r00fie1
Well-known member
Its no surprise to Boro fans that there is little love lost between these two "old school" Managers. Warnock is a "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" character. Wilder has a comparable CV but his reputation has been staked citing Sheffield United survival for a season in the Premiership.
Neil Warnock: You either love him or dislike him. But there is no questioning his caliber and record as a Manager. Always the champion of the under-dog. He`s started at Gainsborough Trinity, got Plymouth promoted, took Notts County into the top flight after decades in the wilderness. He Managed an unfancied Cardiff in the Premier League and even gave Simon Joirdan`s Crystal Palace a run for his money. A Sheffield United fan by birth and DNA - hes doesnt pull his punches and his exit from Boro "left a sour taste" in his mouth.
He did, however, prevent the club from falling into the third division. But none-the-less, he remains popular and has proven many times he can do the job required. As we know, Huddersfield are experiencing their most successful spell of a dreadful season so far. Given the state of Cardiff, Reading and others around them, it would be no surprise if the Terriers avoid relegation.
Chris Wilder has to his his credit, the promotion of Sheffield United from the Third Division to the Premier League. A major feat in itself. He developed a style using "flying wing-backs", where defenders would appear up front and threaten the opposition with what looked like four forwards suddenly challenging defenders. His "Curriculum Vitae" is fairly impressive - starting at the likes of Alfreton Town he proved he could muster team spirit and find bargains along the way. But he has a big flaw in his approach - particularly when it comes to recruitment and his preferences for those who play his way: the experience at Boro proved him a devisive character. His criticism of individual players in public and calling out individuals within the club, showed an arrogance and disrespect which worked against the grain and aspirations for the club. Results were terrible in his first full season and the sack was ready after that dreadful defeat at Coventry.
Wilder joined Watford over a matter of a month or so ago. already he is calling out players and criticising them in public. After Watford`s defeat to Luton [their fiercest rivals] Wilder annoyed fans , quoted post match saying "at the moment its a toss of a coin what Watford turns up". He went on to criticise whether the players had the mentallity or physicallity to play in the Championship. In other words, they are too focused on the technical aspects of the game. He said Luton were better "all over the pitch". He`s trying out the flying wing-backs and placing square pegs in round holes, with less than a quarter of games to go. sounds familiar.
Neil Warnock in a recent interview on "You Are My Boro" podcast summed up his thoughts on Wilder when he said about his failure at Boro: "you got your come-upence"!
He`s not wrong - although Wilder seemed the "right fit" at the time.Watford are six points off the play-offs. A point above Sunderland in 12th place. Warnock`s Terriers are on 39 points alongside Cardiff in fourth bottom place. A win for Huddersfield - if results go right for them today - could see them climb as high as 18th. Huddersfield have won two, drawn two and lost two in the least six games. Watford have lost three, drawn two and only won once. Its hard to predict on recent performances. But the "form" of Neil Warnock, suggests a win over his old foe.
Its going to be feisty in the two dug-outs today. Neither men have a like for each other. Watford look a mid-table side, where as Huddersfield are fighting for their lives. I hope Neil Warnock puts Watford to the sword, but it looks like the biggest match will take place at the side of the pitch - boxing gloves ready.
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