Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Neil Warnock as their new manager on a contract until the end of the 2012/13 campaign.
Whites turn to former Sheffield United and QPR boss
Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Neil Warnock as their new manager on a contract until the end of the 2012/13 campaign.
The Whites parted company with Simon Grayson on 1st February and have taken the time to consider all of the options available to them.
Warnock, who was sacked by QPR in January, was touted as a leading contender for the role almost immediately, but there were a number of other candidates in the frame.
Mick McCarthy and Lee Clark, who have recently lost their jobs at Wolves and Huddersfield respectively, were also believed to be in the running.
Neil Redfearn was also in contention, but the Whites' caretaker coach has overseen two defeats in three outings since inheriting the reins.
As a result, Leeds have decided to turn to a man who boasts considerable coaching experience.
Warnock is also a manager who has taken previous employers out of the Championship and into the Premier League, something the Whites will be looking to do under his guidance.
Objective
Chairman Ken Bates told the club's
official website: "We believe the appointment is arguably the most important we have made.
"The objective was to appoint a manager who had a proven track record of getting teams promoted and in Neil we have a man whose record is second to none.
"We want to be in the Premier League and we will support him in the quest to get us there."
Warnock said: "I feel I have one big challenge left in me and believe Leeds is a club that should be in the Premier League.
"I want to be the man who is able to deliver this for a set of fans who never cease to amaze me with their numbers and their loyalty.
"Having met with Ken Bates, it was an easy decision to take up the challenge and with his support, we share the same vision of getting Leeds United in the Premier League."
Redfearn will remain in charge for Saturday's fixture with Doncaster, but will return to his role with the club's academy next week.
