Neil Warnock has always been a largely outspoken individual in the world of football, so much so that he has been dubbed the marmite man by some corners.
Yes, the old, you either love him or you hate him chestnut. Well, unless you are either a supporter of Sheffield United or Crystal Palace, it would be an educated guess that it is the latter.
Warnock seemingly has an uncanny knack of being able to wind up opposing players and management with his antics on the sidelines, and following yesterday’s F.A Cup fifth round clash with Aston Villa, the Palace boss didn’t hold back when asked about the visitor’s controversial equaliser, which subsequently forced a replay.
Assistant referee Trevor Massey incorrectly awarded Aston Villa a corner, which Stiliyan Petrov converted, when the ball had in-fact come off Nathan Delfouneso. It was unfortunate for Palace, but Warnock clearly feels that there should be consequences for the official: “There second goal was a disgrace. We gave everything and in the end we were let down by incompetence. I’ve been told that if Mr Massey got it wrong he’ll be suspended. I hope he is, and I hope he is suspended for a long time.”
A familiar stance from Warnock
Certainly strong words. Ones which could see Warnock in hot water with the F.A – again. Football is clearly a passionate game. Anyone who plays, manages watches, can support this. However, decisions can go against you at any level, and although the standard of refereeing is very high, even 5-a-side soccer and 6-a-side football Leisure Leagues officials can make the odd error.
The circumstances surrounding Crystal Palace have been well documented, and the presence of the administrators may prove to be unsettling. Every individuals future is uncertain, but judging by the performance on the field, Warnock’s side are prepared to give it all for the cause, so when a massive decision goes the other way, frustrations can boil over.
ITV, who couldn’t have selected two better games to cover yesterday, focused on Warnock in their pre match coverage, which proved to be a rather interesting feature. The angle concentrated on reflecting more on the man as a person, rather than the hot headed prowler who appears on the touchline, debating every decision, and giving it all for the cause.
Most people have their minds firmly made up in regards to Warnock, but one issue that can’t be debated is his willingness to succeed, and when you want someone in your trenches to dig deep, Warnock seems to thrive.
Darren Ambrose looked to have sealed it with a stunning free kick, only for Petrov to grab a controversial equaliser
Maybe this is why reports have surfaced, linking him with the non vacant position at Queens Park Rangers. Mick Harford is contracted at Loftus Road until the end of the current campaign, but a contract at QPR is about as secure as stating that the Titanic was unsinkable. Judging by recent results the Super Hoops are going down as rapidly as the doomed voyager, having seemingly hit a number of ice-cubes already.
Why then, would Warnock even be tempted to take over the reigns at the capital city rivals?
Despite the ten point deduction and uncertainty at Selhurst Park, even Crystal Palace seem better equipped to evade the drop than farcical Queens Park Rangers.
Believe it or not, Warnock does have his admirers, and if he sticks to his guns by avoiding the temptation to move across the river, and steers Palace to safety, he may have worshipers. The administrators will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of a replay at Villa Park, but the bread and butter of the league will be the focus for Warnock: “Lets get up there and then get on with the league.”
The priority is to avoid the drop, and following the weekends results Palace are hanging precariously close to the trap door. There is no better time to start concentrating on the league than Wednesday night, with a monumental six pointer against Reading. Talk about six pointers.
Alex Z