Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock told of his "love" for Burton Albion after he watched his side defeat the Brewers 1-0 courtesy of Kenneth Zohore's 87th-minute strike on Saturday.

Warnock took charge of Albion in 1981 after his appointment by current chairman Ben Robinson, and spent five years at the Pirelli Stadium's predecessor Eton Park.

During that relatively successful time, he cut his teeth at the Brewers before embarking on a career that would take in spells at English football heavyweights Leeds United and Sheffield United.

"I do love Burton," said Warnock fondly, while recalling some Brewers' nostalgia.

Nigel Clough and Neil Warnock share a few words

"I don't think it (their Championship status) gets enough of a mention really. I was just talking to a guy who was here while I was here before the game.

"He was saying my first game was in the Bass Vase - we had a crowd of about 800 at the brewery - we got a free drink after.

"We were playing Derby's third team. Put that into perspective!

"It's just incredible, I'm so pleased for Ben (Robinson).

Former Burton Albion manager Neil Warnock alongside current Brewers chairman Ben Robinson
Former Burton Albion manager Neil Warnock alongside current Brewers chairman Ben Robinson

"He's a super chairman, a super owner - all his family.

"You couldn't wish it anybody better than him and I'm delighted."

In what now seems a far cry from the last decade of success for Albion, victory was measured differently during Warnock's time in charge.

During his time at the helm, Warnock steered the club to a Northern Premier League Challenge Cup victory and a glamorous FA Cup third round tie against Leicester City - facing England strikers Alan Smith and Gary Lineker.

Warnock is now currently manager of Cardiff City - who beat the Brewers 1-0 on Saturday
Warnock is now currently manager of Cardiff City - who beat the Brewers 1-0 on Saturday

By the time he had left, Warnock departed as the club's longest-serving manager in its history with his five-year tenure coming to an end by 'mutual consent'.

Former Burton Mail sport writer Rex Page even described Warnock's side as "arguably the best side in the club's history".

Warnock had certainly laid groundwork for both himself and Albion, though - and that is evident given where both himself and the club are today - and he had nothing but nice words for the pair of Robinson and manager Nigel Clough upon his return to Burton.

"He (Robinson) supports Nigel, and Nigel knows its limited, but they don't moan about it. They just get on with it and make sure they give anybody a game.

Neil Warnock also revealed his admiration for former Leeds man Stephen
Neil Warnock also revealed his admiration for former Leeds man Stephen

"The big hitters won't want to come here, and I think that's good."

The former Brewers manager also revealed his admiration for a fellow Warnock - Stephen - who made his debut following his arrival from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer over the summer.

Warnock, a former Liverpool man with an abundance of Premier League experience having made over 200 appearances in the top-flight of English football, made his debut at left-back for the Brewers and was resolute in defence.

And Neil - no relation to Stephen, was happy that a player he once signed while at Leeds had chosen to come to Burton, and how that was another example of the changing face of Burton Albion since he pitched up at Eton Park over 30 years ago.

"He's a good pro, Stephen,” added Warnock.

"He could have gone a few places, but I'm pleased he's here."