NEIL WARNOCK | EXCLUSIVE FIRST INTERVIEW

Neil Warnock spoke exclusively to Cardiff City Player HD following his appointment as Cardiff City’s First Team Manager this morning.

Clearly delighted to have arrived in the Welsh capital, the Bluebirds’ new boss began by explaining his reasons for joining the club, highlighting the significance of the City support.

“I’ve always liked it here,” began Neil. “I always liked getting off the bus and I’ve had good banter with the Cardiff people.

“They are my type of crowd. Blood and guts – which I like. If I can get it right for them, I know how much they’ll get behind me.

“Rest assured, I’ll be doing my very best to provide the entertainment. I want the fans to go home talking about the shots, the saves and the offsides. The manager going stupid on the touchline. That’s what I love about football.”

In confident spirits, Neil went on to give his first assessment of the Bluebirds’ squad and outline his hopes for the campaign.

“I’ve got seven promotions and, I must admit, I wanted that eighth promotion,” he continued.

“I do enjoy challenges, and the challenge is to get the team higher up the league and see where we go. I’m confident in my ability and in Kevin [Blackwell] and Ronnie [Jepson], who have come with me to get the best out of the players.

“I look at the squad and know they have the ability - I do believe they have the potential to compete with anybody in the league. I’m looking forward to bringing some confidence back into the whole club.”

Finally, Neil called for an immediate impact both on and off the pitch as he relished the prospect of the Bluebirds' upcoming fixtures at Cardiff City Stadium.

“We’ve got some mouth-watering games coming up,” added Neil, as he eyed next Friday's Severnside Derby in particular. “When I looked at the fixture list, it wasn’t a look of trepidation. I was looking forward to it because that’s the way I am.

“It’s a hostile environment [at CCS] when it’s at its best, and that’s what managers like – our fans to be as hostile as they can be within the laws of the game. That’s what I will be asking of our fans over the next few weeks.

“It’s a massive first game… A cracking local derby. It’s going to be one to whet the appetite!”

Watch more from Neil Warnock exclusively on Cardiff City Player HD!