BREAKING NEIL HARRIS: ' UPDATES CARDIFF CITY FANS '

" NEIL HARRIS UPDATES CARDIFF CITY FANS BEFORE CITY'S FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON


Cardiff City manager Neil Harris will give his first press conference of the season ahead of this weekend's curtain raiser against Northampton Town in the Carabao Cup.



32. Joel Bagan, 34. Tavio D'Almeida & 35. Kieron Evans are set to be part of the travelling squad for this weekend's Carabao Cup match at Northampton Town.





NEIL HARRIS:



Question: How has pre-season been?

Neil Harris: “It’s been strange, the whole year has. Pre-season was very short.

“We had a two-and-a-half week break before coming back in, a week training before an in-house game and then three friendlies in seven days, so it’s been short and condensed.

“It enables players to lose not too much fitness, they are in good shape with regards to minutes they’ve played already.

“We played Northampton in the Carabao Cup before kicking a ball in the league and lost six players to internationals. So bizarre.

“Still want to add to the squad but really happy.”













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'We aren't immune to financial difficulties'

Have transfer negotiations been harder, then?




NEIL HARRIS:

NH: “Yeah they will be harder. Maybe it’s harder trying to convince players to take less money in some circumstances.

“We’ve gone for two players so far and brought both in, so we are fortunate. But the general market itself is difficult in itself.

“That’s why you are starting to see movement now. Players now are saying ‘I haven’t got a job. Football is starting back and I haven’t got a job’.

“But it’s tougher behind the scenes, looking at where we are as an industry and the nation itself. It’s tough times in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Tough markets to work in and we are not immune to financial difficulties.”

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NEIL HARRIS:



'Transfer windows are never easy'

How about trying to get transfer business done?

NH: “It has been rushed. Transfer windows are never easy, it’s always a tough window.

“Time is really condensed and that’s why… there have been transfers but it will gather momentum as weeks pass.

“It’s the footballing world, players, agents, realising the money in the game is very different to how it was. Sign of the times, challenges in that, but internally we are in good shape.”

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NEIL HARRIS:



Neil Etheridge transfer latest

On Neil Etheridge, is he someone who could command a higher fee, does he still have a future?




NH: “Yeah, definitely. I had a really good chat with him today. He is in great nick, really fit and he has been outstanding.

“He is fighting for the No.1 and No.2 position.

“My position with Neil is very relaxed. For the lad, moving on to pastures new that might be a path for him.

“But we are in a great place in that goalkeeping department.”

What’s he said?

NH: “He’s got 10 months left of his contract and found himself out the team in the three months before the start of this season and wants to play football.

“It’s not he’s demanding a transfer, but the reality of having three senior goalkeepers, we need to make that two. If one goalkeeper has valued in this window and it goes out the window the next, that must play a part as well.”

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NEIL HARRIS:


Cardiff City working on new transfer

How many more players would you like in?

Neil Harris: “We are working hard to get one more in as we talk. Will that be for the weekend? No. But it’s a position we have identified we want to strengthen in the attacking end of the pitch.

“If players want to go and further careers, then we might work on a one-out, one-in basis. That’s the reality.”

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NEIL HARRIS:



'It'll be great to have fans back'

30% capacity from October.


The EFL have confirmed fans are going to be let in to Cambridge’s games: is that a step towards normality?

Neil Harris: “Firstly, from a football fan perspective and a father’s perspective, it’ll be great to have the fans back in. Socially, to be able to go out to games, father and son, brother and sister, husband and wife.

“As a manager, the atmosphere, even if its only 20 percent, it’ll be great to have that football feeling back in there. From a business perspective, getting people back in there is a big factor for us.

“Even if over a period of time there is an element of percentage, there will be trial and error, areas of Britain that get locked down, there will be ups and downs, but the sooner we can get fans back in is good for society and the industry.”

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NEIL HARRIS:


'If we miss out on targets because we won’t be held to ransom that’s fine'

How much are people having to accept in terms of reductions?



Neil Harris: “Nobody wants to feel undervalued and I think that’s where time drifts in to people’s minds. Times have changed. Fans being back in might change things in the future, but it’s the reality for all of us.

