Neil Warnock issues blunt assessment of Cardiff City's

MY VIEW: Very honest assessment and Warnock is spot on about Cardiff's Academy & under 23's and the facts are there, weve failed in our last 11 years with bringing players through and every year,two years etc we keep saying another clear out etc etc
And thats why our Regime has turned on successful managers like Malky & Warnock as they speak out and are not yes men.
So they put them out in the media as those that have cost our club £millions, yet both brought in hundreds of £millions through promotions.

Managers like Ole cost our club beyond £millions and only failed. Slade,Trollope and I am undecided about Harris? were yes men so never slated.



Neil Warnock issues blunt assessment of Cardiff City academy and the change he wanted to implement


Neil Warnock has been in football management since 1980, managed 1,500 games.




By Glen Williams

Tuesday 6th October 2020



The Bluebirds had a poor record of bringing through academy prospects while Warnock was in charge


Neil Warnock has issued a frank assessment of the quality of Cardiff City's academy during his time there.

The Bluebirds were criticised during Warnock's three-year tenure for the lack of first-team opportunity afforded to young talent coming through the system.

Now, Warnock, manager at Middlesbrough, has claimed the young players at his disposal were simply "not good enough" for Championship or Premier League football and predicts that will be the case for the next few years, too.



NEIL WARNOCK:


"I was criticised a little bit at Cardiff about the under-23s," the former Cardiff manager told BBC 5 Live.

"But they just weren't good enough to get in the first team and I don't think they will be in the next few years."

"I'm not sure it's all down to the young players at Cardiff, I just think it's how it's been brought on," Warnock added.






There is a belief at Cardiff that the crop of players aged between 17 and 19 are hugely promising, while the year groups above that might succumb to the same fate as their predecessors.

The likes of Cameron Coxe and Sion Spence were seen as hot prospects for some time, however they were both released by the club this summer. Coxe has signed for non-League Solihull Moors while Spence has recently been given a chance with Premier League outfit Crystal Palace after impressing during a trial period there.

But there is certainly an excitement at Cardiff about some of the younger players.

We have seen the likes of Joel Bagan, Tavio d'Almeida, Ntazana Mayembe and Kieron Evans all heavily included in pre-season – they fall into that younger-age bracket and are all promising talents.

However, Warnock believes that unless the structure of the academy pyramid in this country changes, we will not see the volume of players graduating into first teams that we should.



He criticised the Professional Development League structure during his time in the Welsh capital and has now reiterated that he would have liked to see his under-23s team involved in fixtures with Cymru Premier sides to prepare them better for senior football.


NEIL WARNOCK:

"I'm not sure it's all down to the young players at Cardiff, I just think it's how it's been brought on," Warnock added.


"They wanted this [U23] league and there's jobs for everyone in the academies etc., but I don't see an end product if I'm honest.

"I wanted us to play against the Welsh league [Cymru Premier] teams, places like that down there when I was at Cardiff.

"They [young players] don't become accustomed to playing against men and having to deal with things like that, and that's where I think you learn about defensive things.

"All this pretty pass, pass, pass and I know that at academy [level] they've got to be comfortable on the ball, but I don't see any coaching in defending."



We have seen Cardiff utilise the loan system of late, with a number of academy players heading out to the likes of Weston-super-Mare in non-League football while Tom Sang has recently secured a loan move to Cheltenham Town.

And former City defender Darren Purse appears to agree with Warnock's assessment, believing the loan system to be a far better avenue for developing players than seemingly meaningless academy football.


"Young players need to get out on loan and play against experienced players," Purse wrote on Twitter.

"You learn so much in them games and there is nothing that gives you that buzz of playing for three points on a Saturday afternoon.

"Probably why he [Warnock] has managed 1,500 games. Drive to win."

Cardiff have actively shifted their focus within the last 12 months to become a more self-sustaining club, with a view to becoming less reliant on spending heavily in transfer windows.






