Warnock always had an edge to him – Len
and settled in the area before later moving back to the North East 12 years ago.
Another link with tomorrow’s game is that he signed Neil Warnock for Hartlepool for £1,000 from Rotherham United when the fiery Bluebirds boss was still a winger.
Ashurst remembers: “He’s always had an edge to him and was one of the few players I managed who ever answered back.
“But he showed the passion and determination that we have all seen in his managerial career.
“I remember him playing on in an important game for Hartlepool against Darlington after he had injured his spleen or something like that.
“I am pleased that he has done well as a manager.
“When you scratch beneath the surface, he has a big heart and his demeanour on match days is different to other days.” Cardiff have the chance tomorrow (12.30pm kickoff) to record their first league double over Sunderland since the 1970-71 Second Division campaign. The Welsh side won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light earlier this season, with Craig Bryson and Joe Ralls, with a penalty, striking either side of a Lynden Gooch spot-kick to take all three points south.
Since Cardiff won 3-1 at home and4-0 away against Sunderland back in 1970-71, the clubs have met 11 times in league action in Wales.
Cardiff have won four times, with four draws and three away triumphs.
Overall, Cardiff, in all competitions, have beaten Sunderland 26 times, with 21 defeats and 17 draws.