Neil Warnock wants to be a English manager out on his own – by becoming the first to bag eight promotions.

The Leeds chief currently shares the record with two others and is desperate to set a new mark by bringing Premier League football back to Elland Road.

Warnock, who hopes to have centre half Tom Lees back for Saturday’s opening clash with Wolves, said: “When I pack in the game I want to leave a unique achievement behind.

“It’s an achievement to get seven but if number eight comes along then I go out in style. I’d like that.

“If it turns out that I can’t do the job and I can’t get us promoted then there’s nobody who would have tried harder. I can promise that.”

Warnock has had his frustrations through the summer with transfer tribulations and the long-running takeover saga. But the 63-year-old is raring for battle once again.

He added: “I’ve got most of the players I wanted. I might not have the exact squad I was after but it’s close.

“All I know is I’m getting players in and we’re not far away from where we should be. I’m the manager of the football club and I’ve got to make the best of whatever we’ve got.

“Beyond automatic we can get in the mix. If you’re in the mix, anything’s possible.”

Lees missed the Capital One Cup win over Shrewsbury with a groin strain suffered in training. But he has returned to training and is set to slot straight back in alongside Jason Pearce for the televised first Championship game.

Midfielder David Norris is also fine despite taking a knock in the cup but Warnock is still waiting to find out if El-Hadji Diouf will be available.