Neil Harris has trimmed his senior squad down massively since January, with no fewer than 11 senior players having left and only one permanent transfer having been made in that time.

Harris' view for the academy and development of rising talent played a big part in him impressing the top brass and landing the job as Warnock's successor.

And while we are still to see regular first-team minutes for City's youngsters as yet, the path ahead of them to the first team does appear to be much clearer.

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I'm sure history will come to judge Warnock very harshly in the years ahead.

Cardiff U23 players 'not good enough', says ex-boss Neil Warnock


BBC

Tuesday 6th October 2020


Neil Warnock has been in football management since 1980, managed 1,500 games.


Former Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has criticised the quality of the Championship club's academy.

The 71-year-old current Middlesbrough boss was in charge of the Bluebirds from 2016-19, leading them into the Premier League in 2018 but overseeing relegation after one season.





Warnock told BBC 5 Live no Under-23 players were considered for the senior side as they "weren't good enough".

"I was criticised a little bit at Cardiff about the Under-23s," he said.

"But they just weren't good enough to get in the first team and I don't think they will be in the next few years."

Warnock added that the academy system in general in the English pyramid system - which has its own Under-23 league for the leading clubs - is not producing players with the all-round skills needed to flourish at senior level, especially in regard to defending.

"I'm not sure it's all down to the players, I just think it's how it's been brought on," added the hugely experienced Warnock, who has managed 17 different clubs over four decades.

"They wanted this [U23] league and there's jobs for everyone in the academies etcetera, but I don't see an end product if I'm honest.

"I wanted us to play against the Welsh league [Cymru Premier] teams, places like that down there when I was at Cardiff.

"They [young players] don't become accustomed to playing against men and having to deal with things like that, and that's where I think you learn about defensive things.

"All this pretty pass, pass, pass and I know that at academy [level] they've got to be comfortable on the ball, but I don't see any coaching in defending."

Premier League clubs do have the opportunity for their Under-21 players to play regularly against more experienced professionals thanks to the EFL Trophy.

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So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

Reply FB:


Sion Holt:

I call him correct in most part as well! The selection and scouting at Cardiff is proven to be crap. Over a decade of blanks and giveaways. The overhaul needs to be done at the top. It’s a stale greedy system of minimal expense yes men and spin yarns to fans. We’re a laughing stock for a club our size. I’ve said before clubs like Norwich City are a fabulous model for bringing young talent through and spotting them. The clubs interaction with fans is good and they run on strict budgets to great success. It’s always been a selling club but look at money they generate from it o top of “ normal” in a football club. NH is a yes man juggling with sand when he needs to working with cement. The sooner Tan sells the club the better.

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

Both. Probably doesn't help that there is a more attractive setup down the road either.

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

Looks like the system all youngsters play in throughout efl is the problem! He basically is saying the youngsters need to be playing against adults or experienced players not other academy players .. otherwise their development doesnt mean they are getting into 1st team squad.. but there again NW doesn't have a good record of playing youngsters for any club he managed..

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

I’ve always played football and watched it. I might not have taken any coaching badges but I understand how to play etc.

It strikes me that the Academy players are taught to pass and keep the ball. That’s great and teaches them to be in control of the ball.

Unfortunately they play against similar players and are never tested.

I for one would play all the under 18’s in the under 23’s, they will be up against men. I would also loan out as many players as I could.

All the lower years in the Academy would play the higher level years en bloc. At least then they would all be playing older players and would have to toughen up and play at a better tempo.

This way we could see some players flourishing and sort the wheat from the chaff

Any players aged 21-23 should either be in the first team squad or released.

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

I’ve always played football and watched it. I might not have taken any coaching badges but I understand how to play etc.

It strikes me that the Academy players are taught to pass and keep the ball. That’s great and teaches them to be in control of the ball.

Unfortunately they play against similar players and are never tested.

