Former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has hit back at Djed Spence following his part in Nottingham Forest's promotion.
The Midlands outfit returned to the Premier League after 23 years away courtesy of a controversial 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the Championship Play off final.
A key performer in their impressive season was Djed Spence. The 21-year-old spent the season on loan at Forest from Middlesbrough, racking up 42 Championship appearances, along with a further 3 playoff outings.
In that time, he racked up 2 goals and 5 assists for Steve Cooper's side, and has caught the eye of plenty of sides including Antonio Conte's Tottenham.
However, it wasn't always that way. Former Boro boss Neil Warnock sent the defender out on loan, warning that 'there's only Djed Spence decides where he's going to go. No managers or clubs. It's Djed and what's between his ears.'
Now, Spence has taken the opportunity to hit back at his former boss and his recent arrival to Twitter, sending him a photo of the Championship playoff trophy in the hands of the defender, with a cigar in his mouth.
Warnock hits back
Now retired after 42 years in management, Warnock has hit back at the defender, claiming that he never doubted his ability, just his dedication.
'Well done Djed , I did say you were premier league or non league, glad you listened and took my advice on board now go and enjoy your success', he wrote.
'Those cigars won’t do you any good though son'