“The money in the game is different and it’s affecting all of us.

“That’s why it makes it a similar window to normal. Ultimately, what we have to do is sign the right players on the best deals.

“We are in times where we will only take players on contracts we want to offer. So if we miss out on targets because we won’t be held to ransom that’s fine.”

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NEIL HARRIS:


'I'm hungry for success'

What are your aims?

NH: “I’d like to think we are in a position of strength. When we are fit, I’d like to think we are a competitive top six side.

“I’m hungry for success and I want more than that. If we lose players I want to bring in better players and progress.

“You do that by better players, more athleticism, younger players and getting the blend.

“People will say Championship isn’t as strong, every year they say it, we have got to make sure we don’t stand still.

“Ultimately, that’s what we are trying to do. When we sign the next one and the one after I hope we improve all the time.”

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NEIL HARRIS:


Harris: 'I want to improve and I want to work with better players'

Is there more pressure on you now?



Neil Harris: “I think so but that’s reality. I think people have enjoyed what they’ve seen and people get hungry for success.

“We are always being judged and always got to better ourselves and improve.

“I want to improve, as always, and I want to work with better players.”

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NEIL HARRIS:




'We want Kieffer Moore to be successful and to do that he has to score goals'

What are your expectations for Kieffer Moore?

NH: “Character, attitude to work. Things that cost nothing but are the minimum levels. Discipline, personality in the changing room, team player, work ethic, we never get out-worked, but quality as well.

“His quality for a big man, how far he has developed as a player, we want him to be the Wales No.9 moving forward, because the better he does for the national side the better he does for us.

“We want him to be successful and to do that he has to score goals.”

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NEIL HARRIS:


Harris weighs in on competition for places up front

Looking competitive up front this season?

NH: “It will be. In Kieffer and Robert Glatzel, with Callum Paterson’s own unique way of adding to the group and Mark Harris who has been outstanding the last few weeks.

“Lee Tomlin, Josh Murphy, Junior Hoilett, Gavin Whyte, we are looking to add to that area of the pitch.

“Competition for places, yeah, but no different at centre half.

“Sol and Aden Flint, signed for £6m, left back, three good goalkeepers.”

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NEIL HARRIS:



'Arsenal have got high hopes for Jordi'

How’s the other new signing?

NH: “Jordi, he has done great. What a nice fella, athletic, extremely quick and direct. Use of the ball has been very good. Fitted in with the lads.

“Arsenal have got high hopes for him and if we play a part in that, then great, if not it’s a long-term option for us moving forward.

“Comes with all the right credentials and personality, but the proof is in the pudding.”

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NEIL HARRIS:



Harris on pride and developing as a group

What were the last words you said at Fulham?

NH: “After the game we talked about pride and how we are developing as a group and being successful, not standing still.

“I always want more. The players have challenged themselves to want more because I’ll always challenge them.

“We spoke about pride and the potential of what’s to come.”

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NEIL HARRIS:


Youngsters on the bench for Northampton

With only 13 players, will there be youngsters on the bench?

NH: “A little tongue in cheek! Probably about 14 seniors, so yeah, some youngsters will be involved.

“That’s fine. Competition for places already, involvement of the youngsters, staying away from home and all that.

“Great for the young players to be involved.”

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NEIL HARRIS:


Harris pleased with youngsters in pre-season

How pleased have you been with the youngsters in pre-season?

NH: “I am. I will drop in the odd name who has been training with us and it’s not for people to get carried away or overhype.

“It’s just about us trying to integrate younger players in the group. Tom Sang and Mark Harris are two in particular who have impressed since June and are edging closer to the first-team group.

“We still have to look at their development pathway, whether it’s a loan where they can get regular game time so they come back and be ready for a top-six Championship club.

“Then we have the younger ones, Joel Bagan, 19 today, and Keiron Evans, a livewire and clever footballer.

“It’s just an insight and for the fans to know these young players are training with us and there is a pathway. But they’re all going in the right direction.”

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'We aren't immune to financial difficulties'

Have transfer negotiations been harder, then?




