Warnock looking forward to ‘tasty’ reunion

DRAMA and controversy are never too far away from Cardiff City’s door. In fact, they are usually banging it down.

So, after Neil Warnock was announced as Middlesbrough manager on Tuesday, Bluebirds supporters were hypothesising in their droves about the prospect of their former manager being the architect of City’s downfall this season in some cruel twist of fate.

Next month, as we know, Cardiff take on Warnock’s Boro at the Riverside Stadium in the penultimate game of the season.

Warnock’s job is, of course, to keep Boro in the Championship. Neil Harris’ aim is to break into the top six, gunning for play-off glory in August.

With the Bluebirds now level on points with sixth-placed Preston following a stunning 2-0 win over Leeds United last weekend, it is quite conceivable the game against Boro will be absolutely crucial.

Warnock’s new side are hovering precariously close to the drop zone, in 21st position but level on points with 22nd-placed Hull City.

And while he has six more games before he comes up against his former side Cardiff City, Warnock’s mind has already cast forward to that key encounter.

“The last two games are quite tasty,” Warnock said in his first press conference as Boro boss.

“Cardiff home and Sheffield Wednesday away. It’s a good job the fans aren’t in!

“It’s really exciting. Everybody can beat everybody in the Championship.

“Let’s worry about Stoke first.” He steered Cardiff to safety in his first season in charge before spearheading a promotion charge the following season.

The 71-year-old felt the time was right for him to leave the Welsh capital back in November, not wanting his legacy to be soured by this season.

He revealed he has had opportunities in the intervening seven months, before the Boro job was presented to him, but his lingering memory of his time in charge of the Bluebirds is one which will strike a cord with fans in this part of the world.

“I had a great time at Cardiff,” he added, “One of the best in my life.”

Meanwhile, Warnock has been linked with a move for Wales defender Chris Gunter.

Gunter has penned a short-term contract extension until the end of the current campaign with Reading, but it is thought he will then be released by the Royals.