Warnock appointed Leeds boss

Former QPR boss Neil Warnock has been unveiled as Leeds United’s new manager to replace Simon Grayson in the Elland Road hot seat.

Grayson was relieved of his duties on February 1 after Leeds dropped to 10th place in the Championship, with chairman Ken Bates seemingly intent on sealing a return to the Premier League.

“We believe the appointment is arguably the most important we have made. The objective was to appoint a manager who had for a proven track record of getting teams promoted and in Neil we have a man whose record is second to none,” Bates said.

“We want to be in the Premier League and we will support Neil in the quest to get us there.”

Intense speculation about Warnock surfaced when he was snapped with Leeds chairman sat outside a cafe in Monte Carlo.

Warnock became the immediate frontrunner for the job when it emerged that Mick McCarthy wished to have a short break from management after his dismissal by Wolves.

The Black Country outfit and rivals Huddersfield also approached the Yorkshireman but Bates wasted no time in getting his man on a contract to the end of the 2012/2013 season.

“I feel I have one big challenge left in me and believe Leeds is a club that should be in the Premier League,” Warnock said.

“I want to be the man who is able to deliver this for a set of fans who never cease to amaze me with their numbers and their loyalty.”

“Having met with Ken Bates it was an easy decision to take up the challenge and with his support, we share the same vision of getting Leeds United in the Premier League.”

Warnock has serious pedigree when it comes to promotion into the top flight; QPR were the third team among seven promotions in total.

Neil Redfearn, who has overseen two defeats in three games, remains in charge for Saturday’s game against Doncaster Rovers, and will return to his role with the club’s Academy next week.