Tomlin has for Bluebirds
In the six games he did start him Tomlin this year, Warnock substituted him every time.
Warnock evidently didn’t trust Tomlin, but how on earth was he going to build up proper 90-minute match sharpness when he kept being taken off? His confidence levels must also have dipped, given he invariably knew he would be leaving the field midway through the second half.
The situation was best demonstrated in Warnock’s final game against Bristol City. With Cardiff 1-0 down, Warnock took off Tomlin again – and Cardiff proceeded to play 20 minutes of lump ball which Ashley on Harris when he came on to grab a point for the Bluebirds and he has had enough of an influence since to make the new manager realise just how special he is.
Under Harris, Tomlin will be on the field at the end of games more often than he is not.
BUT HE NEEDS SUPPORT
Cardiff’s problems can’t continue to be masked by Tomlin. Heck, what would happen if he got injured?
He is the team talisman, but he needs much greater support in terms of creativity and goal threat in the final third.
That being the case, the next 48 hours is crucial for Harris and his Bluebirds.
Cardiff badly need a fast, creative, goalscoring wide-man to take the pressure off Tomlin, and a box to box midfielder who can dovetail better with him.
The defence looks solid enough, Alex Smithies is a fine goalkeeper, but Cardiff still need to keep the ball better and inject more energy and pace into the side.
There is an immediate sequence of games looming that will shape Cardiff ’s season. Reading at home, Luton and Huddersfield away, Wigan at home.
A very decent return from those fixtures is not beyond the Bluebirds and suddenly, pushing nearer to the top six, momentum shifts and mindset changes.
Tomlin will continue doing his bit, Callum Paterson clearly needs to play up front from here on in. But a greater cutting edge from the wide men and midfielders is what can help give Cardiff the extra dimension they need.