Exclusive – Warnock: ‘QPR won the title on the pitch, and we’re going to celebrate’
QPR boss Neil Warnock is promising to celebrate promotion to the Premier League – whatever the football authorities have to say.
Rangers could be deducted points as the result of an FA investigation into the third-party ownership of Alejandro Faurlin. Their fate is expected to be decided on Friday, but Warnock insists he’s only interested in matters on the pitch.
He told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “We won the Championship on the field of play and that’s all I’m bothered about. So we’re going to celebrate on Saturday with the home fans and that’s how it’s going to be.
“It’s not been the easiest for me. It’s difficult enough trying to win games in the Championship as it is, and something that happened before I even arrived at the club has made it even more difficult. But we’ve just got on with getting the results on the pitch and that’s all we can do.”
Warnock has steered Rangers back into the top-flight for the first time in 15 years, but speculation continues to link other people with his job, as well as newspaper reports linking him with West Ham. But the fact there have been no talks about a new Loftus Road deal doesn’t bother him one bit.
“I think I do get the acclaim I deserve,” he added. “Contracts aren’t worth much anyway. My reward is winning the Championship and equalling Graham Taylor’s record of seven promotions. That’s what I’ve wanted to do and they’re not going to take that away.
“I’m well thought of by the supporters. Some of them probably didn’t want me to come in the first place, but they’ve been brilliant and I’m delighted for them. They’ve not had a lot to shout about for the last 15 years.
“Speculation does drive you bonkers, bur our owners [at QPR] are quite unique. They do say things on the spur of the moment sometimes. If you remember a few months ago it was Marcelo Lippi who was going to come in and replace me.
“Well, I can’t imagine Lippi wanting to manage at QPR if I’m honest. But you have to live with that. There’s so much speculation around football management these days.”