AS DALMAN CONFIRMS NO SPENDING / NEIL HARRIS WILL

Cardiff City Chairman Dalman has said Cardiff can forget about spending big in this summer window owing to the financial impact of coronavirus, but it is likely Harris' budget will have been fairly tight anyway.

Dalman had already said even before the Coronavirus that their will be virtually no funds for Harris next season and Neil Harris is more than happy to bring through players from the Cardiff City Accademy.



By Glenn Williams

Tuesday 16th June 2020


It is why Harris' passion for rearing homegrown youngsters is such a big advantage in the current climate and is indeed one of the main reasons he was chosen as Warnock's successor.





NEIL HARRIS:


"Ultimately, we want to be a team that gets into the Premier League and stay there," Harris said.

"There's been a lot of talk, Mehmet, the chairman, spoke really well a few weeks ago... I think we all understand the financial climate in football is going to change, certainly outside the Premier League.

"So, recruiting from within, building players from within, is paramount, which is something I'm really strong on. But we have to be patient with those players.

"We want to be back in the Premier League, I want to coach and manage at the best level possible.

"We have given ourselves a chance now. The aim was to give ourselves a chance, force our way into the play-offs and then go from there.

"If not, it's to build, lower the age of the squad and build from within and push on to be a Premier League club and a club that can also stay in that division."

Harris is conscious of City fans' desire to see youth flourish in these parts once again.

The Bluebirds have not seen a homegrown talent excel since Joe Ledley more than a decade ago and their tolerance is understandably wearing thin.

Harris knows he has to address this, of course, and has sought to do just that with the inclusion of Joel Bagan, Ntazana Mayembe, Tom Sang and Sam Bowen in and around the first-team squad at various points over the last few months.

Harris says he is "really strong" on showing these players a pathway into the senior side, but also warns it is counter-productive to thrust them into the deep end before they can swim.

"Some of the players might make their debuts, some of the players played [in the friendly against Swansea City] and some we might see in weeks to come and months to come," Harris added.

"When we look at adjusting the squad in the summer, the likes of Tom Sang and Mark Harris, the older under-23s players, Ciaron Brown in the future, and the younger ones, like Joel Bagan, who did extremely well in the Cup game... we have got players knocking on the door.

"Bringing them through is something that's going to be really important.

"We invest in the academy, they bring the players through, and I know the fanbase are craving for young players to come through, but I have to protect those young players as well.

"It's a balance between giving them a chance and the right time. There is no point giving them a chance too soon, when they are not ready, that's going to cause problems, that's when they lose confidence and the fans don't see them at their best."

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What will hearten Cardiff City fans, though, is Harris is incredibly excited about the next crop sprouting through the youth system.



The likes of Sang, Harris and Brown are all in their twenties now and should really be seeking first-team minutes, so the next 12 months is crucial for them, you feel.


But it is believed the cohort beneath them is one of the most impressive to come through the system in some years.

While Harris is rightly coy on shoving them into the limelight too much, the likes of Bagan, 18, Bowen, 19 and Mayembe, 17, are thought of incredibly highly within the youth system, as is Kieron Evans, an 18-year-old winger who we could hear a lot more about in the coming months.

And the first-team boss says he is fired up by the prospect and is hellbent on ensuring that group of talent is not lost.

"I feel there are three or four," Harris said of the group coming through. "I mentioned Mark and Tom there as a couple, 20, 21-year-olds, who are physically a bit closer, but the group below that, a couple of lads who are 18 or 19, have really strong futures.

"They are the ones I want to work with, not just day in, day out in training, but on the fringes as well.

"So probably not go on loan, stay with us, develop with us and improve them. Physically, mentally and tactically. I'm passionate about it, I'm fired up by it.

"But, are we going to see four or five of them in the starting line-up on Sunday? No. Are we going to see them on September 12, well I'd like to think we will see them in the match-day squad.

"In six, nine, 12 months' time, I'll be disappointed if we're not seeing two, three, four boys in a match-day squad of 20. That's the aim, that's my vision, my goal."

Both Sang and Harris took part in the friendly matches against Swansea City at the weekend, while Brown and Bagan's loan contracts at Livingston and Notts County mean they cannot play any part for the Bluebirds for the time being, much to Harris' annoyance.


Other youngsters were given a run out against Cheltenham Town last Tuesday, too, and there is a growing feeling that the academy kids could play some part in the season run-in.

With just nine fixtures remaining and Cardiff sitting two points outside the play-off spots, Harris has his sights firmly set on breaking into the top six.

Were they to fall short, however, the final games of the campaign might represent big opportunities for the youngsters to gain first-team exposure, which could be crucial heading into the summer transfer window.

While Harris has identified areas he would like to strengthen, he concedes his plans cannot be concrete until he knows what division his side is playing in next season and just how much cash is available.

Football's finances are set to hit the reset button in a big way when the dust eventually settles and it will send shockwaves through the English football pyramid.

