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To have come back from 1-0 down with 10 men at a club in such good form as MK Dons was a good effort which spoke volumes for the character in the side, especially as we haven't won an FA Cup game in 11 years! Then at 8.30 on Sunday morning I received a text from Phil Beard, QPR's chief executive, and I knew it was all over. The hardest 22 months of my career, but also the most rewarding, had come to an end.
Phil's text only said that the owners had been talking overnight, and could he come over and see me, but I knew. There had been a bit of chatter on Twitter and I had heard rumours, so the writing was on the wall, I just didn't realise it was in such big letters. I'd still been putting in bids for players on the eve of the FA Cup tie and I thought I'd get a bit more time. I'd fulfilled my remit, to get to the transfer window outside the bottom three, and was confident I'd get Alex and Nedum Onuoha in to fix our problems at central defence.
Only six weeks ago I talked with the board and we said it would be a difficult period until January because of the opposition we had, but then we had a winnable run of fixtures which, with the team strengthened, would provide the opportunity to move up the table. It is not as if we had been playing badly. We've been undone by individual errors. I still feel we have played some fabulous football and in those last eight games, other than against Manchester United, we could have had so many more points. Only those around the club realise what I've had to contend with — at least until my book comes out. But I'm not going to whinge today, it'll only give ammunition to all those columnists who like to have a dig at me.
I phoned him and said, "come over". It was difficult for him, he's only been at the club a few months. I was disappointed [owner] Tony Fernandes didn't tell me to my face, but he's all over the world and it's difficult for him. I don't feel any animosity like I did at Sheffield United. I felt the circumstances of leaving there were unjust and there was bad feeling when I left, but I don't feel like that here. I don't bear any malice towards Tony or [vice-chairman] Amit Bhatia. When you put that money into a club you are bound to want your own manager. I just don't fit in with the mould of a Premier League manager. I treat the club's money as if it were my own and I resent paying over the odds.
I just said to Phil straight away: "Don't worry, pal, it's not your fault. I think it's wrong, I feel I've done all the hard work and now someone else is going to get the benefit, but I'm bound to feel like that." He was as good as he could be in the circumstances. We had a couple of hours talking about things and he agreed to delay the announcement until after the FA Cup draw so I could tell the rest of my family. That was handy as I couldn't get hold of [my eldest son] James till the afternoon.
After Phil left I called Mick Jones, my assistant, and asked him to meet me at the training ground. I told him there, but he'd already guessed. I then phoned Keith Curle, my coach. He was surprised. He felt we had a great chance of moving up the table. We cleared out the office — I've never seen so much junk. It's a bit like moving house, though some of it pre-dated me. Given the turnover at QPR before I got there, some stuff could have been from three or four managers back.
The news broke early evening and then the phone began to ring. I just let it take messages. There were lots from managers, they know it could be them next.
Monday I just spent time with the family, letting it all sink in, and replied to some of the calls. The players were off so I couldn't say goodbye to them until Tuesday. Then I went to the training ground and gathered them all together. I told them I'd never forget last year, that winning the Championship was one of the most fantastic moments in my life. I said this season with a bit of luck we'd be in the top half of the Premier League. Finally I said, 'Thank you lads, for so much enjoyment', then I headed west, into the sunset, literally since I then drove to Cornwall.
2. Email support reduced my wife to tears
My first thought after Phil came round was always to get back to Cornwall to reflect on the last 22 months. When I said last week that I had done 10 years' work in less than two, I think everyone associated with the club will understand why I used those words.
Crystal Palace was special for me, but QPR topped the lot. If it turns out to be my last job I couldn't be prouder of managing such a fantastic club with such loyal fans. When I have left clubs in the past, you expect a handful of touching letters. This time I've had more than 2,400 emails, and to a one you are all supportive in thinking we would have stayed up this year, which was great to know.
The first night in Cornwall, Sharon was a wreck, crying her eyes out. I thought at first she was re-watching the last episode of Downton Abbey, but she was reading the emails. You know about my IT prowess, but I would like everyone to know that Sharon is going to reply to every one using my words. It will take a while, but I do seem to have a lot of time on my hands at the moment. Having read every message, I couldn't believe all the stories so many people told, they were simply quite amazing. It struck home once again how much football clubs mean to people. I would like to say to the fans, thanks for everything.
