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The Gaffer: The Trials and Tribulations of a Football Manager
Ever wondered how a transfer deal is done? What a manager says during his pre-match team-talk? What he screams from the techincal area? What goes on in training sesions, and on those long away trips? How a manager carefully builds a team, and what he does when the planning is disrupted by injuries? How he lifts a team after a crushing defeat, and keeps their feet on the ground after a resounding victory? How the man in charge handles the ever-present danger of getting sacked in the ultimate results business? In short, how one of today's top professional footballer managers somehow copes with the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, with having to live, breathe and sleep football 24 hours a day, 365 days a year? Then read The Gaffer.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2013
54 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 11, 2022
I’m intrigued by Warnock, as one of the ‘old-school’ dinosaur-type managers who still finds work in the modern era. Indeed, at the conclusion of this book that takes in the QPR and Leeds United years, Neil is talking about whether to step away from modern football management. Reading now, it’s clear he did no such thing.
I feel Neil looks upon his own contributions through a very positive lens and the book lacks much of the fiery nature and spark that Neil is well-known for. It’s a good account if his perspective of the challenges in getting QPR promoted and a little less detailed of the year or so in charge at Leeds. There are references and flashbacks to situations in non-league management, Notts County, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace but I assume these are covered in another book somewhere in greater detail.
Readable. Entertaining in the main, but lacking ‘bite’ for four stars.
I feel Neil looks upon his own contributions through a very positive lens and the book lacks much of the fiery nature and spark that Neil is well-known for. It’s a good account if his perspective of the challenges in getting QPR promoted and a little less detailed of the year or so in charge at Leeds. There are references and flashbacks to situations in non-league management, Notts County, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace but I assume these are covered in another book somewhere in greater detail.
Readable. Entertaining in the main, but lacking ‘bite’ for four stars.
January 17, 2024
It's a hard (War) knock life.
I prioritised this because I thought there might be something to learn from a journeyman manager, not the PR polished winners of the modern game.
Honestly the book was lacking in the funny anecdotes/ cutting insights I was hoping for.
Sadly, as with too many memoirs, it could have been subtitled: why I was right. Which gets tiresome after a while.
He relays all the clubs that were after him and that he turned down Chelsea, but I hoped for a little more insight into why bigger clubs weren't in for him.
The fact that Alejandro Faurlin was the most talented player he worked with in his career is also a bit sad and worthy of some self reflection.
The narratives he placed on games definitely made me think less of him. "I thought we'd go onto win it, but then we conceded three etc..". And don't get him started on the referees ...
After reading this I can see why he never cut it at the top level (despite never really getting a fair crack of the whip).
There were engaging parts (insights into the special brand of chaos that can surround football clubs) and it was fine enough to have on in the background while I was doing other things His narration of the audiobook was a plus.
2.5
I prioritised this because I thought there might be something to learn from a journeyman manager, not the PR polished winners of the modern game.
Honestly the book was lacking in the funny anecdotes/ cutting insights I was hoping for.
Sadly, as with too many memoirs, it could have been subtitled: why I was right. Which gets tiresome after a while.
He relays all the clubs that were after him and that he turned down Chelsea, but I hoped for a little more insight into why bigger clubs weren't in for him.
The fact that Alejandro Faurlin was the most talented player he worked with in his career is also a bit sad and worthy of some self reflection.
The narratives he placed on games definitely made me think less of him. "I thought we'd go onto win it, but then we conceded three etc..". And don't get him started on the referees ...
After reading this I can see why he never cut it at the top level (despite never really getting a fair crack of the whip).
There were engaging parts (insights into the special brand of chaos that can surround football clubs) and it was fine enough to have on in the background while I was doing other things His narration of the audiobook was a plus.
2.5
March 4, 2025
Decent bok. Mye bra inside-information om hvordan det er å jobbe som manager. Savner flere anekdoter og morsomme historier. Blir litt for mye om hvorfor det gikk galt her og der og hvordan det aldri var Warnock sin feil.
