Speaking on the Die for Three Points Podcast, Neil Warnock has been discussing some of his biggest managerial regrets and one signing he missed out on for Sheffield United.
Every manager has the story of the one that got away. For Arsene Wenger it’s Cristiano Ronaldo, for Alex McCleish it’s Lionel Messi and for Warnock, sadly, it’s Didier Drogba.
Indeed, according to the retired manager he was alerted to Drogba back when he was playing in France’s second-tier and was offered the chance to sign him for just £100,000 when he was at Sheffield United.
Warnock would turn down that opportunity, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Could’ve had Drogba
Warnock shared how he almost signed Drogba.
“I remember, I don’t know if you remember your biggest regret in terms of signing players, but I remember Laurent D’Jaffo coming to me at Bramall Lane and saying ‘Gaffer, I have a player for you, Second Division in France, he’s a striker.’ I said how much will he cost me? He said £100,000. I said ‘we can’t afford that for a second division striker!’ He said ‘yes gaffer, but he’s good, you’ll love him, he’s physical, strong.’ I said I can’t pay £100,000 what is his name? It was Drogba,” Warnock said.
History-changing
Sheffield United failing to sign Drogba may be one of the most history-altering transfers of the 21st century.
The Blades really could’ve established themselves as a Premier League team under Warnock if they had Drogba leading the line. After all, he did go on to be a two-time Golden Boot winner in that league and one of the best to ever kick a ball in England’s top-flight.
Sadly, we’ll never know what could have been if Drogba had ended up in the Steel City, but it is certainly one to ponder.
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