Dyche’s respect for Warnock

Ahead of tomorrow’s game at Crystal Palace, Clarets boss Sean Dyche admits he is delighted to see Neil Warnock back in football.
Big character: Neil Warnock, then Leeds United manager, in discussion with then-Watford boss Sean Dyche at Elland Road in March 2012Big character: Neil Warnock, then Leeds United manager, in discussion with then-Watford boss Sean Dyche at Elland Road in March 2012
Big character: Neil Warnock, then Leeds United manager, in discussion with then-Watford boss Sean Dyche at Elland Road in March 2012

Dyche takes his side to Selhurst Park to face the Eagles, in what will be Warnock’s first home game of his second spell in charge of Palace.

Warnock was unveiled as Tony Pulis’ successor at the end of August and earned a 3-3 draw at Newcastle United in his first game at the helm.

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He was previously Eagles boss between 2007 and 2010, one of 11 professional clubs he has managed, earning seven promotions along the way, and a reputation as one of the most outspoken and controversial characters in the game.

Dyche, now with one promotion as a manager, has a lot of time for the former Sheffield United chief. who got in contact with him when he was replaced at Watford by Gianfranco Zola after his first season in his first managerial role.

The gesture resonated with Dyche, who said when he heard of his appointment at Palace: “I sent him a text and said ‘Congratulations, good to see you back!’

“He’s someone who has been very kind to me as a young manager, he’s always had time for me, whatever it was. When I came out of Watford he phoned me, he made sure he made contact.

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“He’s said good things about me as a young English manager. I’ve always had respect for him, and his record, that’s for sure.

“It will be interesting to see how they go, Neil back in and his staff and see how they operate with the team.”

Dyche will have to decide whether to stick with the side which has started all three Premier League games so far this season, including the goal-less draw with Manchester United last time out, or hand debuts to any of his three deadline day signings.

He landed George Boyd, Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Keane last Monday.

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Loan duo Chalobah and Keane were set to link up with their new teammates yesterday after returning from England Under 21 duty, along with Danny Ings.

Danny Lafferty has also been away with Northern Ireland, and Stephen Ward with the Republic of Ireland.