Warnock could look to fringe benefits as Sol signs a new deal
NEIL Warnock has revealed that fringe players linked with exits this summer could still play a part for Cardiff City this season if they don’t secure moves away from the Welsh capital by transfer deadline day.
The Yorkshireman confirmed earlier in the summer that he is open to offers for the likes of winger Craig Noone, versatile attacker Anthony Pilkington and defender Declan John.
Despite the City manager’s desire to move them on, he did concede that they would be given a chance to worm their way into his plans if they do not leave.
“Once the window closes they could be back in the fold. You haven’t got time to hold grudges,” said the Cardiff boss.
“We’ve had interest in all of them. I would like to think most of them found clubs if I’m honest. You don’t want players not making the squad.”
Having previously stated that he hopes his business is done well in advance of next Thursday’s deadline, Warnock re-iterated his desire to add another midfielder to his ranks in the coming days.
He has also stressed his desire to keep hold of key players including Kenneth Zohore – who has been the subject of interest from Brighton and Hull.
“We’re looking to see if we can drag one in before the deadline, we’ve got one or two ideas,” added Warnock.
“We’ve got one or two who might be going out. Somebody that’ll fit in with NEIL Warnock expects Callum Paterson to make his Cardiff City debut by the end of September.
The Scottish full-back has not kicked a ball since being forced off the pitch with a knee injury during Hearts’ 4-0 win over Kilmarnock on December 27 last year.
He joined the Bluebirds from the Jam Tarts in June on a Bosman deal – with Cardiff paying the Scottish outfit a compensation fee believed to be in the region of £400,000 for his services.
And Warnock has revealed the the way we play. Someone who can anchor, pass the ball, for two grand a week!
“I would imagine most of those will be looking at Ken anyhow. I’m sure agents have a lot of influence at times. I hope in Ken’s situation he listens to me as well. I think I’ve changed his whole career around and sometimes you get the wrong advice and you just hope it’s not adhered to.
“If he has another good season here I think the sky’s the limit. You can go a bit too early, especially with the money flying around in the Premier League at the minute. We might get £15m offered for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing at this rate.
“I think if we got £30m offered (for Zohore) we’d have to sell him. What price do you put on someone like that?
“I think Kenneth’s better than a lot of the ones that have moved on but we’re not thinking about it really. What is money nowadays? It’s a commodity Premier League clubs have all got.”
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Queens Park Rangers, the manager confirmed that centre-back Sol Bamba has signed a new three-year deal. He follows fellow defenders Sean Morrison, Bruno Manga, Lee Peltier and Joe Bennett in putting pen to paper on new deals to remain with the Bluebirds.
And the Yorkshireman also revealed 22-year-old could make his debut for the club as early as the third week of September having initially feared it could be at least 10 months from when he had his operation to when he returned to action.
“He’s training with us now, he’s still weeks away at the minute but he’s in a good place at the moment, he’s building his muscle up and strengthening it all the time,” said Warnock.
“He’s really working hard. It’s another step forward. I think we plan to play him towards the end of September.” that striker Ibrahim Meite has been sent out on loan to Crawley Town until January.
“We’ve agreed to give Bamba a three-year deal, which we’re delighted with,” added Warnock.
“He’s like a young pup at the minute. It’s nice to tie him down. He’s
Another of Warnock’s summer signings Danny Ward has found game time somewhat difficult to come but Warnock has said Ward’s influence on the training ground proves he’ll hit the ground running when more opportunities come his way.
“I feel sorry for Ward, he’s on fire in training and looks so sharp, then we put him on the left wing, but he’s such a credit to us,” added Warnock.
“You need squad players like him. Kadeem Harris has got to come back at some stage too. It’s promising.” done really well and it’s only right we can give him that security because he’s so committed to the club.
“In Sol’s case, when you’ve got the pace like Sol at his age, it’s just great for the club to know he’s around. His influence not just on the field but off it as well is great.
“I had a number of enquiries in the summer. He’s loving it at the moment, it spoke to Vincent (Tan) and Mehmet (Dalman) and we agreed and they supported me.
“We’ve already got a good foundation with Morrison and Bennett etc staying.
“You’re always working behind the scenes to make sure, for example if a manager leaves it doesn’t collapse. “I can’t force anybody to go. “We’ve let Meite go to Crawley, we’ll let him go till January.
“He’s done ever so well and we’ve had one or two enquiries and after thinking of the opportunities he’ll get we hope he’ll get chances there.”