I for one would play all the under 18’s in the under 23’s, they will be up against men. I would also loan out as many players as I could.

All the lower years in the Academy would play the higher level years en bloc. At least then they would all be playing older players and would have to toughen up and play at a better tempo.

This way we could see some players flourishing and sort the wheat from the chaff

Any players aged 21-23 should either be in the first team squad or released.

That's what NW is saying they are not coming up against experienced older players ! So not developing enough to play for 1st team.. and it's
true throughout efl.

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

I’ve always played football and watched it. I might not have taken any coaching badges but I understand how to play etc.

It strikes me that the Academy players are taught to pass and keep the ball. That’s great and teaches them to be in control of the ball.

Unfortunately they play against similar players and are never tested.

I for one would play all the under 18’s in the under 23’s, they will be up against men. I would also loan out as many players as I could.

All the lower years in the Academy would play the higher level years en bloc. At least then they would all be playing older players and would have to toughen up and play at a better tempo.

This way we could see some players flourishing and sort the wheat from the chaff

Any players aged 21-23 should either be in the first team squad or released.

That's what NW is saying they are not coming up against experienced older players ! So not developing enough to play for 1st team.. and it's
true throughout efl.

I was half way through typing my thoughts before I noticed NW

If he thought that he had the power to change it?

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

I’ve always played football and watched it. I might not have taken any coaching badges but I understand how to play etc.

It strikes me that the Academy players are taught to pass and keep the ball. That’s great and teaches them to be in control of the ball.

Unfortunately they play against similar players and are never tested.

I for one would play all the under 18’s in the under 23’s, they will be up against men. I would also loan out as many players as I could.

All the lower years in the Academy would play the higher level years en bloc. At least then they would all be playing older players and would have to toughen up and play at a better tempo.

This way we could see some players flourishing and sort the wheat from the chaff

Any players aged 21-23 should either be in the first team squad or released.

That's what NW is saying they are not coming up against experienced older players ! So not developing enough to play for 1st team.. and it's
true throughout efl.

I was half way through typing my thoughts before I noticed NW

If he thought that he had the power to change it?

As we all know NW doesn't have history of promoting youngsters ! So not sure why he should be criticising the Welsh league set up or the rest of efl for that matter...

He's just stating the obvious and defending his own reputation, we all know it's been shit for years because we haven't brought through any players, sack them all and start again with people who can improve things and bring through some players, that's what happens with every other failing division in big companies around the UK and the World for that matter.

By all accounts, that's part of Harris's agenda, so take your time and let's get it right

He’s saying they’re too soft..Put them in the Welsh League as NW suggests, get their smarts. It’s tough so you sink or swim.

I’m not sure there should be any age group football after 18 or 19. I’m old enough to remember the Football Combination which was basically a reserve team league and I’m sure would be a better way of teaching youngsters to play with grown ups

He’s saying they’re too soft..Put them in the Welsh League as NW suggests, get their smarts. It’s tough so you sink or swim.

many moons ago along with Swansea and Newport we had a team in the welsh league, think it was up until the early 80s.. i dont think that would be allowed now..

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

I’ve always played football and watched it. I might not have taken any coaching badges but I understand how to play etc.

It strikes me that the Academy players are taught to pass and keep the ball. That’s great and teaches them to be in control of the ball.

Unfortunately they play against similar players and are never tested.

I for one would play all the under 18’s in the under 23’s, they will be up against men. I would also loan out as many players as I could.

All the lower years in the Academy would play the higher level years en bloc. At least then they would all be playing older players and would have to toughen up and play at a better tempo.

This way we could see some players flourishing and sort the wheat from the chaff

Any players aged 21-23 should either be in the first team squad or released.

That's what NW is saying they are not coming up against experienced older players ! So not developing enough to play for 1st team.. and it's
true throughout efl.

I was half way through typing my thoughts before I noticed NW

If he thought that he had the power to change it?

how on earth did a manager of a championship club have the power to change the whole structure of academy football...?

