WARNOCK: "A MASSIVE FIRST GAME, A CRACKING LOCAL DERBY"

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has addressed the press and media ahead of Friday evening's Severnside derby with Bristol City.

With a crowd of over 20,000 expected at Cardiff City Stadium for the clash with City's near-rivals, the Gaffer expressed his excitement ahead of a first match in charge of the Bluebirds.

"It’s a massive first game, a cracking local derby," said Warnock. "It’s going to be one to whet the appetite – I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

"I think my lads will be ready for it. The fans are very important too, and that’s why I’m looking forward to not just the Bristol game, but how we can put a solid foundation into the club while I’m here.

"I’ve had some great games down here, and fabulous memories."

The Bluebirds boss has wasted little time in adding to his first team squad, with the additions of Junior Hoilett, Sol Bamba, Marouane Chamakh and Kieran Richardson this week.

"The opportunity to bring the lads in was too good to turn down and they would have gone elsewhere if we hadn’t moved quickly," Neil added.

"Marouane is a versatile player with pedigree and somebody who impressed me during my time at Crystal Palace. I like Marouane as a lad, he works hard, and it’s about trust.

"Junior did well for me at QPR - I’m delighted to have him here with us at Cardiff City and I know that he’ll respond to the fans and me.

"With Sol Bamba, I felt we needed some more leadership in there, and he shows that in abundance.

"Finally, Kieran is a quality player, established at top level and can contribute towards us moving up the table."

Hear more of the Cardiff City manager's pre-Severnside derby thoughts on Cardiff City Player HD now.