What it will mean, Harris says, is whereas players and agents have seemingly ruled roost in recent years, the clubs will be able to take the power back once again and be able to administer far more control.

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NEIL HARRIS:



"I don't think Mehmet, Ken or myself are trying to paint doom and gloom or panic stations if we don't achieve promotion this year," Harris added.

"The reality of how it's going to hit the economy and it will have a knock-on effect with football, of course it will.

"The Championship, we don't know about salary caps or budgets yet, that's information yet to come through.

"We understand the general consensus is that there will be a knock-on effect and a lot of power will go back to clubs again that may have been with the players for the last four, five, six years.

"There will be a lot of players out of contract this summer who don't find employment in the football league.

"Championship players will have to go down to League One or League Two. It's going to be difficult for the PFA to support their players.

"So we are just trying to cut our cloth accordingly in the coming months."

Whichever division they find themselves in or however hard the finances are hit, producing homegrown talent appears to be at the forefront of everything the club are trying to do going forward.

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Annis, I’m far happier giving our youth a chance rather than spend on journeymen. Particularly with the current climate.

Annis, I’m far happier giving our youth a chance rather than spend on journeymen. Particularly with the current climate.

Andrew,
I have always wanted our youth to play, let’s hope there is a lot of talent there

I think most clubs will be in the same boat ,can see a lot if clubs downsizing there squads not renewing players contracts

I think most clubs will be in the same boat ,can see a lot if clubs downsizing there squads not renewing players contracts

Wez, a lot on here will say "as it should be" on promoting the youngsters...until the first adverse result and then the same people will moan "we don't have ambition because we didn't spend big"

Personally, I have no issue with blooding the young guns but equally I want nothing but success for our club (specifically promotion) and that in itself might be a contradiction; although to do it with 'home-grown' would br the icing on the proverbial cake!

To be fair, Neil Harris speaks well there.

I would expect part of the specifications when he got the job were that there would be limited finances available.

He seems up for bringing through young players.

He's spoke very well the last couple of weeks.

I think most clubs will be in the same boat ,can see a lot if clubs downsizing there squads not renewing players contracts

Wez, a lot on here will say "as it should be" on promoting the youngsters...until the first adverse result and then the same people will moan "we don't have ambition because we didn't spend big"

Personally, I have no issue with blooding the young guns but equally I want nothing but success for our club (specifically promotion) and that in itself might be a contradiction; although to do it with 'home-grown' would br the icing on the proverbial cake!

Maybe bring a few youngsters through ,get rid of the dead wood and bring couple of decent freebies could work

I think most clubs will be in the same boat ,can see a lot if clubs downsizing there squads not renewing players contracts

Wez, a lot on here will say "as it should be" on promoting the youngsters...until the first adverse result and then the same people will moan "we don't have ambition because we didn't spend big"

Personally, I have no issue with blooding the young guns but equally I want nothing but success for our club (specifically promotion) and that in itself might be a contradiction; although to do it with 'home-grown' would br the icing on the proverbial cake!

Maybe bring a few youngsters through ,get rid of the dead wood and bring couple of decent freebies could work

Yes I’d go along with that Wez.

It’s vitally important now, of all times, to give up and coming youth players a chance.
The time has finally come where our, and many other football clubs, no longer have the luxury of a large squad of players, some of who spend more time on the physio couch than actually playing football.
Let’s All give home grown talent a chance!

Annis, I’m far happier giving our youth a chance rather than spend on journeymen. Particularly with the current climate.

Andrew,
I have always wanted our youth to play, let’s hope there is a lot of talent there

Fingers crossed that wound do the club the World of good.

How Harris uses the loan market is going to be key next season

In fairness he’s done ok so far utilising the loan market

We need to get rid of the dead wood and maybe bring in a few fresh faces as there will be plenty of them floating around at this time, and together with the rest of the first team plus the youth in our squad hopefully things will get even better

Annis, I’m far happier giving our youth a chance rather than spend on journeymen. Particularly with the current climate.

Spot on We have wasted nearly £14m on trying to fix the striker position. Could Mark Harris be any worse than Bogle, Vassel, Madine or even Glatzel?

You could say something similar about the midfield positions. I have a great gut feeling about Sang and I hope he is fast tracked into the match day squad and could provide a brilliant back up option to Tomlin.

Annis, I’m far happier giving our youth a chance rather than spend on journeymen. Particularly with the current climate.

Spot on We have wasted nearly £14m on trying to fix the striker position. Could Mark Harris be any worse than Bogle, Vassel, Madine or even Glatzel?

You could say something similar about the midfield positions. I have a great gut feeling about Sang and I hope he is fast tracked into the match day squad and could provide a brilliant back up option to Tomlin.

Given that Mark Harris was dropped by a very poor Wrexham side after a fairly decent start yes he probably worse than most of the above. Not Vassel of course as he is never fit to play. If we had been relying on youth team players coming through over the last ten years we would be in league two now if not the conference. By the law of averag we should have some decent players in our youth set up as they have not produced a player who could play at championship level fro 10 years or so.

