Paul Warne

Warne was born in Norwich, Norfolk, and is a supporter of Norwich City. He started playing non-League football for Great Yarmouth Town, before moving onto Diss Town, with whom he won the FA Vase in 1994. After playing for Wroxham, he started his professional career at the age of 23 when he signed for Wigan Athletic, before moving to Rotherham where he played over 250 games in all competitions, then he moved to Oldham where he became a firm fans favourite in his time there, helping the club to the League One playoffs in the 2006/2007 season, eventually moving on free transfer to Yeovil, where he struggled to get amongst the goals regularly. During the summer of 2009, after failing to agree a new deal with Yeovil, he joined his former club Rotherham United on trial and impressed pre-season. He subsequently signed a one-year contract with the Millers, scoring on his debut on the opening day against Accrington Stanley. On 11 August 2009, he scored the equalising goal as Rotherham surprisingly beat Championship side Derby County 2–1 in the first round of the League Cup. It was made all the more of an upset by the fact that Derby had reached the semifinals of the competition the previous season. He signed a one-year contract extension in June 2010.

Rotherham United

Upon his retirement as a player, Warne joined the coaching staff at Rotherham in May 2012 as a first team fitness coach. In November 2012, he was award a testimonial match by the club in honour of his many years of service as a player, coach and caretaker-manager. After four years in a coaching role, Warne was appointed caretaker manager of the first team on 28 November 2016 following the resignation of Kenny Jackett. On 13 January 2017, he was appointed manager until the end of the 2016–17 season. On 5 April 2017, with Rotherham's relegation from the Championship confirmed, Warne was appointed on a permanent basis with a rolling one-year contract. During his time as manager, Rotherham, were relegated from and won promotion to the Championship on three occasions each, with promotions in 2018, 2020 and 2022 following relegations in 2017, 2019, and 2021. He also won the 2022 EFL Trophy. Warne's final game as Millers manager was a 0–0 away to Middlesbrough on 17 September 2022 which left Rotherham eighth in the Championship after nine games; he left the club five days later and dropped down a division to manage League One Derby County.

Derby County

After interim manager Liam Rosenior was relieved of his duties, EFL League One side Derby County Football Club, recently saved by local businessman David Clowes, approached Rotherham United to request permission to speak to Warne. Paul Warne was officially announced by Derby County as their new…

He is a supporter of Norwich City as well as being a fan of American football team the Pittsburgh Steelers, often referencing the sport in interviews. Shortly after his appointment as head coach of Milton Keynes Dons - known for their controversial relocation and criticised by many as an example of franchising - Warne commented he was pleased at the association due to his interest in the NFL where franchising is more commonplace.

As a player

Diss Town

FA Vase: 1993–94

As a manager

Rotherham United

EFL League One runner-up: 2019–20, 2021–22; play-offs: 2018 EFL Trophy: 2021–22 Derby County

EFL League One runner-up: 2023–24 Milton Keynes Dons

EFL League Two runner-up: 2025–26 Individual

EFL League One Manager of the Month: December 2017, February 2022, January 2023, December 2023, March 2024