Cardiff City press conference live: Neil Harris gives injury updates ahead of return to former club Millwall
Neil Harris Press Conference - Pre Millwall - 19/11/20
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How does it feel knowing Rydog has an "I Love Harris" banner?
Of course it's a really nice feeling, that said we all know that could change in the blink of an eye (he laughs). I'm really enjoying my time at the club, and especially the special relationship I have with Ryd's. I pay special attention to what he writes on message boards and really hope I can one day make him fall in love with Cardiff in the same way he fawns over Brentford and such, big task I know but who knows.
Fair play.
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What?
I cant see Tommo staying injury free to get a consistent run of games for the rest of his playing days and reproducing the form from last season his lack of self discipline off the field and his age has caught up with him sadly I hope I'm wrong.
Seems this chap is stalling on renewing his contract
Barnsley skipper Alex Mowatt is yet to renew his stay at Oakwell, having fended off summer interest from all of Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and QPR.
The 25-year-old has played every minute of Barnsley’s season so far. Now in his fourth full season at the club, he’s missed just two Championship games of the previous 103 for Barnsley.
It’s credit to the type of player he’s become; there’s few midfielders in the division as rounded as him and he shows no signs of peaking just yet, with two goals to his name this season.
Having shone in what was a poor Tykes side last time round, Mowatt became the subject of summer interest from several Championship clubs.
Cardiff, Middlesbrough and QPR were all touted with the midfielder, but nothing would materialise, and Mowatt would enter what is his final contacted season at the club.
The club activated a clause before the end of last season to ensure an extra year on his stay, whilst remaining confident that he’ll sign a new deal in the meantime.
But with less than six weeks until the New Year, time is running out for Barnsley to renew their captain’s stay before he can enter into pre-contract negotiations.
He may well be holding out for a new and improved offer, from either Barnsley or from elsewhere come January.
Mowatt’s a fine Championship player and could likely play at a higher-level – it’d be a huge blow if Barnsley were to lose him for nothing.
Definitely need reinforcements in Jan a new right back and a midfielder that got more ability with the ball.
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Neil Harris is asked about his current mood compared to how it was a few weeks ago
A little bit prickly after the Bristol game, I was gutted with the result, it was a gut wrenching result.
It was a major disappointment but it’s been a good couple of weeks.
Getting some mid-term injuries, getting a few weeks into them, and international duty, none more so than the two lads who scored for Wales last night and Mark Harris who scored for the U21s.
Neil Harris is asked about Wales' win over Finland
I was really proud of the players and the nation should be. I text them both afterwards to say more of the same please, in the coming weeks.
You want them to enjoy themselves and play well and hope the majority of my players will have done that over the last few weeks.
No disrespect to my players, it would be nice to have Gareth Bale in the group!
But, we are really pleased for the guys and the national side and join the elite teams. It’s fully deserved.
A little bit prickly after the Bristol game, I was gutted with the result, it was a gut wrenching result.
It was a major disappointment but it’s been a good couple of weeks.
Getting some mid-term injuries, getting a few weeks into them, and international duty, none more so than the two lads who scored for Wales last night and Mark Harris who scored for the U21s.
Neil Harris is asked about Wales' win over Finland
I was really proud of the players and the nation should be. I text them both afterwards to say more of the same please, in the coming weeks.
You want them to enjoy themselves and play well and hope the majority of my players will have done that over the last few weeks.
No disrespect to my players, it would be nice to have Gareth Bale in the group!
But, we are really pleased for the guys and the national side and join the elite teams. It’s fully deserved.
Neil Harris gives a full injury update, and there's a major blow concerning Lee Tomlin
Players coming back in. Cunningham is back on the training pitch, not for this weeknd but he’s back on the training pitch.
We’ve not seen Gavin Whyte. Leo Bacuna, similar. Harry and Kieffer have been in the building today but not on the training pitch, a bit up the air at the minute. We saw Kieffer take a right whack in the game yesterday, but other than that the lads have been fantastic.
Lee Tomlin has had an operation so he will be out for a few months unfortunately. He has not been able to manage his groins as we’d have liked.
Harris on Lee Tomlin
I think that’s the ideal scenario. We tried to manage him, a little bit of a gamble to manage him first few weeks of the season but it’s just not happened.
Every time he’s got close he’s had a setback. So we followed the surgeon's advice and we are trying to repair him properly, get him back on the training pitch regularly in a couple months’ time and then a sustained period after Christmas for 10, 15, 20 games in a row.
Players coming back in. Cunningham is back on the training pitch, not for this weeknd but he’s back on the training pitch.
We’ve not seen Gavin Whyte. Leo Bacuna, similar. Harry and Kieffer have been in the building today but not on the training pitch, a bit up the air at the minute. We saw Kieffer take a right whack in the game yesterday, but other than that the lads have been fantastic.
Lee Tomlin has had an operation so he will be out for a few months unfortunately. He has not been able to manage his groins as we’d have liked.
Harris on Lee Tomlin
I think that’s the ideal scenario. We tried to manage him, a little bit of a gamble to manage him first few weeks of the season but it’s just not happened.
Every time he’s got close he’s had a setback. So we followed the surgeon's advice and we are trying to repair him properly, get him back on the training pitch regularly in a couple months’ time and then a sustained period after Christmas for 10, 15, 20 games in a row.
