" WHY MAROUANE CHAMAKH IS ON A SHORT TERM DEAL "

Chamakh has been without a club since leaving Crystal Palace but Warnock thinks he can make an impact for Cardiff.

Wednesday 12th October 2016

By Chris Wathan


Neil Warnock has revealed he only offered Marouane Chamakh a short-term deal because he wasn't sure which version of the former Arsenal striker would show up.

And he has challenged the frontman to prove his worth at Cardiff City between now and January after admitting he's taken a chance on the Morocco international.

Chamakh, without a club since leaving Crystal Palace in the summer, signed for the Bluebirds in a whirlwind first week under Warnock, the new manager also adding Junior Hoillet and Sol Bamba to the ranks while still hopeful of landing former England international Keiran Richardson.

And Warnock revealed he was questioned about Chamakh's reputation before persuading Bluebirds chiefs to sign off the Bosman capture.

The wily manager admitted he's set to find out which version of Chamakh he has got in his ranks as he looks to provide back-up for Rickie Lambert, who could be struggling for fitness for Friday night's Severnside derby clash with Bristol City.

Asked why the 32-year-old was only given a three-month contract, Warnock said: “It's because I wanted to know which Marouane was going to turn up.

"There's a couple of Marouane's and he has a bit of a reputation in certain areas. One or two people at the club mentioned to me about that and three or four things that he's renowned for – and I added a couple to that, hence us taking him until January.

“But I felt Chamakh's experience was important for us. I know what he can do and he's got until January with something to prove. He's got a little baby now and his partner's with him and that will be good for him and I do like him as a lad. He works hard and he's a team player. He can play up front or in the hole, he's got a good brain.”

Warnock confirmed there's no clause in place to extend Chamakh's stay into a permanent deal as yet, saying the relationship between them following their time together at Palace will be enough.

And the ex-Eagles boss – appointed as Paul Trollope's successor last week –has insisted Chamakh still wants to show British football what he can do.

Chamakh has spent six seasons in the Premier League, but has only 15 goals to his name and often flattered to deceive, and Warnock said: “There's no clause, it's about trust with me and him. It's a matter of if he enjoys it, he'll stay. If he doesn't do a job he'll leave.

"He's had a few offers in the last few days from abroad but he wants to stay in British football so I told him to come and enjoy himself with me and I think he is doing. It's not a long-term commitment from the club, but it gives him an opportunity to show us what he can do and also a back-up and sure he's thinking of getting into the team himself.”

Sounds just like Bothroyd before and after he came to us, lets hope Chamakh can do what Jay did before earning England cap (excluding Wembley no show) Good Luck show us what you can do. Smart move by Warnock imo

Sort term deal is right call here

Reading that you have to say that is quality man management of a player with a reputation; based on trust, and both parties are happy. Think we got ourselves a great player for at least 3 months, if his attitude changes surely it would only be thereafter.

He thinks he's got a bad attitude then, but worth a punt ?

Interesting to see how it works out, Ole would have given him a three year deal on top whack, great management !!!

Because players want to be a part of what Warnock is doing at Cardiff and dont need to be bribed with huge contracts and pay packets. The mans a legend!!

Because players want to be a part of what Warnock is doing at Cardiff and dont need to be bribed with huge contracts and pay packets. The mans a legend!!

Spot on, Chamakh is in a position now where he has to show other clubs what they missed out on.