He’d get my vote

THE best managers are those who form a special bond with their players. That is the relationship Neil Warnock has with his Cardiff squad. The feeling of togetherness he has created inspired his team to promotion and is giving them a fighting chance of staying up. That same spirit will help them as they try to come to terms with the tragic passing of Emiliano Sala. After an incredibly traumatic and emotionally draining fortnight, Warnock has given his squad time off to spend with their families. He is a family man who loves his players, too. When I interviewed him in March as his team were closing in on promotion, he said that he wants to know everything about his players, right down to whether their kids were off school. If Cardiff do now stay up against all odds, Warnock would get my vote for manager of the year. Jurgen Klopp would be a strong contender should Liverpool win the title, but they were expected to challenge after their summer spending. No one gave Cardiff a hope of staying up. Doing so would be an achievement worthy of this award.