SHOUTING THOMAS
Sorba’s all smiles again thanks to Warnock magic
NEIL WARNOCK has racked up many fine achievements during his 36 years as a boss in the Football League.
And right up there with the best of them must be the personality transplant he has performed on Huddersfield flying machine Sorba Thomas.
The 24-year-old has never been known for his bubbly personality – even by his own team-mates.
But since returning from a turbulent loan spell at Blackburn where he fell out with gaffer Jon Dahl Tomasson, they have noticed quite a change in Thomas. Warnock isn’t just bringing out the best in him on the pitch, he has lifted his spirits too.
The 74-year-old joked: “They say Sorba looked happy out there and I said ‘I hope you took a picture.’
“I’ve never seen him happy before!
“It just shows you when you’re enjoying the game, you work harder and I’ve never seen him work as hard as that this season.”
Thomas didn’t intend to score with his 47thminute corner which went in off Dael Fry’s shin but his delivery was always probing and his energy levels were outstanding.
“That’s the best game he’s had by an absolute mile so all credit to him,” added Warnock.
“He got a flukey goal but that’s how it happens.” The Terriers looked on course for their first win of the season after the goal on the day Warnock (above, right) celebrated the 36th anniversary of his firstever win as a Football League boss against the club he thought would bring the curtain down on his managerial career.
But Boro gradually found their groove, hit back through a scorcher from Hayden Hackney (below) and should have won it late on.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t score more goals after half-time when we were on the front foot but at the same time, I’m relieved because they created some late chances,” said Warnock.
Boro look nothing like the team which proved such a force in the Championship once Michael Carrick came in.
But the head coach remains confident.
Carrick said: “We have a lot to build on and that’s the most encouraging thing. Even at 1-0 down, I never doubted the boys.
“I’d love to have a win on the board but it’s my job to be pragmatic and look at the bigger picture.
“We’re still bedding in new players which takes a bit of time – but we are doing a lot of good things without quite getting our rewards.”