My old secretary from Crystal Palace, Chris, was among those who rang (not so "old", or she'll bollock me!) When I think back I've had some fantastic secretaries who have had to put up with a lot, and now I've left Caroline, who's also been a complete superstar. It seems I'm thanking people, so why not add Mick, my football wife, and Curley, my naughty son, who've both been fantastic and I couldn't have done it without them. I know it sounds like I'm saying goodbye to everything but I honestly don't know where my future lies at the moment because my world has been turned upside down momentarily, but I'm sure it will right itself for next week's column. I do hope I don't get the sack from this now as well!
It is disappointing to have another crack at the top flight ended prematurely, but football's not just about the Premier League, wonderful as it is. When I got to the top flight with Notts County, I turned a move to Chelsea down because I wanted to stay loyal to the group of players who had pleaded with me to stay to give them a chance. It would have been easy to take the money, and I'm sure I could have stayed in the top flight with Chelsea. My career could have been very different. But I've never taken the easy way out and, though I've always done some strange things with my career, when I look back I don't have many regrets. That said, I do envy Mark Hughes. I have never taken over a club that just needs the icing putting on the cake. I've always had to scrap for the ingredients to make the cake in the first place. Mark has taken over a fabulous club with the cake already made, he just has to put the icing on. With the fixtures coming up it is a great time to take over.
3. Cheesed off after long walk at the Cheesewring
To blow the cobwebs away down in Cornwall, we all went out for a walk with the dogs on Bodmin Moor. We bumped into some ponies and went to Minions and the Cheesewring, an ancient heritage and mining site on the south-east tip of the moor. It was a fabulous walk, but about a mile after we left, Sharon said: "Have you got the lead, Will?" There was a long pause, then he said, "I put it down at the Cheesewring". Back we went.
We went into Tavistock and, while parking the car, Sharon overheard two elderly ladies who were 10p short for the meter. I walked over and gave them 10p. I've never heard two women squeal so much, you'd think they'd won the pools. We then came back to our car 20 minutes late with no sign of a traffic warden anywhere. It was quite a change after being in London. Last week Sharon got a ticket for being three minutes over time in Richmond. They are sad, aren't they? You don't get that in Devon and Cornwall.
Tuesday night I enjoyed watching Palace's Carling Cup semi-final win over Cardiff. While I think Malky Mackay is a brilliant manager, Will and I couldn't help but jump up when Palace scored. I made a lot of friends at Palace, and I was thinking in particular about my mate Justin, a top financial wizard who is an absolutely bonkers Palace fan. After the times they've had over the last few years, it seems such a special time for them, although everyone knows the tie is far from over. It was good for me and William to be able to forget about events at QPR for a night. It is difficult for kids when your Dad is a bit high-profile and he gets the sack. You don't feel like it affects them but it does in their own world. I'm sure he'll come through it and be stronger for it.
5. Here's to you, Mr Robinson
Today I'm going to watch Plymouth v Burton. Paul Peschisolido, who played for me at Sheffield United, is Burton manager and Ben Robinson is chairman, the same chairman who was there when I was manager in 1980. He's an amazing man, who always backs his managers. I can't remember how many times he supported Nigel Clough through bad times, and Pesci when he had a poor run-in at the end of last season. Now Burton are in the play-off places. I'm pleased for Ben, he's put his whole life into the club and it'll be nice to catch up with him today.
6. Losing little Ellie puts it all into perspective
At the end of the day, football is a game and I've had the chance to live my dream. For some time I've supported a charity in Looe called Ellie's Haven. Last week Ellie lost her battle against a rare genetic illness which meant she needed round-the-clock care. She was six. She never complained and her mum and dad were devoted to her, so let's get things in perspective. The charity, which is seeking to raise funds to create a holiday retreat in Cornwall for children with long-term illnesses continues. Go to: www.ellies-haven.org.uk
I read this bit "To have come back from 1-0 down with 10 men at a club in such good form as MK Dons was a good effort which spoke volumes for the character in the side, especially as we haven't won an FA Cup game in 11 years!"
And gave up.. "we"?
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Warnock's Independent column...... on 01:31 - Jan 14 with 1369 views
A rich man who is now much richer but, full of pride, a good, nearly lump to the throat article. It is ridiculous that he was here under two years. I'd love to one day sit down & have a chat with him about some of his tactical decisions but that aint gonna happen. How ironic if Tevez does join even for a few months, his influence on NW's career. Thanks Neil & good luck. You won't need it.
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Warnock's Independent column...... on 01:47 - Jan 14 with 1343 views
Warnock's Independent column...... on 01:31 - Jan 14 by qprmick
Read the rest, it is worth it. Sacked by text, words fail me.
