'One of my biggest regrets': Neil Warnock opens up on his decision to snub the Sunderland job

Speaking to The Friday Football Social on 5Live, Warnock revealed that he had been approached by the Black Cats while manager at Notts County.

During his time at Meadow Lane, Warnock led the Magpies to the First Division before being sacked in December 1993.

But only months before his dismissal, the 71-year-old had been approached by then-Sunderland owner Bob Murray over the managerial role at Roker Park – which was vacant following Malcolm Crosby’s departure.

Chelsea also had an offer on the table for Warnock and, while he has had no second thoughts over turning down the chance to manage the Blues, he admits that snubbing Sunderland remains one of his biggest regrets.

“I had good opportunities,” said the experienced manager.

“I met [Ken] Bates at Chelsea and could have gone down there, and I had a great offer from Sunderland and Bob Murray there.

“I love Sunderland, and that’s probably one of my biggest regrets.

“Chelsea, I didn’t regret that because I could tell it would be difficult working with Ken Bates and Chelsea as a club at that time.

“But then I got the sack six months later – so there must be a moral in their somewhere!”

Warnock has been out of work since leaving Cardiff City last year, and was linked with a role at Ipswich Town earlier this season.