Dug-out madness

JOE Royle believes Neil Warnock is suffering from a phenomenon which affects most manager's at some time another - 'dug-out madness', writes Derek Davis.

Most notable sufferers include Graeme Souness, Sir Alex Ferguson and Barry Fry but Warnock is right up there among the most manic managers and has also angered many of his contemporaries.

But beneath it all Royle believes the Blades boss, who he faces in the FA Cup at Bramall Lane on Saturday, is a charming chap.

Royle said: “Neil has rubbed a lot of people up the wrong way over the years.

“From the early days he has never had a lot of money to spend to build teams and all his sides have been combative and well organised.

“He has done well wherever he has gone - Scarborough, Notts County, Plymouth and now Sheffield - so you have to respect the man's record. But equally he admits he doesn't have too many managers in his office for a glass of wine after a game.

“I have had my fall-outs with Neil over the years as well but I think it is dug-out madness and I know he doesn't mind people not liking him on the Saturday. He can actually be quite charming off the pitch.

“You can't argue with Sheffield's results and performances. They are playing good progressive football, he is trying to win games and he is still not spending money - so fair play to him.”

Sheffield United have taken defender Richard Edghill on a non-contract basis for a month after the player proved himself in a recent two-week trial at Bramall Lane.

The 28-year-old, who made 180 appearances during a 10-year spell with Manchester City, was recently released by Wigan.

Edghill could now figure in United's fourth-round tie against Ipswich, although Warnock said: “He's not quite fully fit but may be an important player to have around at this moment in time with so many injuries developing.

“He can play a number of positions and will be good cover - we will review the situation after a month.”

Ipswich go to south Yorkshire with a clean bill of health after a relatively restful week, while United lost out after extra-time against Liverpool in the Worthington Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield.