DON’T WORRY ...BE HAPPY

Warnock tells unfancied Bluebirds not to fear the drop but to enjoy their very own Prem magical mystery tour

NEIL WARNOCK will ask his Cardiff City players one simple question in the dressing room today when they return to the Premier League: “How the hell have we got here?”

The Bluebirds beat odds of 33/1 to get out of the Championship last season – Warnock’s record eighth promotion – but they are still the bookies’ favourites to go straight back down this season.

In typical belligerent fashion, the 69-year-old Yorkshireman who has a record number of promotions to his name but never kept a team in the elite, is ready to fight for survival with his fifth team in the top flight. There may be little expectation surrounding his side, but he knows that with backs to the wall they can prove people wrong.

“It’s like buying a ticket for a bus ride and you don’t know where you are going. You have to enjoy the ride,” said Warnock.

“The lads know, and I know, that we are going to be up against it and everyone has written us off.

“It was lovely getting promotion and seeing quite a number of the clubs below us that should have been doing better.

“The players showed last season what they can do when they roll up their sleeves and they deserve their chance in the Premier League.

“I’ve helped them by bringing in a bit more quality, which you have to have to get results at the top level. We also got players who have things to prove.

“I’m still here because I’ve always wanted to prove a few people wrong, whether it be a chairman, a club or some fans. My players are going to have to run through a few brick walls, but there is nobody else I would want in the trenches with me than this group.”

Wolves and Fulham, who came up with the Bluebirds, have really splashed the cash. Warnock, meanwhile, has spent £25million on bringing in a handful of players and £41m all told in transfers, loans and wages.

Bobby Reid and Josh Murphy will pep up the attack, while the last-minute addition of loan signings Harry Arter, from Bournemouth, and Victor Camarasa, from Real Betis, will add depth and quality to the midfield.

Republic of Ireland full-back Greg Cunningham will also provide more cover in defence.