WARNOCK: I’M NO VILLAIN IN DERBY PANTO

NEIL WARNOCK promises it will be no pantomime at Pride Park when Cardiff finally play Derby tonight.

Warnock (above) branded the decision to postpone last month’s fixture due to snow “a disgrace” given Derby’s lengthy injury list.

To add to the friction, City skipper Sean Morrison (right) had what he thought was a private rant at some Derby players on WhatsApp broadcast wider than he would have liked.

It guarantees a frosty atmosphere, with Cardiff taking a full complement of fans with them for the first of two games this week that could see them clinch the second automatic promotion place.

“Neil has created a bit of needle in this game, hasn’t he? That’s his management style – he has always been quite abrasive,” said Derby boss Gary Rowett.

“I still think he is a really good guy and he has done a fantastic job. It’s all a bit of panto at times.”

The Cardiff boss refused to bite back, preferring to concentrate on what could be a record-breaking week for him if his side can win at Derby and Hull to earn him an unprecedented eighth promotion at the age of 69.

“I am definitely not going to give you any extra lines that you are looking for,” said Warnock. “I have listened to some presenters asking questions to managers at difficult times and cringed.

“We are just looking forward to the three games we’ve got left, not just Derby. If we can get second place it will be amazing.”

Rowett tried to rally Derby after a dire run of two wins in 13 games has pushed them out of the top six.

He added: “We know this game will be defining. We have a brilliant opportunity. It’s about how you play your own game when you’re under pressure.”