“Leon had a major influence on our season.”

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay hails outgoing loan star Leon Barnett
26 Apr 2013

On his return to parent club Norwich City, Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has praised the efforts of on loan centre back Leon Barnett.





Malky Mackay has praised Leon Barnett’s role in Cardiff City’s Championship title triumph.

Centre-half Barnett, signed on loan from Norwich City last month, was recalled by Canaries’ manager Chris Hughton this week and Mackay says: “Leon had a major influence on our season.”

Barnett was signed only a day before City’s Championship match at Sheffield Wednesday and he made eight appearances as the Bluebirds turned promotion potential into title reality.

City kept five clean sheets in that run and swept to promotion with three fixtures remaining and the title with matches against Bolton and Hull to come.

“Losing Mark Hudson with his ankle injury was a huge loss, particularly at that stage of the season when he was playing so well,” said Mackay.

“That was a potentially damaging loss. It was bad news when Richard Collinge (head of sports science) rang and said Mark’s ankle needed work and he would be out for a while.

“Initially, I wondered whether things were going against us, but our head of recruitment Iain Moody was on the ball and looked at the possibilities. Leon was number one on a list of three or four potential loan signings.

“We did all our usual homework and Leon ticked every box. He is experienced, had won promotions before, is quick, athletic and was ideal for us.

“Norwich City were excellent to deal with as I knew they would be. David McNally (chief executive) and Chris Hughton (manager) handled everything in a highly professional manner and I thank them for allowing Leon to join us.

“It was a tough task for Leon because he went straight into our team the day after joining us. But he played at Sheffield Wednesday in a 2-0 win and was a major influence throughout his stay with us.

“Chris (Hughton) alerted me earlier this week that Norwich had injury worries and he may need to recall Leon. He left that decision as late as he could and kept me informed.

“It’s a pity Leon won’t be with us when we are presented with the trophy, but we thank him for his part in what the players have achieved this season.”

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Thank you Leon

Whether we sign him on a permanent or not, I think he'll always be appreciated as one of our best loans ever. Before he came when we lost Hudson most were fearing the worst as Nugent started to look nervous and Connolly and Turner were looking shaky.
When Leon arrived after a game or so to settle in, he brought the best out of Turner again who started to look like the rock we know he can be.
He'll always get a warm welcome from me if we don't sign him but come up against him.
Gutted for him he can't be there tomorrow.

Leon was superb, just what we needed, well done Leon, Malky and his team....

See you next season leon

In years to come he will be looked at as maybe the best loan signing we've ever had.

Thanks Leon,

A loan player who played like he was a permanent signing!

So different to so many of the clowns brought in on loan by Jones, most of whom seemed to be in it only for themselves - in many ways a reflection of the attitude of Dave Jones.

Leon, on the other hand was more a reflection of the current manager. Hard working, no nonsense and giving everything for the team.

I hope we sign him to be honest.

It's great to make memories and THAT picture is phenomenal.

He was great, all the time when playing here. Missing Hudson could be a massive blow for the promotion race, but honestly I believe that with Barnett, you could not feel he was missing - would love to see them both playing together!

He was a bigger success than Eddie Newton was when he was on loan and compliments dont get bigger than that!

one of malkys best captures of the season thanks leon my old fruit

Leon Barnett is a top class professional, Hope we can sign him!

Leon did really really well.
Im not sure if we ll sign him but wherever he ends up I hope he gets regular football,way too good for a bench or reserves
All the best Leon and thank you

1 of the best loan signings , tough choice between him and Gary O'neil

Would love him back but at the same time could be great if he doesn't come back as he will always be remembered in a positive light and achieving with us. We'll always remember him by that picture surfing the crowd. Great picture that for this history books in decades to come. I hope he sticks a big massive version of it up on his wall.

All the best Leon. You had the best surname to ever grace a Cardiff City shirt.

Thank you Leon

Whether we sign him on a permanent or not, I think he'll always be appreciated as one of our best loans ever. Before he came when we lost Hudson most were fearing the worst as Nugent started to look nervous and Connolly and Turner were looking shaky.
When Leon arrived after a game or so to settle in, he brought the best out of Turner again who started to look like the rock we know he can be.
He'll always get a warm welcome from me if we don't sign him but come up against him.
Gutted for him he can't be there tomorrow.

He's part of the team. Barnett is a Bluebird. Make it so Sir Malkdom Du Caerdydd.