Ex-Sheffield United and Leeds boss Neil Warnock explains Middlesbrough decision and is quizzed on Jonathan Woodgate's role

Warnock, 71, will replace Jonathan Woodgate as Boro head coach after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Swansea raised relegation fears on Teesside.

As things stand, Warnock has only agreed to take charge until the end of the season, and will bring in Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson as part of his coaching team.

After leaving Cardiff City earlier this campaign, Warnock now lives down South but says he jumped at the chance to work with Gibson

"I've always had a lot of respect for Steve,” Warnock told TalkSport. “It was a no brainer when he asked me to come and help out.

"It's all about safety. There are some big teams down there, it's a difficult league and there's no divine right. You don't get an easy game. It's just about giving the lads a bit of confidence and trying to get a result."

It has been reported that Boro want to keep Woodgate at the club, yet the finer details are still being ironed out following Warnock’s appointment.

When asked about Woodgate, Warnock replied: "I have not spoken to Steve. I'm speaking to him in half an hour, I don't know the ins and outs. He asked me to come up and asked if I would help until end of season.

"Jonathan will have learnt an awful lot. He's a sensible lad and he'll have learnt a lot, that's how you get your experience."

Warnock now has eight games to try and keep Boro in the Championship after Saturday’s result left them just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

The Yorkshireman will meet with his new players on Tuesday afternoon and is looking forward to the challenge.

“It's just a change of voice at this stage and we have just got to try to get the right results to make sure the club stabilises itself and stays in the division, that's all,” said Warnock.

"Good habits., I always expect my players to give me everything and there won't be many problems with me, I don't think. A lot of things are said about me but most of it is not true, I just have to smile and get on with it."

He added: "At my age, you don't look too far ahead. I don't think I would have driven up this far for anybody else to be honest. Steve (Gibson) has always been high on my thoughts and I thought if I could help I would do. I hadn't thought about it until last night to be honest. Sharon (Warnock's wife) was OK with me coming up. I was a bit dubious when she closed the door so quickly!"

Warnock’s first game will come this weekend when Boro travel to relegation rivals Stoke City.