Think Warnock should stfu and piss off. Squandered millions on useless players, showed no passion against the jacks and played some of the worst hood all football I’ve endured in the championship then walked away when he was caught out, with his pockets full.

Legend my arse, guys a tosser.

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

I’ve always played football and watched it. I might not have taken any coaching badges but I understand how to play etc.

It strikes me that the Academy players are taught to pass and keep the ball. That’s great and teaches them to be in control of the ball.

Unfortunately they play against similar players and are never tested.

I for one would play all the under 18’s in the under 23’s, they will be up against men. I would also loan out as many players as I could.

All the lower years in the Academy would play the higher level years en bloc. At least then they would all be playing older players and would have to toughen up and play at a better tempo.

This way we could see some players flourishing and sort the wheat from the chaff

Any players aged 21-23 should either be in the first team squad or released.

That's what NW is saying they are not coming up against experienced older players ! So not developing enough to play for 1st team.. and it's
true throughout efl.

I was half way through typing my thoughts before I noticed NW

If he thought that he had the power to change it?

how on earth did a manager of a championship club have the power to change the whole structure of academy football...?

It’s started happening now with Harris!

He’s said he was going to change it several time’s.

Where have you been? Isolating!!!!

I'm sure history will come to judge Warnock very harshly in the years ahead.

Why? Did he bang your Mrs or something?

Malky was absolutely a yes man. Followed the Red no issues.

Warnock pulled this club back together.

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

I’ve always played football and watched it. I might not have taken any coaching badges but I understand how to play etc.

It strikes me that the Academy players are taught to pass and keep the ball. That’s great and teaches them to be in control of the ball.

Unfortunately they play against similar players and are never tested.

I for one would play all the under 18’s in the under 23’s, they will be up against men. I would also loan out as many players as I could.

All the lower years in the Academy would play the higher level years en bloc. At least then they would all be playing older players and would have to toughen up and play at a better tempo.

This way we could see some players flourishing and sort the wheat from the chaff

Any players aged 21-23 should either be in the first team squad or released.

That's what NW is saying they are not coming up against experienced older players ! So not developing enough to play for 1st team.. and it's
true throughout efl.

I was half way through typing my thoughts before I noticed NW

If he thought that he had the power to change it?

how on earth did a manager of a championship club have the power to change the whole structure of academy football...?

It’s started happening now with Harris!

He’s said he was going to change it several time’s.

Where have you been? Isolating!!!!

well you can not change the structure of the academies { not just ours } and can not put a team in the Welsh league.... as for starting happening.... really ? its no different, good under 16s will get games in the 18s , 18s will get games at u23... players go out on loan..the better players train with the first team... and all been happening at every club since jesus was a twinkle in josephs eye. ..its just started happening ... but if you want to think there is a magic wand carry on....

Warnock is so annoying and boring i wish he would move on..

Warnock is so annoying and boring i wish he would move on..

pretty obvious he was talking about how academies have developed over the last decade or so...and not some sort of dig aimed at the precious...

So if they are not good enough which we can all see, what is the problem?
Recruitment
Or the coaching staff

I’ve always played football and watched it. I might not have taken any coaching badges but I understand how to play etc.

It strikes me that the Academy players are taught to pass and keep the ball. That’s great and teaches them to be in control of the ball.

Unfortunately they play against similar players and are never tested.

I for one would play all the under 18’s in the under 23’s, they will be up against men. I would also loan out as many players as I could.

All the lower years in the Academy would play the higher level years en bloc. At least then they would all be playing older players and would have to toughen up and play at a better tempo.

This way we could see some players flourishing and sort the wheat from the chaff

Any players aged 21-23 should either be in the first team squad or released.

That's what NW is saying they are not coming up against experienced older players ! So not developing enough to play for 1st team.. and it's
true throughout efl.

