One last dance? Why Neil Warnock is taking charge of Torquay United

Non-League football has grabbed the headlines in recent weeks, with King's Lynn Town's rogue sprinkler  and Rochdale's  penalty blunder  capturing the attention of fans.

Now, the National League South has taken an almighty twist after it was announced that former Premier League manager Neil Warnock will take temporary charge of Torquay United.

But why has the 77-year-old agreed to return to the dugout two years after his last job with Aberdeen? DAZN News analyses the situation.

• Sign up now for a National League subscription to watch every game of the season for just £49.99!

Neil Warnock tasked with achieving promotion to National League

For those on the outside, the appointment of Warnock will look like a bizarre one, but those closer to the Gulls will understand why it makes total sense.

As one of the biggest clubs in the National League South, Torquay have aspirations of promotion this season, having missed out via the play-offs last campaign.

Indeed, the South Devon club were well placed to challenge league leaders Dorking Wanderers for the title, but have endured a run of five games without a win, including four losses.

Paul Wotton was awarded the Manager of the Month Award for January, but after the Gulls' humiliating 5-0 home defeat to Chelmsford City, the club announced they had parted ways with the 48-year-old.

"We are very grateful to Paul for his hard work, professionalism and commitment during his time at the club,"  a statement on the Torquay United website read.

"We thank Paul for his contribution, both on and off the pitch. Torquay United wish Paul every success in his future endeavours."

Step up, Neil Warnock, who had been working at the club as an advisor of management since May 2024, but will now be aiming to achieve his ninth promotion in his managerial career.

Could Warnock take Torquay United job on permanent basis?

On the face of it, it seems like Warnock will probably remain in charge until the end of the season, but the club have only confirmed that he will be in charge of their midweek clash.

"Neil Warnock will take the team for Tuesday night’s fixture with Farnborough, and an update on interim arrangements will be communicated in due course," the club said.

Given that the Gulls are eyeing promotion, it seems safe to assume that the former Leeds United boss will be in the dugout until the end of the season, as promotion is his speciality.

Beyond that? If the South Devon club do reach the National League, then the 77-year-old may be tempted to manage in the fifth tier, where Mark Hughes and Robbie Savage are working with Carlisle United and Forest Green Rovers, respectively.

However, if Torquay fail to achieve their goal, then it would make more sense for the club to take a fresh approach, while Warnock could step back into his role as advisor of management.

One thing that is certain is that the spotlight will be on the Gulls as Warnock strives to achieve a record ninth promotion in his already illustrious career.

Getty Images

Watch National League football live exclusively on DAZN

You can watch the 2025-26 season with a National League TV DAZN subscription. 

Every game in the National League, and selected matches in National League North and National League South, is available on DAZN. That's over 600 games to watch live or on demand catch-up, all in one place.

NLTV on DAZN is available on any device, including Smart TV’s, mobile devices, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles, and, for viewers in the UK, your Sky box.

For more information and to sign up, head here now.