Not sure he was sacked by text, more he inferred when he got the text that when they met up he would be sacked.
Overall he's taking it pretty well no real vitriol for Amit/Tony, looking at our squad I'm not sure we are all that close to a finished product, but that's not really his fault more circumstance and he'll never be forgotten for the tremendous job he did last year.
If not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled. PG Wodehouse
Warnock's Independent column...... on 01:47 - Jan 14 by SonofNorfolt
A rich man who is now much richer but, full of pride, a good, nearly lump to the throat article. It is ridiculous that he was here under two years. I'd love to one day sit down & have a chat with him about some of his tactical decisions but that aint gonna happen. How ironic if Tevez does join even for a few months, his influence on NW's career. Thanks Neil & good luck. You won't need it.
Yeah the article sums him up pretty well. Hints of the hubris that kind of defines him in many ways, but plenty of reminders of why he will always be a legend for a generation of QPR supporters who understand the revolutionary effect he had on the club during a dark period. Touching to know that he received and appreciated messages from supporters too.
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Warnock's Independent column...... on 06:01 - Jan 14 with 1272 views
Warnock's Independent column...... on 08:36 - Jan 14 by Toast_R
I'll really miss our Neil.
Fantastic character for football and will always be a legend in Shepherds Bush.
When you hear the monotone squibs the bigger clubs employ like AVB for instance.
I have always though Neil spoke eloquently and loved his passion for the game. You could see him on the touchline kicking every ball and arguing with the officials. I can only thank him for the last 2 years achievements: 1. Saved us from relegation to League 1 2. Gave us pride in our club in the promotion year 3. Gave us the memorable win over the scum
Always knew that he would only be given 12 months at most in the premier league before being replaced, I think he did well to get to the January transfer window.
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Warnock's Independent column...... on 09:39 - Jan 14 with 992 views
Where does it say he was sacked by text. He was asked to meet by text and sacked face to face....why try and find a reason to dig the club out? Whilst there's no right way, it sounds like Beard did it as well as he could, and that's why there's no bitterness from Neil.
Warnock's Independent column...... on 09:39 - Jan 14 by BlackCrowe
Where does it say he was sacked by text. He was asked to meet by text and sacked face to face....why try and find a reason to dig the club out? Whilst there's no right way, it sounds like Beard did it as well as he could, and that's why there's no bitterness from Neil.
Neil knew what was coming, read the OP
Qprmick
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Warnock's Independent column...... on 11:44 - Jan 14 with 779 views
If Neil had a phone call at 8.30am on the Sunday asking him to come over and see Phil, he'd have know what was coming.
If Neil had an e-mail at 8.30am on the Sunday asking him to come over and see Phil, he'd have know what was coming
If Neil had received a telegram at 8.30am on the Sunday asking him to come over and see Phil, he'd have know what was coming
Whichever method was used, it was obvious to Neil what the reason was and Neil never mentioned dissapointment of getting a text as opposed to another method.
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Warnock's Independent column...... on 11:45 - Jan 14 with 773 views
yes but realising whats going to happen and it happening in that way are not the same thing, they had to contact him somehow, I'd say a proper phone call would have been better. However I think it's tremendous the club have opened up an email for people to directly get in touch with him through the club and are aware of the fondness people think of him regardless of whether they believe it's ultimately the right decision. That must be fairly unusual if not unique certainly at Premiership Level. A few others might get similar in future like SAF - but can you imagine the emails for someone like him it'd be nigh on impossible.
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Warnock's Independent column...... on 11:46 - Jan 14 with 773 views
Warnock's Independent column...... on 11:44 - Jan 14 by Juzzie
If Neil had a phone call at 8.30am on the Sunday asking him to come over and see Phil, he'd have know what was coming.
If Neil had an e-mail at 8.30am on the Sunday asking him to come over and see Phil, he'd have know what was coming
If Neil had received a telegram at 8.30am on the Sunday asking him to come over and see Phil, he'd have know what was coming
Whichever method was used, it was obvious to Neil what the reason was and Neil never mentioned dissapointment of getting a text as opposed to another method.
Exactly. If you try to make the appointment by phone then you have to have the conversation there and then which is a poor way of doing it. Face to face is the only way...club did it properly.
Ultimately there is no real "Right" way of sakcing somebody - or making them redundant, which can't really happen to a football manager becuase of the nature of the job - which isn't itself redundant. Fact is he'd got wind that change maybe coming.
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