Warnock: We’ve improved so much!

NEIL WARNOCK spoke at Cardiff City Stadium following the Bluebirds’ 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday. The Seagulls took an early lead through captain Lewis Dunk’s back post header, however the Bluebirds responded in positive style. City were level after 28 minutes, when CalPa- lum terson headed home from Kadeem Harris’ cross, before the visitors were reduced to ten men just six minutes later - Dale Stephens seeing red. The hosts held the momentum and were unlucky not to take the lead 30 minutes into the second period, with Kadeem Harris’ finessed left footed effort striking the crossbar. However, the 90thminute saw the Bluebirds rewarded for their efforts – Sol Bamba’s overhead kick struck the post, before Callum Paterson’s strike deflected off the woodwork and Bamba made no mistake in rifling home on the rebound, sealing an emphatic three points. “It was a fantastic finish to the game from our point of view,” began Neil following the final whistle. “I can’t really ask any more and they are what they are – a great group of lads. We’re a little bit limited in some areas, but we’ve improved so much since last year and can only move as quickly as we can.

“We’re catching up at the minute from the bottom end and the players are giving everything, so I’ve no complaints at all today.

“My wife Sharon told me a couple of weeks ago that my luck would change from last Thursday for a few weeks, so I’ll have to get her a drink today because she’s done well there.

“There’s a lot of pluses today and we get knocked a little bit, but you look at the first goal we scored today – we’d 16 passes and not one of their players touched the ball, before it went in. I don’t think our lads get enough credit sometimes because it was a well worked move and a great goal.

“Dale Stephens is a genuine, honest lad, but I can understand why the referee gave the red card and I thought that would make our job a little bit more difficult, but fortunately we stuck at it and got the winner.

“At 1-1, Etheridge made a super save – I was behind it and the ball swerved well – it was a great save. His contribution was excellent and it’s difficult when you don’t have much to do.”

The Gaffer went on to praise his players, before giving an update on Sean Morrison and revealed how crucial the City support are to the club’s survival in the Premier League.

“Kadeem (Harris) deserved the start today, because he’s been the best player in training over the past six weeks and at the start of the season I didn’t think I’d play him.

“Although, he’s just changed my mind and been an absolute breath of fresh air for me as a manager – everyday in training I’ve had no option but to bring him into the squad.

“I put him on against Fulham and he scored, so he’s earned his place and by the looks of it, he wants to keep it because I thought that every time he got the ball today – he was dangerous and as good as anybody on the pitch.

“Sol (Bamba) has been an absolute breath of fresh air – he’s come here on a free transfer and from day one, him and Junior (Hoilett) have been super. I’m delighted for Sol today and he’ll enjoy that tonight, which is what he deserves – he’s a really whole-hearted character.

“Sean Morrison’s broken his nose – he had a few rough challenges today and in the end he was a little bit dizzy, so we didn’t want to risk anything with the international break.

“Joe Ralls came back today and I thought he was fantastic in the circumstances, because we didn’t want to play him until after the international break, but we’re short of bodies at the minute and I thought he did everything he could.

“I knew this match was a must win and the fans were a crucial element. The number of people that have commented about our fans – they’re the difference between us staying up or not.

“We’d no chance according to the bookies, but when the lads give me everything and if we can bring two or three quality players into the squad in January then we’ll have as good a chance as any.”

Warnock concluded: “I know that we’re limited, but you can’t turn down in the Premier League and it’s not our fault that we probably did it before our time last year, but when I look at the lads playing like that, I’m so proud of them and the effort they put in and the desire for the shirt.”