Neil Warnock: I changed my mind about Rotherham job

The 67-year-old confirmed he will not be renewing his short-term contract with the South Yorkshire club and is expected to pursue his dream of a record-breaking eighth promotion with another Sky Bet Championship side.

The Millers were confident they could persuade Warnock to stay and have him build on the great escape he pulled off last season and were in discussions over a new deal for a couple of weeks.

Warnock admits he was all set to remain in the New York Stadium dugout before having a difficult rethink over the last 24 hours.

He is now set to find work at another Championship club and admits talks have already taken place.

"Up until a couple of days ago I thought I was staying," he said. " I've been in talks with two or three others clubs, and Tony (Stewart) knows about that.

"There will probably be more interest now the Rotherham decision is made.

"Leaving this club is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I love everything about it - the chairman, the people, the fans, the family feel.

"I understand the chairman's need for a quick decision and the time is right for both parties to go their separate ways. There'll always be the memory of what we achieved together.

"Had I stayed, I think it would have been for the wrong reasons really. Up until a couple of days ago I thought I was staying.

"Rotherham is a project, and I want only one more year, They need someone to come in for two or three years, build things up bit by bit, consolidate their place in the Championship and then look to go on from there."

Warnock has written himself into Millers folklore with the job he performed in his 16-game stint, which saw him become the shortest serving manager in the club's history.

After three games of his reign, his side were six points adrift from safety and staring relegation in the face until he masterminded a 10-game unbeaten run, which saw them move 10 points clear of the drop zone and secure their place in the second tier.

Warnock juggled his time between the Millers and tending to his sick wife Sharon, who is battling cancer, and paid tribute to the fans who rallied around her.

They sent a large bunch of flowers to their Cornwall home, along with a collection of over £1,000 which was donated to charity.

"The love and affection those fans have shown Sharon is something else," Warnock said. "It's something I will never, ever forget."