June 19, 2023
(Audiobook) Great collection of anecdotes from a legend in the game. Honest, and narration from Warnock himself added to the experience.
February 15, 2023
Interesting perspectives on man management. Warnock is one of the most experienced coaches in world football and reading about his career is no doubt an eye opener for any aspiring coaches and football fans alike.
January 1, 2018
I did not have a particularly high opinion of Neil Warnock before reading this, and if anything, have a lower opinion of him now. The only positive was the insight into what was happening at QPR, and the knowledge that it's not the media that make him look like a selfish hypocrite, he just is one.
This was generally a look at his times at Palace, QPR and Leeds, but this is really about how perfect Neil Warnock is, and how he was in love with Adel Taarabt. The number of times he'd say 'Dezza was a true pro, so he needed to accept we were going to indulge Taarbs' was amazing, especially as Warnock was prepared to bin off any other player that asked not to go to a game if they weren't on the bench.
One of the Chapters was titled 'Don't Believe All You Read', and this was sage advice. There were the editing errors, with former Barcelona star Luis Enrique playing at left back for Newcastle at one point, but the key lesson was one Warnock was always telling his players - "When they aren't doing well they put the blame on someone else". They only criticised Adel Taarabt's disregard for professionalism because they weren't playing well. But Warnock only ever did badly because of a poor chairman (who inevitably, later became a great friend of Neil's or could have been) or the referee. The number of times Warnock has a go at the referee is staggering, and probably constitutes a third of the book. And despite an earlier passage where he cites an instance of letting a penalty go because one team were so dominant as a young referee himself, which was a mistake once the losing team had made a comeback, he still rallies against referees that apply the laws of the game, rather than common sense. It wasn't Warnock's fault his team conceded two in ten minutes of stoppage time, it was the ref's, and you get the feeling 'Colin' would have moaned has the referee blown at 90 because a team can always score 3 goals in ten minutes if they're lucky.
There were other hypocrises, of course: Taarabt should have reacted better to not getting player of the season, but Warnock still complains about not getting the manager award. This is only because the other managers don't like him as his achievements were easily the best, yet he goes on to deny that he's unpopular later in the book - Wenger once invited him into his office!!! He insists players live near the training ground because long commutes are bad, but when Ken Bates at Leeds insists on a contractual obligation to attend training 5 days a week due to fears Warnock will be visiting his home in Cornwall, Neil has none of it. The police should have ignored the fact he was drink-driving and putting other people in danger, taking a man doing his job incredibly personally, but moans when police aren't hanging around the South Bank when a Millwall fan ends up hitting his wife with a coin throw.
He must be an ok manager, because he tends to do all right in the Championship. But it's impossible to like him, and at least I now know its not through an unfair portrayal in the press.
This was generally a look at his times at Palace, QPR and Leeds, but this is really about how perfect Neil Warnock is, and how he was in love with Adel Taarabt. The number of times he'd say 'Dezza was a true pro, so he needed to accept we were going to indulge Taarbs' was amazing, especially as Warnock was prepared to bin off any other player that asked not to go to a game if they weren't on the bench.
One of the Chapters was titled 'Don't Believe All You Read', and this was sage advice. There were the editing errors, with former Barcelona star Luis Enrique playing at left back for Newcastle at one point, but the key lesson was one Warnock was always telling his players - "When they aren't doing well they put the blame on someone else". They only criticised Adel Taarabt's disregard for professionalism because they weren't playing well. But Warnock only ever did badly because of a poor chairman (who inevitably, later became a great friend of Neil's or could have been) or the referee. The number of times Warnock has a go at the referee is staggering, and probably constitutes a third of the book. And despite an earlier passage where he cites an instance of letting a penalty go because one team were so dominant as a young referee himself, which was a mistake once the losing team had made a comeback, he still rallies against referees that apply the laws of the game, rather than common sense. It wasn't Warnock's fault his team conceded two in ten minutes of stoppage time, it was the ref's, and you get the feeling 'Colin' would have moaned has the referee blown at 90 because a team can always score 3 goals in ten minutes if they're lucky.
