Neil Warnock admitted he was “gobsmacked” as the decision for him to leave Huddersfield came earlier than he expected but he insisted he has done the job he set out to do.
Wednesday’s game at home to Stoke will be the 74-year-old’s last in his second spell with the Terriers as the club’s new American owner Kevin Nagle wants to make a long-term appointment as they bid to regain Premier League status.
Warnock returned in February, 30 years after he was first appointed, and masterminded an incredible escape from relegation, subsequently signing a one-year contract to help oversee a revamp off the pitch but he was aware his tenure was unlikely to last the duration of his contract.
“We’ve actually done what we set out to do really,” he told a press conference.
“Kevin has a three-year plan to reach the Premier League. I thought it would be about Christmas time but once they told me they wanted to bring someone in I think they had to move on quickly.
“I was gobsmacked really but when Jake (Edwards, chief executive) told me why I understood why.
“If you’re not wanted you want to go straight away. I don’t mean that how it maybe sounds.
“I always told him I’d do it until they were ready and then if they let me know I’d go. I’ve not fallen out with anybody.
“I think it was the right thing that I came back, I don’t think it would have helped anyone to come in in pre-season but we’ve made a lot of progress.”
Warnock came out of retirement to help his former club but he has not ruled out restarting his career.
“My health is good, I’ve never felt better. If anything I’ve got the buzz again,” he added.
“You don’t know what the next knock on the door is going to be. I’m sure when February comes round people will be asking me again.”
Edwards said they hoped to have a new manager in place by the end of the week.
“We’ve progressed in a number of areas and brought that stability to a level and that’s thanks to Neil,” said the chief executive.
“We wanted to make the decision from a position of strength, which is unusual. When the right candidate is available you have to make the decision.
“Few management duos could have kept us in the Championship and they’ve solidified their legendary status.
“We feel we are ready to move forward with our long-term plans to drive the club back into the Premier League and to make a longer-term managerial appointment.”
Al-Riyadh 0-3 Al-Hilal: Mitrovic double sends hosts top
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice late on to secure Al-Hilal a 3-0 win over Al-Riyadh, sending them top of the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.
Salem Al-Dawsari orchestrated the victory though, scoring one and assisting both of Mitrovic's goals, while Marcos Leonardo was denied a strike of his own.
Al-Hilal dominated the first half, managing 10 shots as they smothered the hosts, but they could not find a breakthrough, only testing Milan Borjan twice.
Both sides moved through the gears in the second half though, with Ibrahim Bayesh rifling a powerful effort against the woodwork minutes after the break for the hosts.
Al-Dawsari found a way through shortly after – he made a sensational run down the left before cutting inside and dinking a lovely shot over Borjan and in off the far post.
Leonardo ran off the back of Al-Riyadh's defence and scored a chip of his own, only to have the goal ruled out as he started his run too early.
Mitrovic made sure of the three points after 80 minutes as he slotted in from a tight angle and got his second in the 100th minute to round off a good day for Al-Hilal.
Data Debrief: Al-Dawsari steals the show
After struggling to find their shooting boots in the first half, Al-Hilal can be thankful for their left-winger, who caused all sorts of problems for Al-Riyadh.
He had the most touches in the opposition box (seven), and created the most chances (four), while only Ruben Neves (27) made more passes than him in the final third (22).
Rooney up and running as Plymouth stun Championship leaders Sunderland
Joe Edwards netted a dramatic 93rd-minute winner as Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle stunned Championship leaders Sunderland 3-2 on Saturday.
Argyle were still waiting for their first league win under Rooney heading into this match against the early pace-setters, who had recorded four wins from four.
It looked like being more of the same when Patrick Roberts netted a first-half penalty for Sunderland, but Plymouth turned the game on its head after the restart at Home Park.
Dan Ballard's own goal got the home side level, then Ryan Hardie converted an Argyle spot-kick.
Sunderland fans had made the longest trip in the EFL this season to see their side and looked to be rewarded with a hard-earned point when Romaine Mundle equalised four minutes from time.
But Plymouth were not done and rallied again to sensationally snatch victory in stoppage time as Edwards reacted fastest to a rebound and blasted past Anthony Patterson.
Watford had been Sunderland's nearest challengers but could not capitalise as they drew 1-1 at home to Coventry City.
That result allowed Blackburn Rovers to move up to second on 11 points, one behind Sunderland, as they eased to a 3-0 victory over Bristol City.
Yuki Ohashi scored twice at Ewood Park to see Blackburn nudge back ahead of rivals Burnley, winners earlier in the day at Leeds United.
West Brom subsequently ended Saturday in fifth but could now take top spot on Sunday when they take on Portsmouth.
Pompey are in the bottom three until then, a place and a point below Preston North End, who earned a 1-1 draw on the road against Middlesbrough.
Cardiff City are bottom and still with just one point after losing 1-0 at Derby County.
Burnley end Leeds' unbeaten start in battle of promotion hopefuls
Leeds United suffered their first defeat of the Championship season as they were beaten 1-0 at home by fellow promotion hopefuls Burnley.
Daniel Farke’s side came into Saturday's encounter having won back-to-back matches against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City, but their momentum was halted by their clinical visitors.
Burnley forward Luca Koleosho scored the only goal of the game the day before his 20th birthday.
Koleosho took advantage of a slip from Manor Solomon after 18 minutes, before sprinting 70 yards and drilling a shot past Leeds goalkeeper Ilan Meslier.
That proved to be enough to inflict on Leeds a third home league defeat in six matches going back to last season, despite the hosts applying plenty of pressure as they sought an equaliser.
Burnley's Bashir Humphreys was sent off eight minutes into stoppage time at the end of the match, but Leeds were unable to find a way through.
Elsewhere in Saturday's early Championship kick-offs, Luton Town claimed their first win since relegation from the Premier League.
Teden Mengi's fine early effort from the edge of the penalty area was enough to beat Millwall 1-0 away from home.
While Luton have ground to make up in the promotion race, Oxford United's surprise challenge continues on the back of their 100% home record.
That was maintained with a deserved 1-0 victory over Stoke City, with Idris El Mizouni netting the winner three minutes into the second half.
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