Neil has recipe to survive
NEIL WARNOCK has promised to ruffle a few feathers on his return to the Premier League with Cardiff – starting at Bournemouth today.
The 69-year-old has entered the top-flight with a fifth different club but will have to battle against the odds to give the Bluebirds more than one season back among the elite.
The last time they went up to the Premier League they finished bottom.
“The lads know, and I know, that we are going to be up against it,” said Warnock, who managed Notts County, Sheffield United, QPR and Crystal Palace in the top-flight.
“Everyone has written us off. We were 33/1 to go up last season and it was lovely getting promotion and seeing quite a number of the clubs below us that should have been doing better. That gave me satisfaction.
“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’ve also got players who have things to prove, so it’s a nice recipe.
“Why I am still here is that I’ve always wanted to prove a few people wrong, whether it be a chairman, a club or some fans.
“Everyone needs motivation. As a player, when I got a free transfer I wanted to show the manager he was wrong to let me go and, as a manager, when I felt let down, it was a similar thing.
“I wanted to show them this is what I can do.
“Expectations aren’t that high among our fans, but they know they are going to get 100 per cent effort from the players.
“They are going to have to run through a few brick walls for me this season, but there is nobody else I would want in the trenches with me than this group of players.”
While Wolves and Fulham, who came up with Cardiff last season, have splashed out, Warnock has spent a relatively modest £41m on 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 cover in defence.