There were other hypocrises, of course: Taarabt should have reacted better to not getting player of the season, but Warnock still complains about not getting the manager award. This is only because the other managers don't like him as his achievements were easily the best, yet he goes on to deny that he's unpopular later in the book - Wenger once invited him into his office!!! He insists players live near the training ground because long commutes are bad, but when Ken Bates at Leeds insists on a contractual obligation to attend training 5 days a week due to fears Warnock will be visiting his home in Cornwall, Neil has none of it. The police should have ignored the fact he was drink-driving and putting other people in danger, taking a man doing his job incredibly personally, but moans when police aren't hanging around the South Bank when a Millwall fan ends up hitting his wife with a coin throw.
He must be an ok manager, because he tends to do all right in the Championship. But it's impossible to like him, and at least I now know its not through an unfair portrayal in the press.
June 9, 2024
A series of moans about his experience at QPR. Some interesting insight into what a football manager has to deal with but nothing exciting
Read
August 14, 2023Having found Warnock an engaging voice in a recent 5Live interview I dove right into this one when it was handed to me by my Brother-in-Law.
It’s fair to see why Warnock has lasted as long as he has in management with his clear talking and honest approach. For some the book smacks of Warnock making excuses for himself, but I found him to be level-headed about things throughout and he could see where things were his fault without quite getting to the stage of pointing the finger at himself, but I imagine part of the genesis behind the book was looking to set the record straight on a few things in his mind and what at the time seemed to be his final foray into management, although ten years on from the publication of this he is still managing at Huddersfield.
There’s a previous book detailing his time with Sheffield United and this volume looks at stints managing in the Championship with Crystal Palace, QPR and Leeds as well as asides made with regards his previous jobs throughout his career. The main takeaway from the book is the chaos caused by managing a club in the throes of a takeover bid and how things never happen quick enough meaning transfer windows are missed or rushed together meaning primary targets are missed out on and clubs are left scrambling for the last dregs of the window.
First, we hear a bit about Warnock’s time at Crystal Palace which sees him thrown from dealing with a friend in Simon Jordan to working with an administrator worried only about the club’s bottom line as he tries to whisk players away from the squad in order to make some quick cash. Warnock sees the writing on the wall for the enterprise and jumps ship to QPR when the opportunity presents itself under the auspices that one of the current minority shareholders will soon be the owner of the club.
Well, this doesn’t happen and Warnock find himself with one hand tied behind his back in the transfer market with the then current owners not looking to invest anything else into the club. Miraculously, Warnock gets them promoted to the Premier League while having to make do with what signings he is able to make, relying on people he’s worked with before to form the nucleus around Adel Taarabt who has skills beyond the league he’s playing in, but an attitude that few would tolerate. Warnock chose to tolerate his off the pitch antics because he knew he would be the difference between a promotion chase and floating in mid table.
It shows the need for success at any cost basically as Warnock has to mollify his more professional players whenever Taarabt inevitably pulls a disappearing act with Warnock constantly having to get him back for the club’s next game by hook or by crook. I have a feeling the book is a response to the Four Year Plan filmed released about the owners of QPR at the time and how Warnock was in the dark about a lot of decision making being made at the level above him. His frustration is plain to see after promotion as he is once again hamstrung in the transfer market and told once the takeover is complete and if they’re above the relegation zone going into the January window, but come time the only thing that arrives is the sack even having achieved what was asked of him.
Warnock proceeds to Leeds in the months following after considering retirement. After a handshake deal with Ken Bates, Warnock again finds himself in the midst of a takeover with more outgoings than incomings. As well as this he adds detail as to why transfers take so long to go through now with the minutiae of contracts poured over by agents and lawyers before medicals can take place with they now being more detailed as nobody wants to shell out millions for a faulty product.
Warnock is an engaging voice throughout the book and he is not short on seeing where he has contradicted himself seeing it as a move for the greater good of what he trying to do at a club. He doesn’t shy away from the fact he’s often been wrong in criticising a referee, but by the same token holds on to the grudges he has for decisions he feels went unfairly again him and his side at the time.
