Neil Warnock has been appointed as the new manager of Leeds United after signing a contract until the end of the 2012-13 season.

Leeds had been without a manager since Paul Grayson's sacking earlier this month, while Warnock was dismissed by Queens Park Rangers in January.

The former Sheffield United boss had been the favourite for the job after being pictured with chairman Ken Bates in Monaco. Former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy had also been touted for the role.

"I feel I have one big challenge left in me and believe Leeds is a club that should be in the Premier League," Warnock told the club's official website.

"I want to be the man who is able to deliver this for a set of fans who never cease to amaze me with their numbers and their loyalty.

"Having met with Ken Bates it was an easy decision to take up the challenge and with his support, we share the same vision of getting Leeds United in the Premier League."

Warnock is something of a promotion specialist, having taken seven different teams up, and he will be hoping to do the same with Leeds, who currently sit 11th in the Championship, six points off the play-off places.