Warnock leaves Sheffield United

Neil Warnock has left Sheffield United by mutual consent after seven-and-a-half years in the Bramall Lane hotseat.

The lifelong Blades fan has been considering his future since the club was relegated to the Championship following a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

He recently rejected a new contract, claiming the offer - worth around £750,000 had the club remained in the Premier League and £450,000 after relegation - was unacceptable.

The 58-year-old has ambitions to continue to manage in the top flight and told reporters: "It's a sad occasion but I think it's one of tremendous satisfaction other than the disappointments over the last few weeks.

"A number of issues have left a bitter taste in my mouth. But when you look around where we were seven or eight years ago - we've got our own training complex, we've got a new breed of supporter. The pride has come back into Bramall Lane.

"We've done what we set out to do. The club is geared towards continued success. I definitely think we'll be the favourites of the three clubs going down to come back up. "

Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe has insisted that the board is in no rush to appoint a successor.

Warnock's assistant Stuart McCall is being seen as one of the likely candidates and McCabe said: "Neil departs with our best wishes.

"We want to take a considered view as part of the transformation and shaping one of the best clubs in the land.

"Exciting times and further challenges lie ahead on and off the field for United and the new manager will have a full part to play."

McCabe, meanwhile, has revealed that the Blades are pursuing the Premier League over the Carlos Tevez issue.

He added: "We are still working towards debating matters with members of the Premier League who have an obligation to undo the wrong and unjustness culminating in the last day's relegation.

"We are pursuing litigation procedures and will promote arbitration procedures to the Premier League

"We have written to every MP so we are going to the house explaining the background so it can be settled to the benefit of sport in the UK."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.