NEIL HARRIS:

NH: “Yeah they will be harder. Maybe it’s harder trying to convince players to take less money in some circumstances.

“We’ve gone for two players so far and brought both in, so we are fortunate. But the general market itself is difficult in itself.

“That’s why you are starting to see movement now. Players now are saying ‘I haven’t got a job. Football is starting back and I haven’t got a job’.

“But it’s tougher behind the scenes, looking at where we are as an industry and the nation itself. It’s tough times in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Tough markets to work in and we are not immune to financial difficulties.”

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Northampton will be 'a real physical battle'



What are you expecting from Northampton?

Neil Harris: “A League One side that did have success in the play-offs, so they are up to speed in comparison to other teams.

“I watched their play-off games and they are a direct side. They get the ball forward quickly, good at set plays, get after you all over the pitch. It’ll be a real physical battle.

“They’ve got players who can win matches in different ways, set plays or open play.”

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Northampton a chance to 'bed down formations and style of play'

How seriously are you taking this competition?



Neil Harris: “I’ve only got 13 players so I’m going to be picking a very strong side!

“I like cup competitions, especially the way it’s fallen at the moment, it’s a good opportunity to get minutes into players.

“It’s a chance for us to bed down formations and style of play, reminders to players, integrate players and young players.

“We see it as a potentially difficult away at Northampton but a chance to get through as well, playing a team from the league below and keep players happy, giving them minutes.

“I do see these early rounds as important.”

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Neil Harris' update on category one status



Has Covid-19 affected category one status?

Neil Harris: “It’s not possible at the moment because categories have been decided during lockdown.

“Changes we wanted to implement are not possible at the moment. What we are talking about with categories is that there is an importance to it, but it’s the way you want to do it.

“Ultimately, it’s the link between the first team, 23s, 18s, 16s and downwards. If the club is aligned then the setup of the academies is not the be all and end all.

“What’s important is that we recruit the right players and coach in the right manner to progress them at the right time and we are starting to do that now. A big part of my job is to be involved in that.

“Whether I’m here six weeks, three months or seven years, this club needs to bring its own players through, the fans are demanding it.

“My owner wants to see young players coming through to develop. I’m a big believer in that.

“That’s why James Rowberry is so influential and his links with the academy.

“We will have a new head of coaching coming in in the weeks to come, these things are really important.

“Category one or two status are ongoing conversations at the moment, but recruiting the right lads, the right training grounds, gym equipment etc., they are key, but it’s the link with the first team that’s vital.”

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Vincent Tan 'supportive' with two new signings




How has contact with the owner been?



NH: “Vincent is great. He is a businessman in a pandemic at the moment.

“He wants us to be successful, he wants to see younger players coming through and see us signing young players to give an opportunity and wants us to get to the Premier League at the soonest opportunity. I know what’s demanded.

“He has been supportive in bringing Kieffer and Jordi in when a lot of clubs are cutting squad. He’s been great.”

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Cardiff 'talking to targets, but one in particular'

Is a new signing coming in imminently?


Neil Harris: “Um, no. Right back was an urgent need and we need more at the attacking end of the pitch now. This weekend without Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Joe and Tommo maybe we are a little light there.

“But it’s almost a one-at-a-time policy at the moment, because they are the restrictions at the moment.

“We are talking to targets, but one in particular.”

Loans, frees, permanents?

NH: “Realistically, a loan. Unless the board feel there is a really good piece of business to be done, like Kieffer, we are looking at loans or free agents.”

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'We class Kieffer as a good bit of business and we got him at a good price'

How close did Cardiff come to signing Kieffer Moore in January and what stopped it?



Neil Harris: “We weren’t close. Financially, the demand for the players there was too high. We class Kieffer as a good bit of business and we got him at a good price.

“If the opportunity arose I would ask my board if we could do it, otherwise there will be loans and frees.”

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32. Joel Bagan, 34. Tavio D'Almeida & 35. Kieron Evans are set to be part of the travelling squad for this weekend's Carabao Cup match at Northampton Town.

Youngster Zimba singed?