Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock tests positive for coronavirus

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has caught COVID-19 – and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

The 71-year-old has gone into isolation, leaving Boro managerless for their home game against Bournemouth this weekend and the trip to QPR next week.

Warnock is said to be resting and in “good spirits.”

He is one of the oldest coaches in the professional game so would be in more danger than a player who contracts the virus.

However, Warnock trains every day and is a keen cyclist, keeping fit on the lanes around Boro’s training ground in recent weeks.

Warnock’s positive test raises the possibility of others in the game who have been in close contact with him also getting ill, including his players.

The EFL will want to test and trace all his contacts from recent games, which have included the home defeat to Barnsley last weekend.

The EFL no longer test players and staff unless they display symptoms.

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A Boro statement read: “The club can confirm that our manager Neil Warnock has returned a positive test for COVID-19 and will be spending a period in isolation in accordance with guidelines.

“Neil is in good spirits and we look forward to welcoming him back after his period in isolation.”

Warnock is said to be working from home and assistant Kevin Blackwell and first-team coach Ronnie Jepson will take charge of the squad.