How Harris uses the loan market is going to be key next season

In fairness he’s done ok so far utilising the loan market

Agree ,hopefully young hungry players he will bring in

I think most clubs will be in the same boat ,can see a lot if clubs downsizing there squads not renewing players contracts

Wez, a lot on here will say "as it should be" on promoting the youngsters...until the first adverse result and then the same people will moan "we don't have ambition because we didn't spend big"

Personally, I have no issue with blooding the young guns but equally I want nothing but success for our club (specifically promotion) and that in itself might be a contradiction; although to do it with 'home-grown' would br the icing on the proverbial cake!

100% right and we will get Tan has no ambition get him out.

Quite frankly we are in a far better position than a lot of clubs thanks to our billionaire owner.

There will be a lot of players available for free in the summer and we might be in a good position to get a couple of really good players. Remember the likes of Gunnarsson, Hoilett, Bamba have all been free transfers.

Annis, I’m far happier giving our youth a chance rather than spend on journeymen. Particularly with the current climate.

Spot on We have wasted nearly £14m on trying to fix the striker position. Could Mark Harris be any worse than Bogle, Vassel, Madine or even Glatzel?

You could say something similar about the midfield positions. I have a great gut feeling about Sang and I hope he is fast tracked into the match day squad and could provide a brilliant back up option to Tomlin.

Given that Mark Harris was dropped by a very poor Wrexham side after a fairly decent start yes he probably worse than most of the above. Not Vassel of course as he is never fit to play. If we had been relying on youth team players coming through over the last ten years we would be in league two now if not the conference. By the law of averag we should have some decent players in our youth set up as they have not produced a player who could play at championship level fro 10 years or so.

yep lge 2, I despair when I read play the youth as if people at the club have no clue..
but yes its due to produce someone otherwise is there a point ? . re Mark Harris you do get loans that don't work out where the player then comes back and shines in this case I think he must be getting close to last chance saloon though..

Annis, I’m far happier giving our youth a chance rather than spend on journeymen. Particularly with the current climate.

Spot on We have wasted nearly £14m on trying to fix the striker position. Could Mark Harris be any worse than Bogle, Vassel, Madine or even Glatzel?

You could say something similar about the midfield positions. I have a great gut feeling about Sang and I hope he is fast tracked into the match day squad and could provide a brilliant back up option to Tomlin.

Given that Mark Harris was dropped by a very poor Wrexham side after a fairly decent start yes he probably worse than most of the above. Not Vassel of course as he is never fit to play. If we had been relying on youth team players coming through over the last ten years we would be in league two now if not the conference. By the law of averag we should have some decent players in our youth set up as they have not produced a player who could play at championship level fro 10 years or so.

yep lge 2, I despair when I read play the youth as if people at the club have no clue..
but yes its due to produce someone otherwise is there a point ? . re Mark Harris you do get loans that don't work out where the player then comes back and shines in this case I think he must be getting close to last chance saloon though..

Exactly, like Dan James went on loan to Shrewsbury from the jacks and didn't play a single game for them, 18 months later he's moving to Man United for £15mill. Obviously an extreme example but sometimes a loan just doesn't work out. Tom Lawrence with us is another example.

Looks as if Harris will be restricted to signing free transfer white players.If I was a black player reading this board I'd avoid Cardiff City like the plaque.Why should our current black players pull the stops out for this club.
I presume players read the message boards.

Given that Mark Harris was dropped by a very poor Wrexham side after a fairly decent start yes he probably worse than most of the above. Not Vassel of course as he is never fit to play. If we had been relying on youth team players coming through over the last ten years we would be in league two now if not the conference. By the law of averag we should have some decent players in our youth set up as they have not produced a player who could play at championship level fro 10 years or so.

I have watched Mark Harris play many times for U-23's. He has many good attributes and I was impressed with his finishing, movement and is a brilliant penalty taker.

Again IMO he would work extremely well with Lee Tomlin. There are plenty of examples of young players going out on loan and not pulling up any trees but on returning to their parent club flourishing and making a first team breakthrough.

Looks as if Harris will be restricted to signing free transfer white players.If I was a black player reading this board I'd avoid Cardiff City like the plaque.Why should our current black players pull the stops out for this club.
I presume players read the message boards.

What do you mean by that?

Looks as if Harris will be restricted to signing free transfer white players.If I was a black player reading this board I'd avoid Cardiff City like the plaque.Why should our current black players pull the stops out for this club.
I presume players read the message boards.

What do you mean by that?

If you was a black player reading the comments on this board want, so sign for us?
Or, what if you were a parent of a black lad.?
Would you say yes that's the club for us.

8-)

Looks as if Harris will be restricted to signing free transfer white players.If I was a black player reading this board I'd avoid Cardiff City like the plaque.Why should our current black players pull the stops out for this club.
I presume players read the message boards.

What do you mean by that?

If you was a black player reading the comments on this board would you want to sign for us?
Or, what if you were a parent of a black lad.?
Would you say yes that's the club for us.