‘Infectious’ Warnock reason Hall bought into Boro’s plan

GRANT HALL is desperate to play Premier League football, and believes joining a Middlesbrough team managed by Neil Warnock gives him a good chance.

The 28-year-old centre-back became Warnock’s first Riverside signing, joining as a free agent after being unable to agree a new contract at Queens Park Rangers.

In terms of their infrastructure, Hall sees the Teessiders as a Premier League club but he feels having Warnock, with his track record of promotions, at the helm makes them an even more enticing prospect.

“It’s got all the facilities,” he said. “It’s got Premier League written all over it.

“Even the hotel here (at Rockliffe), I’ve stayed here a few times when I’ve played here and it’s just lovely.

“It’s something I’ve not really been used to. When I was at Spurs I had those facilities but at QPR it was a little bit different.

“Every time I’ve played in the Championship it’s been a club around promotion. Last season was a blip.

“I was very surprised to see the club (QPR) down the bottom half of the table.

“Any player looking at it will consider it straight away but with Neil coming in they’ll look at his record and say he’s had eight promotions, he’s going to want to have a go. It’s definitely a catch for most players.

“His man-management is second to none and he just brings a hunger. He’s desperate to have another promotion on his CV.

“I’d love to play in the Premier League. That’s my aspiration as a player, it should be everyone’s.

“He said to me on the phone, ‘I’ve not come here to finish midtable’. I’m a firm believer in what he’s achieved so far and what he’s capable of doing.”

Hall, who did not make a senior appearance in his three years at Tottenham Hotspur, worked briefly with Warnock at Loftus Road and it made a big impression on him.

“He’s infectious,” said Hall. “He’s a great character. You can have a laugh but when it’s time to be serious, he’s serious.

“He tells you it how it is and as a player you need that.

“He demands respect for what he’s done. It’s a ridiculous record.

“I only worked with him for a brief period but I noticed everything he did with certain players.”

Hall captained QPR until his departure in June, and has been signed to bring some of the leadership Warnock feels his new team lacks.

“I think I can be a leader on and off the pitch,” he said. “I’m very comfortable on the ball, that’s probably my main asset as a player and I don’t mind putting my body on the line.”