Aberdeen manager Neil Warnock has backtracked on comments describing himself as a Rangers fan by claiming his family is in with the bricks at Greenock Morton.
The incoming Dons boss has been making headlines up and down the UK after taking charge of a Scottish club for the first time, coincidentally his 19th team in management.
Still as hungry as ever at the ripe-old age of 75, Neil Warnock’s first game in charge of Aberdeen will be against Rangers in something which adds extra intrigue to the Scottish Premiership clash.
But as Rangers fans goad their rivals over comments made by Warnock regarding his Ibrox allegiances, the Englishman changed his tune as he was unveiled to the press.
Neil Warnock: “My club’s Greenock Morton”
Back in November Warnock claimed he was “a Rangers fan” in an interview with Sky Sports after being asked about his future in management.
Claiming he wanted to try his hand at a gig in Scotland, Neil Warnock’s now got his wish but he’s been quick to backtrack on those Rangers claims by suggesting his allegiances lie with Greenock Morton.
If you’re representing Aberdeen, you can bet your bottom dollar that they’ll look more favourably at links to Cappielow than Ibrox.
“I’ve always wanted to manage up here,” said Warnock. “I’ve got a place at Dunoon, I’ve always had a place down there.
“And my club’s Greenock Morton. You know I’ve got bricks there with the family’s name on at Greenock. So I’ve always enjoyed going to watch a game there.”
Aberdeen visit to Rangers develops extra edge
Appointed by Aberdeen until the end of the season, Neil Warnock is tasked with steadying the ship and getting the floundering Dons up the Premiership table.
Having just sacked manager Barry Robson, the Pittodrie club did the impossible and somehow resisted complete capitulation against a toiling Celtic side at the weekend.
Ordinarily an easy scalp for the Parkhead side, they eked out a 1-1 draw which has blown the title race wide open.
Rangers meanwhile are Aberdeen’s Cup Final and the Dons have already taken four points from a possible six against the Gers this season.
Philippe Clement isn’t expecting Neil Warnock to change too much at Aberdeen tactically and Rangers know that they will need to take the challenge of Aberdeen seriously.
The focus being on Warnock has also taken the attention away from another debutant who could get his first minutes in Scottish football in the fixture.
