What it's like interviewing Neil Warnock as former Leeds, Sheffield United and Cardiff boss continues to raise spirits at Middlesbrough

It’s not that the Middlesbrough manager doesn’t carry respect, far from it, and you certainly wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of one of his dressing room rollickings.

Yet Warnock’s charisma and quick wit make his media meetings a compelling watch for both supporters and journalists alike.

“I don’t feel 71,” said the Boro boss when asked where he still finds his drive and passion after 40 years of management. “I know I don’t look it – I’m a very good-looking lad for my age – but when I look around, I just feel good around people that I know I can get something out of.

“It’s not just the players, I’ve always been good around journalists too. I think all jobs are so difficult, you’ve got to have a switch off, you’ve got to have humour. You’ve got to enjoy yourself.”

Warnock’s press conference lasted around an hour in total as reporters from TV, newspaper and radio outlets quizzed the Boro boss on transfers, recruitment and his enthusiasm for the game.

Modern-day press conferences can be rather mundane and repetitive affairs. Garry Monk certainly didn’t give much away during his time at the Riverside, often speaking about ‘the project’ and ‘the group’ without really disclosing anything.

Meanwhile Tony Pulis always stood up during his media duties and would take it as an opportunity to wrap things up when there was a pause in proceedings.

Yet Warnock genuinely seems to enjoy his conversations with the press, and beams with excitement when he speaks about the managerial challenges ahead.

It’s a shame reporters aren’t currently able to visit Boro’s Rockliffe training ground due to coronavirus restrictions, meaning press conferences have to be held via a video link on Zoom.

Warnock likes to engage with the press, like when he was asked by the Mail where Marcus Tavernier’s best position is ahead of last month’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

"What do you think?” Warnock replied, before challenging the Boro youngster to emulate Chelsea’s Mason Mount.

During this week’s press conference, the North East press pack were regularly made to smile, as Warnock went on a mini rant about passing back to the goalkeeper when losing in the 90th minute. “I just don’t understand it!” he said.

Warnock’s honesty and insight is also refreshing. He is under no illusions about the task at hand and even said it would be a miracle if Boro were challenging for promotion this season after narrowly avoiding relegation.

The Boro boss says what he thinks when it comes to the Teessiders ‘disgraceful’ goal record and lack of leaders, but also tries to build his players up and enjoys the banter around the training ground.

Supporters have warmed to Warnock’s personality in the first few months of his time on Teesside, yet the Boro boss will be well aware it’s results which will define his tenure.

For now, though, his personality is certainly putting a smile on peoples’ faces.

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