Neil Warnock hopes to see Ipswich Town in Premier League

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Neil WarnockImage source, Getty Images
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Former Huddersfield Town boss Neil Warnock says Ipswich "deserve" to be where they are

Neil Warnock says he is looking forward to "hopefully" seeing Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season.

Warnock, 75, managed Town's final day opponent Huddersfield Town earlier this campaign.

Just one point would see Kieran McKenna's side automatically promoted to the top flight for the first time in 22 years.

"This Championship is the toughest it's been for a long time, so even more credit to Ipswich," Warnock said.

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Warnock previously managed Ipswich captain Sam Morsy (right), who he said was a "top player and top person"

Often seen as English football royalty, Warnock has been in management for over 40 years. He says he is impressed with McKenna, and the prospect of back-to-back promotions.

Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk he said: "I like his persona and the way he deals with things.

"When you get promoted from League One, into the Championship, people don't expect you to continue. I did it myself when at Notts County. Everybody wrote us off.

"It looks like Kieran will get automatics. From a manager's point of view, he won't get as many grey hairs by going up straight away, play-offs are more intense."

Warnock also managed Blues captain Sam Morsy, who was recently named Town's player of the season.

"One of my favourite lads is Sammy, who I had at Middlesbrough. To see him captain Ipswich and getting on so well is great. I like to see people do well who deserve to.

"I hope everything goes well for Sammy. I didn't really want him to leave. Sam wasn't sure about going to Ipswich, but I told him it's a good club, and he'll enjoy living there.

"It's worked out really well, he's a top player and top person."

Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

Warnock said he tried to sign Ipswich Town forward Kieffer Moore "two or three times", and said "he's unplayable on his day"

'A real good club'

Warnock said it had been a high quality Championship this season and predicted it would not be plain sailing for Ipswich against Huddersfield.

The league table means a single point against Huddersfield at Portman Road would make the Tractor Boys uncatchable by their closest rivals Leeds United, who host fourth placed Southampton at Elland Road.

"There's no easy games," he said. "It's not a formality, and you can expect things to go smoothly but it never does in the Championship.

"Ipswich should win, but Huddersfield could beat anyone on their day.

"It won't be straight forward, nothing ever is. But Town wouldn't be in this position in the league with a bad team. Get an early goal and there will be a sigh of relief.

"Expect a few hiccups on Saturday before the euphoria.

"It's a real good club, and I'm looking forward to seeing them hopefully in the Premier League."

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Warnock picked out Conor Chaplin as a key player, who can score "goals out of nothing"

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