Monday 23 April 2018 15:40, UK
Gary Rowett says Neil Warnock's attempts to "stoke up" Derby's crucial fixture against Cardiff on Tuesday are "a bit panto".
Warnock was angered by the decision to postpone the original fixture in March due to unsafe conditions around the stadium after snow, describing it as a "disgrace" and suggesting Derby wanted the game called off because of an injury crisis.
He continued to make digs after his side beat Nottingham Forest on Saturday, sarcastically suggesting weather conditions could cause Tuesday's match to be rearranged, but Rowett is unfazed by Warnock's tactics.
"Neil Warnock's created a bit of needle, hasn't he? I don't think anyone else has tried to stoke it up, but that's fine I've got no problem with that, that's his management style," said Rowett, whose Derby side are one point off the play-off places ahead of Tuesday's match, live on Sky Sports Football.
"He's always been quite abrasive in that sense, but I still really like him, think he's still a good guy, he's still done a fantastic job - it's all a bit panto at times, isn't it? Because that's the way it all is.
"My only concern is that I have come in and it is really, really cold outside, I am worrying that the weather might take a turn for the worse this evening.
"I have shorts on, but I was absolutely freezing walking to the press conference this morning. Let's hope it's okay."
Despite his counterpart suggesting his behaviour was theatrical, Warnock was very complimentary of the Derby manager, saying Rowett was a shrewd acquisition for the club.
"I like Gary [Rowett], I speak to him, well I have done in the past anyhow," joked Warnock.
"I think he's always done a very good job, he's very much like myself I think, I hope he doesn't mind me saying that. But, I think he's very sincere, he puts everything into his job, he likes players to give him everything.
"I think it was the right appointment by Derby, and I think it will be long-term as well."
