Former Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has advised Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke against taking on the vacancy at Elland Road. Speaking to talkSPORT (story covered by Bristol Post), the ex-Rotherham manager feels it wouldn’t be the wisest move at this point in Clarke’s managerial career.
Owner Massimo Cellino has regularly spoken over the last few weeks about the role, which is still officially vacated by head coach Steve Evans. The Italian insists he is looking for the right candidate.
The football club made an approach to Bristol Rovers to speak to Clarke, who has overseen back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons. This has led to the 38-year-old attracting interest from other clubs, but a formal approach from Leeds has since been turned down.
Warnock, who managed at Elland Road between 2012 and 2013, believes the atmosphere and vibe surrounding the club means that it is perhaps not as attractive of a proposition for Clarke as it should be,
“I am not sure I would recommend him (Clarke) going to Leeds as the next stage of his career, if I am honest.
“I think, the turmoil at the moment with the fans, it would be very, very difficult for a young manager to go in there and not just turn the team around, but get everybody on side.”
It is understood that Bristol Rovers want to know if Clarke intends to be their manager next season by Monday. This is so that can make contingency plans to appoint a new manager should he decide to leave. However Leeds have been unable to speak to him so far as the Memorial Ground club want certain assurances granted before allowing the Yorkshire club to speak to 38-year-old Clarke.
