Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has admitted that he's very nearly become Derby County manager in the past, stating that on three occasions he's 'nearly been there'. 

Derby parted company with Phillip Cocu earlier in November, with the Dutchman departing Pride Park with the Rams sitting bottom of the Championship table having picked up just a sole victory all season.

Wayne Rooney is amongst the temporary coaching team and he goes up against Warnock and Boro this evening in the Championship.

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There is plenty of speculation surrounding the Derby hot seat, which Warnock was quizzed on this week.

He's not one of the names in the frame for the vacancy, but he has been previously close to taking the Derby job.

As quoted by Derby Telegraph, Warnock said: "It's a massive club. The number of times I’ve nearly gone to Derby over the past few years is ridiculous. I think I’ve nearly been there three times.

"I know how big it is. The facilities, I go on about Middlesbrough’s facilities but at Derby it might even be a little bit better than at Middlesbrough. It’s unbelievable what they’ve done now. They’ve got good fans, really passionate fans.”

Boro lost just their second game of the season at the weekend against Norwich City, but will be looking to bounce back and add to Derby's woe at the Riverside Stadium tonight.

The Verdict

The jobs Warnock hasn't taken in England might be as long as his arm... he's had a spell everywhere!

He's right about the Derby job too. It's a big club and they've got great infrastructure, so it's going to be a good gig for someone to take in the coming weeks.

It's a hard job given the Rams' current standing in the Championship and Warnock will be hoping to make things worse tonight.

Thoughts? Let us know!