I was half way through typing my thoughts before I noticed NW

If he thought that he had the power to change it?

how on earth did a manager of a championship club have the power to change the whole structure of academy football...?

It’s started happening now with Harris!

He’s said he was going to change it several time’s.

Where have you been? Isolating!!!!

well you can not change the structure of the academies { not just ours } and can not put a team in the Welsh league.... as for starting happening.... really ? its no different, good under 16s will get games in the 18s , 18s will get games at u23... players go out on loan..the better players train with the first team... and all been happening at every club since jesus was a twinkle in josephs eye. ..its just started happening ... but if you want to think there is a magic wand carry on....

Of course you can change the structure of an Academy that’s why the club wants to achieve Cat1.

I didn’t mention WL and every player in a particular year (the whole squad) not just a good player should be playing older teams regularly. Not sure why you mention “Jesus”, “Joseph” or “Magic wand” other than you have been isolating and your medication is playing you up

Where have you been before Jan 2020 when you joined? (School)

This from the manager who last season insisted on playing Gary Madine up front in and U-23 game and instructed Andy Legg to just hot long balls to him all game! For the record Madine didn't win any of them. Granted the system at City is failing but this just reeks of Warnock saying it wasn't his fault.

This from the manager who last season insisted on playing Gary Madine up front in and U-23 game and instructed Andy Legg to just hot long balls to him all game! For the record Madine didn't win any of them. Granted the system at City is failing but this just reeks of Warnock saying it wasn't his fault.

Warnock is never at fault it's someone elses

Wow, I am really surprised by a lot of the replies. I agree with the sentiment and i think he was only using us as an example but there are so few good examples of teams that use the academy system that well.

As pitches have got better and rules a lot harsher, football has become a much quicker game with less contact game. The commodities (the players) are ridiculously valuable if they are any good, so no or little contact is almost an unwritten rule in anything but the 1st team and looking at some of the games and players at first team level its creeping into there.

So the pampered pouches have grown up playing futsal and a slow possession based game when no one makes any real attempt to do anything apart from nick it off you, then they play at first team level where a Paterson,Nelson,Morrison, Ralls,Vaulks or Bacuna coming running at you with a hard block tackle. It makes you think.

I don't know how you hone your defending skills with so little expected contact

Football is a young man's game, if you are not in the first team reckoning by 19 then you are at too high a level and should drop a level or 2 to find out if you have it and work it out from there. The U23 system is pointless. Jordi Osei-Tutu has just turned 22 he'll be be 22 when he returns to Arsenal who'll be able to find out if he is at least championship level. They would still be guessing if he was still in the U23's.

Scrap the U23's and go back to reserve team football then age group up to U19's. If you don't make it to reserve level then you are dropping multiple leagues to get a chance.

Anyone know what a CCFC U23 contract like a Theo Wharton would have been on ?

I'm sure history will come to judge Warnock very harshly in the years ahead.

Why? Did he bang your Mrs or something?

Malky was absolutely a yes man. Followed the Red no issues.

Warnock pulled this club back together.

Fair play, that first line made me laugh

I'm talking Warnock's alleged links with agents, particularly around certain transfers during his time with the club.

I'm not sure Malky was a yes man, but not as much on the same wavelength as the fans as some like to put across.

Gone are the days when we had ledley Gunter Ramsey Collins in the side.
These days the premier league clubs can nip in and pinch an acedamy player for peanuts as was the case with Rabbi Matonda.

I've said for a long time we need a feeder side in the Welsh prem to blood our youngsters.

Welsh league should be moves to a summer league as well.

Warnock at sheffield united and palace brought in a few youngsters and there is other bollocks having a go at the bloke who saved this club when he came and in my view was badly treated because we lost to the worzels and the jacks.

He made some bad signings but made some really good ones too but there is no arguement the man has been about a long time and knows the game better than any of us and we all know our academy has been very poor for many years now only have to look at the jacks who have shamed us by bringing in young welsh players.