The main thing about football management seems to be the ability to manage people and get the best out them no matter what level of the club they are at. As with all professions, there are those who simply don’t care as much as the manager and those looking out solely for themselves. Warnock always attempts to build a cohesive unit wherever he is, but you are shown the multiple hurdles and tasks that are never spoken about which he had to perform. There is possibly less of that now than there was, but I can’t speak for the level of organisation at Warnock’s more recent clubs.
It’s fair to see why Warnock has lasted as long as he has in management with his clear talking and honest approach. For some the book smacks of Warnock making excuses for himself, but I found him to be level-headed about things throughout and he could see where things were his fault without quite getting to the stage of pointing the finger at himself, but I imagine part of the genesis behind the book was looking to set the record straight on a few things in his mind and what at the time seemed to be his final foray into management, although ten years on from the publication of this he is still managing at Huddersfield.
There’s a previous book detailing his time with Sheffield United and this volume looks at stints managing in the Championship with Crystal Palace, QPR and Leeds as well as asides made with regards his previous jobs throughout his career. The main takeaway from the book is the chaos caused by managing a club in the throes of a takeover bid and how things never happen quick enough meaning transfer windows are missed or rushed together meaning primary targets are missed out on and clubs are left scrambling for the last dregs of the window.
First, we hear a bit about Warnock’s time at Crystal Palace which sees him thrown from dealing with a friend in Simon Jordan to working with an administrator worried only about the club’s bottom line as he tries to whisk players away from the squad in order to make some quick cash. Warnock sees the writing on the wall for the enterprise and jumps ship to QPR when the opportunity presents itself under the auspices that one of the current minority shareholders will soon be the owner of the club.
Well, this doesn’t happen and Warnock find himself with one hand tied behind his back in the transfer market with the then current owners not looking to invest anything else into the club. Miraculously, Warnock gets them promoted to the Premier League while having to make do with what signings he is able to make, relying on people he’s worked with before to form the nucleus around Adel Taarabt who has skills beyond the league he’s playing in, but an attitude that few would tolerate. Warnock chose to tolerate his off the pitch antics because he knew he would be the difference between a promotion chase and floating in mid table.
It shows the need for success at any cost basically as Warnock has to mollify his more professional players whenever Taarabt inevitably pulls a disappearing act with Warnock constantly having to get him back for the club’s next game by hook or by crook. I have a feeling the book is a response to the Four Year Plan filmed released about the owners of QPR at the time and how Warnock was in the dark about a lot of decision making being made at the level above him. His frustration is plain to see after promotion as he is once again hamstrung in the transfer market and told once the takeover is complete and if they’re above the relegation zone going into the January window, but come time the only thing that arrives is the sack even having achieved what was asked of him.
Warnock proceeds to Leeds in the months following after considering retirement. After a handshake deal with Ken Bates, Warnock again finds himself in the midst of a takeover with more outgoings than incomings. As well as this he adds detail as to why transfers take so long to go through now with the minutiae of contracts poured over by agents and lawyers before medicals can take place with they now being more detailed as nobody wants to shell out millions for a faulty product.
Warnock is an engaging voice throughout the book and he is not short on seeing where he has contradicted himself seeing it as a move for the greater good of what he trying to do at a club. He doesn’t shy away from the fact he’s often been wrong in criticising a referee, but by the same token holds on to the grudges he has for decisions he feels went unfairly again him and his side at the time.
The main thing about football management seems to be the ability to manage people and get the best out them no matter what level of the club they are at. As with all professions, there are those who simply don’t care as much as the manager and those looking out solely for themselves. Warnock always attempts to build a cohesive unit wherever he is, but you are shown the multiple hurdles and tasks that are never spoken about which he had to perform. There is possibly less of that now than there was, but I can’t speak for the level of organisation at Warnock’s more recent clubs.
February 15, 2023
A book that I picked up at a book exchange shelf at work, it wasn't one that I would have bought but I found that I did enjoy reading it.
I expected it to be a flowing read and indeed it was, Neil Warnock is an engaging and direct person and his ghost writer has done a good job of keeping the thread of the book on track throughout.
