Warnock: I'll do it my way

Neil Warnock breezed back into management promising to be as abrasive as ever as he attempts to steer Crystal Palace back into the Barclays Premier League.

The former Sheffield United boss has signed a contract until the summer of 2010 to replace the axed Peter Taylor at Selhurst Park in what he insists will be his last job. And 58-year-old has no intention of curbing his infamous touchline antics or worrying about who he might offend - including his new chairman Simon Jordan - as he plots one final push for promotion.

"That's part of who I am. I don't see how I can change that at this time in my career. A leopard can't change its spots," said Warnock.

"I think there might be one or two games where I don't get some decisions going for me - from people who have read my book!

"Although certain people dislike me I think too many people sit on the fence. I think it's great to say it how it is, although I might have overstepped the mark a few times.

"Throughout my career, if you asked managers in the same division who they didn't want to play against I'd be high on their list.

"I've never had to worry about who my friends are. The only thing I worry about is pleasing the supporters."

One friendship that is on the line, however, is the unlikely bond forged between Warnock and Jordan over the years.

The pair first got talking when Jordan took offence to Warnock's role in a proposed player-exchange involving Clinton Morrison and then Blades forward Marcus Bent seven years ago.

"I think he threatened to sue me," recalled Warnock. "Simon and I have spoken every week for a number of years now. It can be difficult to go and work for somebody you know as a friend, and managers and chairmen do have disagreements."