Jones: Neil needs to be toasted by the nation
LUTON Town manager Graeme Jones has spoken of the respect in which he holds Bluebirds chief Neil Warnock – and how his side will face a tough task at Cardiff City Stadium today (3pm).
Jones, who worked as No.2 to Roberto Martinez at Swansea, Wigan, Everton and Belgium, said: “Whenever you played against his teams, you always knew you were in for a tough game.
“I think as players then you never looked at styles, you just turned up for your team and played. That would be 20 years ago now. What I do remember was that it was always a challenge, it was always a physical challenge, it was always a tough game.
“We came up against Neil in management a few times – his first spell at Crystal Palace in the Championship, his second spell there in the Premier League. So I know we will have to earn anything we get out of Cardiff at the weekend.
“I think Neil needs to be toasted by the nation really, I played against his teams and now I am managing against his teams.
“He has seen everything, he has got real longevity in the game and that really needs to be respected.”
Despite that obvious respect, Jones is hoping his side can build on their opening-night 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough.
He added: “I think we have got to get the preparation correct, make sure the players are aware of the style they’re going to face – it will be a different style to Middlesbrough.
“That’s this league, we need to adapt, we need to be willing to adapt. We also need to assert our own style on the opposition. I address each game on it’s own merits and I will on Saturday.”
Luton look likely to include deadline-day loan signings – Manchester City winger Luke Bolton, Chelsea striker Izzy Brown and Aston Villa defender James Bree – in their squad.