The book focuses on a period in Warnock's career between 2010 and 2013 when he managed Crystal Palace, QPR and Leeds Utd. These clubs all went through financial crises and Warnock was clearly having to be more than just a manager at all of them.
What comes over really well in the book is the minutae of how Warnock manages, his passion for the game, his need of and trust in close lieutenants and, despite his somewhat abrasive image, his care for players and family.
Whilst Warnock will never be entirely my cup of tea this book warmed me to him, his clear passion for the fans of his clubs , his surprising (to me) positive views of women officials in the game and just how much the game means to him stood out.
Amusingly, amongst the warm dedications to his family Warnock states how that at the time of writing (2013) the time was right for him to retire and spend time with his wife and family.
He's barely been out of work since and only this week has been appointed to be manager of Huddersfield at the age of 74....he cannot keep away from the game
I expected it to be a flowing read and indeed it was, Neil Warnock is an engaging and direct person and his ghost writer has done a good job of keeping the thread of the book on track throughout.
The book focuses on a period in Warnock's career between 2010 and 2013 when he managed Crystal Palace, QPR and Leeds Utd. These clubs all went through financial crises and Warnock was clearly having to be more than just a manager at all of them.
What comes over really well in the book is the minutae of how Warnock manages, his passion for the game, his need of and trust in close lieutenants and, despite his somewhat abrasive image, his care for players and family.
Whilst Warnock will never be entirely my cup of tea this book warmed me to him, his clear passion for the fans of his clubs , his surprising (to me) positive views of women officials in the game and just how much the game means to him stood out.
Amusingly, amongst the warm dedications to his family Warnock states how that at the time of writing (2013) the time was right for him to retire and spend time with his wife and family.
He's barely been out of work since and only this week has been appointed to be manager of Huddersfield at the age of 74....he cannot keep away from the game
September 2, 2021
Neil Warnock is one of the old school football managers who has focussed on the factors that surround English football culture and the way the game is played. He ran teams at all levels , getting promoted to the top leagues without a input from the portuguese , dutch , spanish or german experience. Outspoken on so many levels , however always honest and dedicated to his players and fans.
I hoped for lots of ' gossip ' and changing room tales - they are there but rather boring and details of players misdemanours are thin on detail.
Not one of the better football insights.
I hoped for lots of ' gossip ' and changing room tales - they are there but rather boring and details of players misdemanours are thin on detail.
Not one of the better football insights.
March 1, 2022
I have always been fascinated by Neil Warnock, he’s always seemed a very controversial manager in my eyes with the things he has said in the media over the years. This book brought him into a new light and made me see him a different way. Covering the span of 3/4 years at the end of his time at Palace, to QPR and Leeds, he takes us through that period whilst drawing back to his experiences over his whole managerial career to provide priceless stories and the rational behind his decisions. Overall it gives the reader a new perspective of Warnock. Great read.
January 8, 2018
Do you remember this guy?
The book itself was very well written, the humor was on point and the journey was enjoyable. It does feel like its through rose tinted glasses and there is a lot of nostalgia. If you like your books based on the likes of El hadj Diouf, Paddy Kenny and Adel Taraabt then this is the book for you.
The book itself was very well written, the humor was on point and the journey was enjoyable. It does feel like its through rose tinted glasses and there is a lot of nostalgia. If you like your books based on the likes of El hadj Diouf, Paddy Kenny and Adel Taraabt then this is the book for you.
September 19, 2020
This was ok, interesting to hear about Warnock's career and some of the players he's dealt with over the years, but there were some really odd bits in it, one chapter where he just talked about being on a diet for a while, what he was eating etc... It was a bit like having a conversation with your auntie. Not the most exciting book I've ever read, but it was ok.
April 10, 2023
Finished this book in about 48 hours. Really good read that kept you interested. Warnock is a polarising manager the sort you hate as an away fan (and I did) but love as a home fan (and I did at cardiff) he comes across as a good guy who loves the game and his family. Particularly interesting if you are a QPR fan as he reveals a lot about what life was like there
May 8, 2018
Excellent read
Fantastic insight in footbAll management from an honest hard working guy. It's not all glamour as Neil so rightly tell us. Maybe after reading this book fans and directors will maybe give managers a little more time to get things right.
