Neil’s top of the class!
BLUEBIRDS BOSS DESERVES A GLOWING REPORT AS CLUB CLOSES IN ON TOP-SIX FINISH
BLUEBIRDS boss Neil Harris is delighted his side have the added ‘edge’ of gunning for a play-off spot with bitter rivals Swansea City as this season’s truncated schedule nears boiling point this week.
Cardiff City take on Hull City tomorrow night knowing anything other than defeat will secure their place in the play-offs, with the Bluebirds heavily in pole position after Saturday’s win over Middlesbrough.
The Swans, meanwhile, must pray for a Bluebirds slip-up against the Tigers while winning their own clash with Reading.
After a mini-blip midway through the Championship restart with defeats to Blackburn and Fulham, boss Harris has managed to get the side back to winning ways with victories over Derby and Boro.
And if, as seems likely, that play-off spot is secured and the season extended into a wonderful chance to grab promotion, Harris admits it’s only part and parcel of football that edging out neighbours Swansea City will prove to be icing on the cake
“Of course it spices things up,” said Harris of the rivalry with the Swans for a top six finish.
“They’re the rivals. It gives it the edge. That’s the excitement of football. We want to finish above them as it gives us sixth spot.”
“We’ve come off the back of a huge 96 hours for us, Derby followed by Boro.
“I was delighted by the six points we got in those games. There’s a focus, but it’s calm. You want that in the players.
“I didn’t have a remit that I had to make the top six when I came into this job. But I felt the players were good enough to make it. They said to do the best you can to get there.
“I felt all along we had potential to grow as a team. There’s been various things over the way to slow us down, but we’ve dealt with it well.
“With a game to go, we’ve got the chance to finish that aim.”
With the Bluebirds now on the brink of their shot at the big time, Harris played down any talk of vindication after a section of the club’s supported were less than impressed when he took over from Neil Warnock in November.
“You media guys have a better take than me,” Harris told yesterday’s press briefing.
“I don’t do social media so I don’t know people’s opinions.
“I like to think I’ve proven myself to the loyal fanbase and that I can lead the club forward. Maybe it’s a question to ask me in a couple of weeks time. I’ve enjoyed it, being part of the club and living in the city. I can’t wait for Wednesday as I’m enjoying watching my team. That’s a big thing.
“Saturday was another example of what we wanted to do. Some of the movement off the ball was outstanding.”
Meanwhile Harris had some positive news on the injury front, with Junior Hoilett in the mix for the game with Hull despite not being 100 per cent in recent days.
It’s nothing serious with Hoilett” he added. He struggled leading into the game.
“He wasn’t 100 per cent but after scoring against Derby, it was important to have your experienced players on the pitch.
“He gave it a go and wasn’t great. He’s no worse than he was. It’s muscular so it’s tightness. He’s not ruled out though. It’s his groin, but it might be his glutes.”