SHEFFIELD, England -- Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock left the club on Wednesday following their relegation from the Premier League after one season in the top flight.
In a news conference at Bramall Lane club chairman Kevin McCabe said Warnock was leaving by mutual consent after seven years in charge.
United were condemned to the drop on Sunday when, needing to avoid defeat at home to Wigan Athletic, they lost 2-1.
Sheffield-born Warnock had been in charge since 1999 and guided the side through 388 games.
In the 2002-03 season he led the Yorkshire club to the semifinals of the FA Cup and League Cup and reached the second division playoff final.
He eventually restored United to the top flight after more than 10 years when they finished as second division runners-up in 2006.
They seemed set to retain their status in the Premier League this season when they moved 10 points above the bottom three in mid-February. However, they picked up just eight points in their last 11 games before their final-day relegation.
Warnock said that the club had come a long way since he took over. "The pride has come back to Sheffield United," he declared.
He dismissed reports that he was leaving because he was displeased with new financial terms for next season. "Never has money come into this situation," he said.
"This is one of the best jobs going for a manager but we feel it's time for a new face."
He was emphatic that he did not have another job lined up but said that he wanted one more challenge as a manager, preferably in the Premiership.
Legal action
McCabe is still pursuing possible legal action against the Premier League after relegation rivals West Ham United were handed a £5.5 million ($10.93 million) fine, rather than a points deduction, for breaching ownership rules over Argentines Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
"We are doing everything we can to undo the wrong," McCabe told reporters, adding that he had written to every member of parliament about the controversy that has clouded the finale to the English season.
McCabe said that the club was in no hurry to apoint Warnock's successor.
"We want to take a considered view as part of the transformation and shaping one of the best clubs in the land," he said.
"Exciting times and further challenges lie ahead on and off the field for United and the new manager will have a full part to play."
Warnock's departure continues a flurry of managerial changes at the end of the season.
Wigan's Paul Jewell resigned on Monday, a day after the club clinched Premier League survival, saying he needed a break from football and was replaced by assistant Chris Hutchings.
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce was sacked on Monday, and Sam Allardyce, who quit Bolton Wanderers with two games of the season remaining, took over at Newcastle United on Tuesday.
In a news conference at Bramall Lane club chairman Kevin McCabe said Warnock was leaving by mutual consent after seven years in charge.
United were condemned to the drop on Sunday when, needing to avoid defeat at home to Wigan Athletic, they lost 2-1.
Sheffield-born Warnock had been in charge since 1999 and guided the side through 388 games.
In the 2002-03 season he led the Yorkshire club to the semifinals of the FA Cup and League Cup and reached the second division playoff final.
He eventually restored United to the top flight after more than 10 years when they finished as second division runners-up in 2006.
They seemed set to retain their status in the Premier League this season when they moved 10 points above the bottom three in mid-February. However, they picked up just eight points in their last 11 games before their final-day relegation.
Warnock said that the club had come a long way since he took over. "The pride has come back to Sheffield United," he declared.
He dismissed reports that he was leaving because he was displeased with new financial terms for next season. "Never has money come into this situation," he said.
"This is one of the best jobs going for a manager but we feel it's time for a new face."
He was emphatic that he did not have another job lined up but said that he wanted one more challenge as a manager, preferably in the Premiership.
Legal action
McCabe is still pursuing possible legal action against the Premier League after relegation rivals West Ham United were handed a £5.5 million ($10.93 million) fine, rather than a points deduction, for breaching ownership rules over Argentines Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
"We are doing everything we can to undo the wrong," McCabe told reporters, adding that he had written to every member of parliament about the controversy that has clouded the finale to the English season.
McCabe said that the club was in no hurry to apoint Warnock's successor.
"We want to take a considered view as part of the transformation and shaping one of the best clubs in the land," he said.
"Exciting times and further challenges lie ahead on and off the field for United and the new manager will have a full part to play."
Warnock's departure continues a flurry of managerial changes at the end of the season.
Wigan's Paul Jewell resigned on Monday, a day after the club clinched Premier League survival, saying he needed a break from football and was replaced by assistant Chris Hutchings.
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce was sacked on Monday, and Sam Allardyce, who quit Bolton Wanderers with two games of the season remaining, took over at Newcastle United on Tuesday.
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