Neil Warnock discusses Steve Gibson conversations and Middlesbrough's contract situation ahead of Hull City clash

The 71-year-old took charge of Boro until the end of the season last week, but hasn’t discussed financial aspects with chairman Steve Gibson.

“Steve just asked me to come and help really so we’ve not talked about money or anything at the minute, I’ll have to catch up with him soon,” said Warnock ahead of Thursday’s trip to Hull.

“It wasn’t a priority in my case and I just said I’d come when he asked me, he was very sincere.

“I’ve known him a long time and I thought what a great opportunity to help out.

“I’ve always liked Middlesbrough. For some reason my teams have always lifted themselves against Middlesbrough.”

When it was suggested Warnock could be working voluntarily until the end of the season, he replied: “I probably am doing, he (Gibson) did give me a nice meal the first night so that might have been it.”

Warnock also said he won’t be making any solo decisions on players’ contracts, after George Friend, Ryan Shotton, Adam Clayton and Marvin Johnson all saw their current deals expire this week.

The quartet have agreed to sign short-term waivers to complete this season, yet their long-term futures remain unclear.

“I’ve been speaking to Neil (Bausor) about the lads who are out of contract,” said Warnock. “They are all committed anyhow, but what I’m going to do is catch up with them all later on in the week and obviously tell them how important it is.

“At the moment I’m not going to be making any decisions myself, the main priority is let's make sure we keep in the Championship.”

Warnock is also confident the aforementioned players will ‘play their heart out’ for Boro’s seven remaining games, after striker Rudy Gestede elected not to complete the season.

“When Rudy told me, no disrespect, but you have to have people in the trenches with you in this situation,” added Warnock.

“We aren’t out of trouble by any means. When someone says they’re not sure you can’t have it.”