Cardiff City visit Championship leaders Newcastle United this weekend, a game likely to give a measure of the progress made under new manager Neil Warnock. Josh Thomas reflects on the Warnock impact so far and assesses the mood of fans after two victories, a draw, and a defeat following the sacking of Paul Trollope.
On the 6th October 2014, Russell Slade was appointed as the new manager of Cardiff City Football Club replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It was a year that brought optimism and hope but ended with uncertainly and disappointment.
In came Slade, but out went the big attendances which dropped by 50% of the levels being achieved in the Premier League. Two years later Slade left for Charlton Athletic and in came Paul Trollope, hoping to go one step further and get the club into a promotion battle after they narrowly missed out on reaching the play-offs under Slade.
However, just 12 games into the season, and with only two wins, Trollope was sacked on the 4th October. It meant just less than two years to the day since Slade took over, Neil Warnock signed a two-year deal on the 5th October, hoping to repeat his previous successes and take City back into the Premier League as he had done with Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers.
His first game was the Severnside derby against Bristol City, which brought Cardiff City fans back in numbers, keen to look at what he could bring to the club. He had quickly made four new signings, including Junior Hoilett, a player once named as one of 13 to watch by FIFA in 2012.
Experienced Defender Sol Bamba was a player Warnock had admired for a long time and had tried to sign before. Versatile midfielder Kieran Richardson, who can also play in defence, was described as a player who was “going to be a big part of our play-off push” and proven striker Marouane Chamakh arrived to bring further experience.
Two of the four – Hoilett and Bamba – started the game, with Hoilett impressing with his box-to-box running and willingness to create something out of nothing. Most Cardiff fans I have spoken to believe Hoilett looks promising and that his addition to the squad has improved competition for places.
Bamba has also since impressed with his strength and composure and took his goal well in that opening game. Again, there is a feeling amongst fans that Bamba has fitted in straight away and I agree with the view that he already looks one of the club’s most influential players.
At the end of that first game – and in the matches since – Warnock’s passion and enthusiasm shone through and went down well with all who were there. He has made the fans feel more upbeat and is regarded “the man who will get us out of trouble.”
The games since have seen him bring the best out of more players and excitement is indeed returning to the club. Supporters describe him as the “best motivator in the game” and note that he “works with a smile and that’s the difference.”
Overall, despite the recent defeat at home to Wigan, Warnock’s appointment has gone down well with Bluebirds supporters. I, for one, cannot wait to see what else he brings to the club. Like others, I believe there is even a realistic hope the club can make the play-offs.
The confidence now felt by fans after seeing the changes Warnock has made in a short space of time shows the kind of impact he has had, not just on the players and the team, but throughout the club as a whole. Here’s hoping his experience will continue to pay dividends.