-management skills as his greatest strength in his quest to bring back the good times to Elland Road.
Leeds-born McCall, currently managing Scottish Premier League side Motherwell, was handed his first start in coaching under Warnock at Sheffield United in 2002, with the pair helping to mastermind the Blades’ promotion to the Premier League in 2005-06.
And the former Bradford City boss insists Warnock’s motivational skills in inspiring the best out of his charges when it matters – on a match-day – is second to none.
The 63-year-old’s ability to create a vibrant atmosphere among the playing staff at any club he manages is another of his assets.
McCall, initially signed as a player, at the age of 38, by Warnock in 2002, said: “Speaking to people prior to me coming across Neil, it seems he’s mellowed to what he was as a young manager. But for me his man-management, and getting the best out of his players, is his real strength.
“Neil always said his most important part (of being a manager) is the 10 minutes before a game and at half-time. For him, it’s about getting the best out of what he’s got to work with.
“He’s done that wherever he’s been, doing it his way really. That’s what has brought him his success. He never over-complicates things.
“He’s passionate about the game and wants to succeed, like we all do. His experience and knowledge of getting promotion is second to none.”
McCall feels the lure of taking over at a genuine footballing giant in Leeds would have been impossible to turn down for Warnock.
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And with his former gaffer’s big personality and background in orchestrating successful promotion campaigns, he feels United and Warnock are a perfect fit.
Warnock is something of a promotion king with seven currently under his belt – the same number as Graham Taylor and Dave Bassett – and if he helps Leeds reach the Premiership Promised Land again, he will earn a place in the record books.
McCall said: “It’s a good appointment, definitely.
“With all respect to Sheffield United, QPR and Crystal Palace, where he’s been previously, Leeds is the biggest club he’s managed in terms of the size and history of the club and crowds it can attract. And the expectations as well, really.
“I’m sure it’s a challenge Neil will be looking to get his teeth into.
“I texted him after his sacking at QPR and I didn’t think it would be long before he would be back in the game.
“You only have to look at his record of promotions to see the success at the clubs he’s been at.
“Earlier on in his career, it was at a lower level, though he had great success in bringing Notts County up to Division One.
“He’s also obviously taken Sheffield United and QPR up to the Premiership, and he’s got such a wealth of experience at doing what Leeds need him to do, which is get them up a league.
“If you look at the Leeds side there are certainly goals in there and I think it will be at the other end of the park that he will be looking to go in and sort out because Leeds defitnitely have firepower up front.
“Defensively, he’ll have to go in there and maybe wheel and deal and make a mark and get players he wants in.
“He obviously got a good boost on Saturday and was in the dressing room at half-time and got a response.
“When you go into a club you want to hit the ground running and that result will fire everybody up, including the fans as well.
“Obviously when it comes down to a Saturday it’s a serious business, but during the week, though he’ll get the players to work hard, all their work will be done with a smile on their face and a bit of enjoyment and the atmosphere will be good.
“The players will be able to go out there and relax and show the ability they have got.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
There are 3 comments to this article
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armchairtd
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 07:35 AMAssistant to NW would be a good idea - always had a lot of time for Stuart McCall. He has a solid and knowledgeable footballing brain, he can organise and motivate players, worth a punt I'd say.
OzTyke
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 04:45 AMLooks like a job application from Stuart! When you think about it, they had a very successful partnership at Sheff Utd, and Keith Curle has decided that running the show at Notts County is more attractive to him at this stage, which leaves NR hunting for an assistant. Manager at Motherwell, or assistant boss at Elland Road, maybe with a chance to take over the reins when Warnock finishes his one last challenge? Hmmm... get on the phone, fellas! MOT
paz
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 04:17 AMLets hope so!
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