New Cardiff City manager Neil Harris has insisted he is not the second coming of Neil Warnock.
There was some discontent among some Bluebirds fans that Harris’ appointment will simply see the continuation of Warnock’s style of football.
However Harris, as Cardiff City manager, was eager to swat away that school of thought and was adamant his similar footballing style while in charge at Millwall will not necessarily be the case in the Welsh capital.
He did, however, urge caution that this will be an evolution rather than a revolution.
“I was at Millwall who demand getting the ball forward quickly and have physical attributes to the game,” he said.
“Some of those principles I will stick to, I want to adjust because of how I am as a coach.
“I don’t think there is Neil Warnock mark II – he’s his own man and I’m respectful towards that. I have to be respectful of the players I’ve got and we can’t change overnight.
“There has to be a process to that and it takes time. But ultimately I want to adjust the mindset of the players. It’s not just one style of play.”
Harris did say that he enjoyed a brilliant working relationship with Warnock while he was in charge at The Den and revealed that the former Bluebirds boss had sent him a message of good luck following his appointment.
“I’ve had a very good relationship with Neil during my years in management,” he added.
“He sent me a wonderful text on the weekend and I will be catching up with him at some stage.
“He wished me all the best and it just shows the quality of the man that I’m following and I look forward to catching up with him.”
Harris went on to say that his immediate aim is to catapult City back into the play-off spots as quickly as he can.
He understands that the fan base was split following his appointment, but is keen to get them all onside as quickly as possible.
“The aim is to get towards the top six as quickly as we can,” he said.
“I’m not making any promises we’re going to be in the top two or top six this season. We have to earn the right to do that. It’s not easy to get there when you come out of the Premier League, but I need to get my messages across quickly and the players buying into that.
“You win fans over how you adapt the team by winning games of football and being yourself.”
