Neil Warnock rules himself out of the running for vacant Sheffield Wednesday job

The former Blades boss admits taking over the Owls would be too divisive and that it's time to 'put myself to bed'

Neil Warnock once joked that he would take over Wednesday and try to get them relegated (Getty Images)

Neil Warnock has ruled himself out of the running to become Sheffield Wednesday's new manager, claiming the move would be too divisive.

The 65-year-old, who left Leeds in April, revealed he held talks with Owls chairman Milan Mandaric on Thursday evening as part of a five-man shortlist for the job but has now pulled out of contention.

Warnock is a boyhood Sheffield United fan and managed the Blades between December 1999 and May 2007. He also made derogatory comments about United's city rivals in 2002.

It was this affinity to the Bramall Lane club that played a huge part in his decision to snub the Owls, who are currently languishing in the relegation zone in the Sky Bet Championship and looking for their sixth manager in just over seven years after sacking Dave Jones last weekend.

Warnock told talkSPORT: "I did speak to Milan Mandaric last night (Thursday) and I think we both realised then that it wasn't going to be.

"When Milan phoned me originally I did tell him it would be pretty much impossible to manage Sheffield Wednesday when I'm a Blade, but he asked me to have time to think about it. He wanted me to try and keep them up.

"He has tried to bring me in as his manager about four times over the last 20 years so I have got a lot of respect for him.

"I have been pleased about the number of people in Sheffield, Sheffield Wednesday fans as well, that wanted me. But I think it's time to put myself to bed."

PA