Warnock revels in 'finest hour'

Warnock revels in 'finest hour'

Neil Warnock congratulates Michael Tonge

See photos from Bramall Lane

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Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock described the FA Cup quarter-final win over Leeds as his "finest hour" - as counterpart Terry Venables ponders an uncertain future.

Warnock led The Blades to their second cup semi-final this season after Steve Kabba's late winner gave them a 1-0 victory against their Yorkshire rivals at Bramall Lane.

It ended Leeds' last hope of European qualification in a troubled season and led to renewed speculation that Venables will quit at the end of the season.

Match report: Sheff Utd 1-0 Leeds

Warnock was warmly congratulated by Venables and Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale at the final whistle - a gesture from the latter which sparked an angry response from the Elland Road faithful.

I've a great bunch of lads who want to win every day

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock

The Blades' boss said: "Peter came after the game and was magnanimous in defeat.

"He felt that we had done well, which is not easy to say when you have lost out on your last opportunity of being in Europe next season.

"I think he was very sincere, something all the players appreciated, along with Terry's gesture as he also shook my hand and said `well done'.

"On a day when you feel sorry for your opponents, you've got to enjoy this moment."

What has to happen is a reassessment of the whole season to make sure the club improves for the following season

Leeds manager Terry Venables

Warnock, despite winning four play-off finals throughout his managerial career, described the victory as "the finest hour".

He added: "I've a great bunch of lads who want to win every day and there's just no stopping them.

"This team works very hard and, while sometimes we may not play the prettiest of football, we cannot be at our best every week.

"But everybody died for the cause. It's a special day to be red and white."

Venables, meanwhile, has conceded he will be "professional" throughout the closing two months of a torturous campaign.

"I am a professional and everyone at the club has a job to do," stated Venables.

"By the end of the week we have got to be up and we've got to start to try and be consistent and improve our performances in the league.

"But what has to happen is a reassessment of the whole season to make sure the club improves for the following season."