Warnock 'jealous' of City's spending power

Last updated : 01 September 2012 By Michael Morris

The Leeds manager gave his views on the closing of the transfer window in his column in the Independent.

warnock

At last the transfer window is shut and we managers can get on with managing. Even if you are not doing much activity yourself, those last few days tire you out because you are still looking around and making enquiries.

The big move in our division has been Jordan Rhodes going from Huddersfield to Blackburn Rovers for £8m. And guess who we're playing today? Blackburn Rovers, who have got to be up there with Blackpool as favourites now. You can't spend that sort of money and not be favourites. They have got a super squad on paper so they will put us to the test.

The other big spenders have been Cardiff City, who have just spent £3m on Nicky Maynard, who I tried to get on loan for nothing. He's their 10th signing, including a fearsome array of strikers: Maynard, Craig Bellamy and Craig Noone, plus Tommy Smith and Heidar Helguson, who helped my QPR team win the Championship two seasons ago. And guess who we play next after Blackburn? Cardiff.

I have to admit I am a little bit envious of Steve Kean and Malky Mackay, but while it does seem Championship clubs are spending more money than ever in an attempt to get into the Premier League in time for the new TV deal to kick in, there's only about six with major money: the three relegated clubs, Leicester and Cardiff, and now Forest with the Kuwaiti owners giving Sean O'Driscoll backing. It's up to the rest of us to show money isn't everything. Thank goodness it's only 11 versus 11 on the pitch.