Warnock: Always good for a laugh

Last updated : 11 April 2009 By Michael Morris

Speaking ahead of today's game with City the Palace manager has a dig at the soft penalties we are getting and then has some nice words about Dave Jones and the City squad.

"I tell you what, I will be glad when Cardiff move to their new ground. Maybe then someone else will have a chance of getting a penalty," said Warnock.

"I'm not joking, but when we played at Ninian Park this season I think it was that lot of Cardiff fans behind the goal who blew Michael Chopra over and then the ref goes and gives it!

"Then I'm watching the South Wales derby and Cardiff get a last-minute penalty... well, I'm not saying it was soft, but I think Mike Dean must have been frightened what the supporters might do to him after if he didn't give it!"

"I've got my enthusiasm back for the game suddenly," said Warnock who's side have little to play for this season.

"There are at least a couple more seasons left in me, I think. I will be moving down to Cornwall to retire in the end, though.

"What will I do down there?

"I will spend my time watching Cardiff City in the Premiership of course, they will be one of my closest big clubs then, won't they?"

And does he think the Bluebirds would make a good acquisition to the top flight?

"Hard to say, but I would like to see the Cardiff supporters in the Premier League," said Warnock. "That would shake things up a bit and they deserve it, too. I do think the supporters at Cardiff are a good bunch.

"I always enjoy myself down there. We have a bit of banter, but it's fine. They are the sort who know how to dish it out, but know how to take it too. My kind of people. I like Cardiff City. I always have done."

On Dave Jones Warnock said

"Dave's done a superb job. He has done it a lot like I did at Sheffield United. He has done things his own way, slowly built things up right from the bottom to the top.

"Not so far back people were slaughtering him, but he did not let that change the way he did things. He is too clever for that.

"Today he has got himself a fantastic squad. I've been very impressed.

"Defensively, Cardiff are sound which is where you start, really. Roger Johnson and Gabor Gyepes are having very good seasons and then he has someone like Darren Purse to come in if one of them is missing.

"I had Mark Kennedy here and he did a very good job for me in midfield. Unfortunately his wages were too high for us, but I think things are a bit more reasonable at Cardiff and he's enjoying a new lease of life on his career.

"Gavin Rae and Steve McPhail are as good a central midfield partnership as any in the division and up front they have some good options.

"Dave's got Jay Bothroyd playing as well as he has, they've got Michael Chopra and who wouldn't want him? Then there is Ross McCormack.

"I wanted him down here, but we could not afford him. I think Cardiff only paid around £200,000 for him. I asked and was told we did not have that which will show you what things round here were like.

"I think Cardiff will have to settle for a place in the play-offs and that will be a smashing achievement for them this season, but I think then they are capable of beating anyone in the play-offs and, yes, that includes Sheffield United."