Departing Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has backed his former assistant Stuart McCall to be appointed as his successor, and believes the Blades stand a mighty chance of clinching promotion straight back to the Premiership.

Warnock's eight-year reign at Bramall Lane ended by mutual consent on Tuesday following a meeting with plc chairman Kevin McCabe, and he believes he has left the club in a strong position despite relegation.

Warnock said: "I think the club has got to look and see if they want to go inside with Stuart - who is ready for management - or bring in an outsider, or a director of football with a young coach.

"I think whoever comes in could take United back up to the Premiership. I don't think the departures of one or two players will affect that - I can't see anybody being better than Sheffield United last year.

"A new manager will have a bit of leeway if things don't go so well right from the start. But with new blood I think there is no way they are not going to get automatic promotion, so it's a great time for someone to get the job."

Meanwhile Warnock insists he will be able to shrug off the pressures and what he still perceives to be some injustices of the season just gone, and immediately set about looking for a new role.

The 58-year-old Warnock has targeted one final challenge before he bows out of the game for good and is intent on earning another chance to test himself at the top level.

Warnock said: "I know there will be a lot of fans who would love Neil Warnock as their club's next boss. I am looking forward to the challenge of going to a club who want to be as successful as quickly as me.

"That is what I'm looking for - a new challenge to bring the sparkle back. I don't feel tired, I feel refreshed now I have made the decision because with all the circumstances I think it is right."

Warnock has already been linked with Leicester and Crystal Palace but insists he has had no contact with any other clubs and said he endured sleepless nights before reaching the decision to leave his beloved Blades.

He added: "There was no way in a million years I ever wanted to leave this club but I knew the time was right. I want to be able to bring my son back to watch games here and not need a police escort!

"I'm very proud that I'm the third longest-serving manager in Sheffield United history. It takes some doing in the modern game and it's twice as difficult when you're a fan as well."

Meanwhile McCabe indicated that while McCall would certainly be in the running for the post vacated by Warnock, the club was more likely to go for a more experienced appointment.

McCabe said: "The objective we have got at United is to bounce back at the first attempt. We have got the infrastructure and a strong first-team squad, so we need someone with experience to take us back.

"We need someone who has done it before. Stuart fits into that category as he has been at clubs as a player, coach and assistant manager. Stuart will certainly be interviewed along with other would-be candidates."