Ex-Leeds and Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock reveals he almost appeared on I’m A Celebrity as Middlesbrough boss prepares for Norwich clash

The 71-year-old took charge of his 1,500th game as a football manager earlier this season and remains as motivated as ever after taking charge of Boro in June.

Yet Warnock, who has also managed Sheffield United, Leeds and Cardiff among several other clubs, says he was almost tackling bushtucker trials at one stage in his career.

When answering questions from an ITV reporter on Zoom during his pre-match press conference, Warnock was distracted by a picture of I’m A Celebrity presenters Ant and Dec.

“I was nearly in it!" Warnock revealed after mentioning the reality TV show.

“I’m not telling you when it was – it might have been two or three years ago – but I was approached.

"Imagine if I’d said yes – everybody would have been voting for me wouldn’t they, to do every bloody thing? I know my kids would have been.

“My kids – Amy and William – were straight on to me saying they would be phoning every night. They were saying, ‘We’ll make sure you get those maggots, dad’.

"Will it happen in the future? Let’s play it by ear, eh.”

For now Warnock will be focusing on Saturday’s meeting with Norwich at the Riverside, with both sides competing at the top end of the Championship.

“We're looking forward to this,” added Warnock. “They've always been a good side with Daniel (Farke). I like him, he's a good manager and it's a lovely club.”

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