Neil Warnock described Cardiff City as “a blood and guts” kind of a club but those qualities appear to be what he has injected rather than uncovered since becoming manager.

Warnock’s first match in charge – Friday night’s 2-1 victory over Bristol City – lifted the Bluebirds out of the Championship relegation zone.

It was a rare three points for a side that had won only twice in their previous 11 matches, but more striking was the commitment and fighting spirit shown by players who seemed passive and resigned under former boss Paul Trollope.

An example was winger Craig Noone, who was pressing and biting into tackles deep in the opposition half, having spent most of the first quarter of the season looking like a diffident bystander.

New managers regularly affect this kind of upswing but Cardiff now have an opportunity to make sure the Warnock effect is not short-lived when they host Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.

“It was a dream start, I thought we deserved it and the new lads did really well,” said the 67-year-old.

“I have told the players they have to enjoy it, when that whistle goes and I see a team putting everything out there for me, you cannot want any more that.

“We still have work to do, we were underdogs and there will be a few more games in the coming weeks when we will be underdogs.

“To see a team of lads die for me, I can’t ask any more. We’ve got limitations, I know we have, but those lads gave everything,” he said.

“I thought we deserved it but, as all derbies are, it was close and nerve-wracking at times.”

Warnock appears to be enjoying himself in Wales, a significant emotion at a club that has often felt a joyless place in recent seasons.

“Life’s too short. We’ve got to enjoy it while we can. I’m 67 and when that final whistle goes, that’s what I’m in it for.”

Warnock also heaped praise on match-winner Sol Bamba, who just over a week ago was still a free agent after leaving Leeds.

“Sol thinks he is Franz Beckenbauer at times, I have seen him try to do all sorts of tricks and flicks,” said Warnock.

“I told him he needed to play for me, with no frills, just head it and kick it. He is as good as anything in the league doing that.”

Cardiff’s players have already described how he has lightened the mood at the club and, according to Warnock, the fans have made him feel at home, too.

“They’ve been absolutely fantastic. I’ve never had a response like this from the fans. I think there was a poll that said 95% wanted me, which is great for a manager to know you’re wanted.

“They’re almost like Yorkshire people transferred to Wales.”