Fantastic insight in footbAll management from an honest hard working guy. It's not all glamour as Neil so rightly tell us. Maybe after reading this book fans and directors will maybe give managers a little more time to get things right.
July 14, 2018
Honest and revealing
The things that top managers have to go through is brilliantly laid out in this book. I have always had a liking and admiration for Warnock and this book did not disappoint.
The things that top managers have to go through is brilliantly laid out in this book. I have always had a liking and admiration for Warnock and this book did not disappoint.
September 27, 2018
Very insightful book. I've always had a soft spot for Warnock and this is certainly written in his voice and tone. Plenty of eye-opening moments and humour. One for fans of old school football philosophy taking on the modern game head on, and all the challenges it brings.
August 31, 2019
What you would want him t say
This book gives a good account of his time at QPR and Leeds. Some honest insight into the marmite manager. Still hate him but would love him at my club
This book gives a good account of his time at QPR and Leeds. Some honest insight into the marmite manager. Still hate him but would love him at my club
March 22, 2020
I thought this was a very good book. Very interesting and insightful for anyone interested in the world of football management. I came away liking Neil Warnock a lot and would recommend to any football fan.
October 11, 2022
Tales from the later years of his career, focussing on Palace, QPR and a bit of Leeds. Not enough Notts County for me! A little rambling at times, and difficult to follow the jumps from place to place at times.
November 27, 2023
Love Warnock, says it as it is! Doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Like this incite into his thoughts and management style. Some of the stories I’d heard, others I hadn’t. Interesting and passes the time.
January 8, 2024
As a QPR fan this is a must read book, as it goes into fantastic detail about Warnock’s time in charge of the Rs and his run ins with various board members, opposition managers, players and officials. A really great read and if I didn’t love Warnock enough already, I love him a bit more now!
March 7, 2024
Insightful account of being a football manager in some tough situations, including being employed by a club that’s gone into administration or has low transfer budgets. I listened to the audiobook and Warnock has a calming reading style that makes this an easy listen. Good for football fans.
April 3, 2024
Absolutely love Neil - found the book a bit bland and a little too much whataboutery.
By all means I enjoyed it (especially his narration) but I enjoyed it by being f*****g disciplined.
It’s still a good insight into what it means to be a football manager
By all means I enjoyed it (especially his narration) but I enjoyed it by being f*****g disciplined.
It’s still a good insight into what it means to be a football manager
June 9, 2024
It's hard not to like Neil Warnock. He's an old fashioned football man with no back doors. This book is chocked full of stories of Neil's time in the game told with plenty of humour and observations of a long career with highs and lows. Well worth a read for any football fan.
Read
February 26, 2025Not really my cup of tea, but it was loaned, nay, forced into my hands by a relative that insisted I read it.
Did I learn any more about Neil Warnock. No. He downplayed his faults, and cast himself as the hard-done by hero.
His wife must be a saint.
Did I learn any more about Neil Warnock. No. He downplayed his faults, and cast himself as the hard-done by hero.
His wife must be a saint.
August 21, 2025
Well, Colin W (as he known by some football fans) has been there and done that. Disappointed there wasn’t much about the Battle of Brammell Lane but overall a good insight of the inner workings of a football club
November 16, 2025
A fairly incoherent and achronological ramble about football management, but also good fun and occasionally insightful. +1⭐ for the little details like him performing chiropody for Joey Barton. What an image!
August 11, 2018
Good insight to football management from one of the old school and probably the last.
Word advice, read the book don't listen to the audio-book. Neil's voice was not made for radio.
Word advice, read the book don't listen to the audio-book. Neil's voice was not made for radio.
January 16, 2021
Very good
Cracking read knew it would be decent as like him or hate him Neil Warnock is a character well done
Cracking read knew it would be decent as like him or hate him Neil Warnock is a character well done
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews