NEIL WARNOCK joked he was expecting an SOS from Premier League strugglers Tottenham or Nottingham Forest — not Torquay.
The 77-year-old has taken charge of the National League South side as caretaker manager, tasked with guiding them to promotion in his first job since leaving Aberdeen in March 2024.
Warnock, one of English football’s most decorated managers, was appointed weeks after both Spurs and Forest hired new bosses in the hope of avoiding relegation.
And he said: “It’s a surprise for me to be here. I thought I’d have been at Tottenham or Forest or somewhere like that.
“I could do a better job — but they never asked me.”
Despite his age, Warnock has not lost his passion for the game, adding: “I know I’m at an age where people don’t normally get managerial jobs.
“But I’ve enjoyed this morning like I’ve been here all year.
“It’s lovely to be back with the players — they keep you young.”
Warnock has been handed the reins at Plainmoor following the sacking of Paul Wooton last Sunday.
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He said: “I didn’t envisage anything like this.
“I helped bring Paul to the club and I think he’s done a fantastic job over the last couple of years.
“It’s sad how it’s ended, when a few weeks ago he got manager of the month, but that’s football and I understand that.
“As long as the fans realise what he’s done, because he built the club from nothing when he first came.”
Warnock’s first game since leaving Aberdeen will see the Gulls host Farnborough at Plainmoor on Tuesday night.
