Neil Warnock is expected to step away from his role as Torquay United manager just two weeks after coming out of retirement to help the National League South side. The 77-year-old former Sheffield United boss returned to Plainmoor, where he had managed in the early 1990s, but his tenure may be brief as the club closes in on a permanent appointment.
Warnock had been serving as an advisor to the board since 2024 and took the unpaid role after Torquay sacked manager Paul Wotton in late February. During his stint in charge, the team won two of four games, leaving them fourth in the table. However, the club’s managerial search has accelerated, and Warnock has not been involved in the selection process.
“The interview process has taken place, they have got in mind the people or the person that they want,” Warnock said. “I said to the board that they have to do their due diligence. I haven’t really given an opinion. They need to appoint who they feel is the right one.”
In a statement, Torquay’s board acknowledged the urgency but stressed the importance of making the correct decision. “We are progressing at speed, but this is a hugely important decision for the medium-term future of the club,” they said. “It is more important that the board completes a thorough process than rushes a decision we may later regret.”
Torquay have been in non-league since relegation from the Football League in 2014. They are currently aiming to return to the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
