Neil Warnock will attempt to guide Middlesbrough back into the Premier League after the veteran manager committed to leading the former UEFA Cup runners-up next season.

The 71-year-old replaced former Real Madrid and Leeds United defender Jonathan Woodgate at the Middlesbrough helm in June and four wins in eight games ensured they avoided relegation from the Championship.

He had previously been appointed only on a short-term basis but will stay on for the new campaign, Middlesbrough announced on Tuesday.

Warnock, who has achieved eight promotions in his managerial career, is planning an overhaul of his squad before the 2020-21 season begins on the second weekend in September.

He said: "It won't be easy, we need quite a large influx of players and I'll be doing my best over the next few weeks to get the right ones."

Warnock is eyeing a promotion quest next term, rather than another scrap near the foot of the Championship table.

He told Middlesbrough's website: "It's been hard work, make no mistake. But this is a great club and I'd like to take it towards the other end of the table.

"I must have retired about five times now, but there's always something that's brought me back, a challenge, helping somebody out, and this is a similar situation."

Middlesbrough, who lost to Sevilla in the 2006 UEFA Cup final, last competed in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season. In the three years since their relegation, they have finished fifth, seventh and 17th in the second tier.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“This is a great club, and I’d like to take it towards the other end of the table” Read Neil Warnock’s first interview after committing to #Boro at mfc.co.uk #UTB

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