Warnock takes over at the Palace

Neil Warnock is promising to be as abrasive as ever having returned to football management at Crystal Palace.

The 58-year-old former Sheffield United succeeds the axed Peter Taylor in the Selhurst Park hotseat and will be looking to steer the Eagles up from 19th in the Championship table.

The forthright Warnock said after putting pen to paper to a contract until the summer of 2010 said: "That's part of who I am.

"I don't see how I can change that at this time in my career. A leopard can't change its spots.

"I think there might be one or two games where I don't get some decisions going for me - from people who have read my book!

"Although certain people dislike me I think too many people sit on the fence. I think it's great to say it how it is, although I might have overstepped the mark a few times."

He added: "Throughout my career, if you asked managers in the same division who they didn't want to play against I'd be high on their list.

"I've never had to worry about who my friends are. The only thing I worry about is pleasing the supporters."

Warnock has become Palace's eighth manager in seven years since chairman Simon Jordan took over at Palace.

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