NEIL Warnock won't be the next Rotherham manager as things stand, with the ex-Middlesbrough boss instead preferring to hold out until after Christmas until he takes his next job.

Warnock left Huddersfield Town in September but made it clear he had no intention of retiring at that stage and has since been linked with various roles, including Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers.

When Rotherham sacked Matt Taylor earlier this week, Warnock was inevitably installed as one of the early favourites having guided the Millers to Championship safety in the past.

Warnock is still on good terms with Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart but rather than showing an interest in taking on the Rotherham job now, the 74-year-old is said to be happy to wait until after Christmas as he looks for his next challenge.

Rotherham are now assessing their options, with Stewart looking for a proven Championship operator - and he says some high quality candidates have shown an interest.

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He told the Rotherham Advertiser: "I am looking for established Championship managers who have 'done it'.

"The quality is that good. The shortlist will be down to three or four, but we have half a dozen (contenders) in the bag and they are still coming in.

"I’d be amazed if there’s somebody in before Leeds. We are going to take the luxury of time to make sure somebody fits the slot."

Steve Evans remains favourite with the bookies but the Stevenage boss is reportedly no longer on Rotherham's radar.

Gary Rowett and Leam Richardson are both currently 4/1, ahead of ex-Boro boss Chris Wilder, who is 7/1.