The time frame for Tomlin's potential return from injury
We are looking from now, at least another eight weeks, middle January at best before he is back available.
Neil Harris is asked about his Millwall connections and the disappointment that no fans will be present this weekend
Every game is a shame without fans but I understand a Millwall connection. It can work with me or against me.
It’s a game of football at the weekend that we want to win.
Fans, it’s the new norm at the moment.
A lot of similarities in the passion of the fan bases (cardiff and Millwall). Cardiff City Stadium, big games I’ve played there and managed and the fans can be the turning point and I’m sure they would have been a couple of Fridays ago.
The same can be said of Millwall, the fans get behind them and can really spur you on.
We are looking from now, at least another eight weeks, middle January at best before he is back available.
Neil Harris is asked about his Millwall connections and the disappointment that no fans will be present this weekend
Every game is a shame without fans but I understand a Millwall connection. It can work with me or against me.
It’s a game of football at the weekend that we want to win.
Fans, it’s the new norm at the moment.
A lot of similarities in the passion of the fan bases (cardiff and Millwall). Cardiff City Stadium, big games I’ve played there and managed and the fans can be the turning point and I’m sure they would have been a couple of Fridays ago.
The same can be said of Millwall, the fans get behind them and can really spur you on.
Got a clear run of fixtures now until March, opportunity for a fresh start?
Every team will be different but for us, clarity in what’s ahead is there for us now. It suits us.
Post-lockdown it was a nine-game season. Now, up until Christmas we want it to be a productive period for us, get points on the board.
Neil Harris
Neil Harris provides the latest news on Osei-Tutu
It's another two weeks of recovery, but he's still got at least another four weeks before we think about getting him included.
Every team will be different but for us, clarity in what’s ahead is there for us now. It suits us.
Post-lockdown it was a nine-game season. Now, up until Christmas we want it to be a productive period for us, get points on the board.
Neil Harris
Neil Harris provides the latest news on Osei-Tutu
It's another two weeks of recovery, but he's still got at least another four weeks before we think about getting him included.
Neil Harris gives his thoughts on the rule on substitutions
We would be freer from injury if it came in at the start. I’ve heard a few people say some teams, myself included, haven’t used three subs in a game. It’s not about that, it’s about the risks you take going into a game. For us, we have lost three full backs so it’s an issue bringing attacking players on.
It’ll be able to protect players at the end of a game.
It’s vitally important to the home nations, too. I was all in favour of it. A big thing for us is the nine on the bench and the options.
Ultimately over the coming weeks and months everyone is going to be vitally important. So why not have your whole squad involved?
If you can only name 18 players then go with two young lads out of the academy, that’ll be our thought process.
So I think you’ll see some new people on squad lists in the coming weeks and months that can only be a positive.
Neil Harris on his side's younger players stepping up of late
Friday was one of the first times we had all the Under-23s, Under-18s, some younger as well, training with us.
It was fantastic. It was so good to see. We are a football club that wants to move forward by promoting young players.
We have got to be patient, as I keep saying, but we’ve got some very talented 15, 16 and 17-year-olds that, as soon as they are good enough, I don’t care how old they are, they are in the group.
We have had lads out of school, training with the first team. That’s where we are at, that’s because we believe in good young players coming through.
But that has to run parallel with getting results on a Saturday.
We would be freer from injury if it came in at the start. I’ve heard a few people say some teams, myself included, haven’t used three subs in a game. It’s not about that, it’s about the risks you take going into a game. For us, we have lost three full backs so it’s an issue bringing attacking players on.
It’ll be able to protect players at the end of a game.
It’s vitally important to the home nations, too. I was all in favour of it. A big thing for us is the nine on the bench and the options.
Ultimately over the coming weeks and months everyone is going to be vitally important. So why not have your whole squad involved?
If you can only name 18 players then go with two young lads out of the academy, that’ll be our thought process.
So I think you’ll see some new people on squad lists in the coming weeks and months that can only be a positive.
Neil Harris on his side's younger players stepping up of late
Friday was one of the first times we had all the Under-23s, Under-18s, some younger as well, training with us.
It was fantastic. It was so good to see. We are a football club that wants to move forward by promoting young players.
We have got to be patient, as I keep saying, but we’ve got some very talented 15, 16 and 17-year-olds that, as soon as they are good enough, I don’t care how old they are, they are in the group.
We have had lads out of school, training with the first team. That’s where we are at, that’s because we believe in good young players coming through.
But that has to run parallel with getting results on a Saturday.
Llanrumney Cardiff City project planning application submitted, positive step?
Yeah it is, that Llanrumney site is really important for the club, developing our own site, a base for our whole academy to be at and for the first team to interact as well.
It’s got quality pitches, winter pitches, 4G, learning environment for the kids, classrooms and lads doing college there as well.
It’s having everything at one site.
It’s early days but it’s a really exciting one. Vincent’s thought process for the future, Ken [Choo], Mehmet [Dalman], the board, thinking about the longer term of the club and the youth.
We want success today, of course we do, but the thought process of giving young players a chance, coming into the first team.
Ultimately, the plan is to have XI Cardiff City kids in the first team one day. It’s not easy but that’s what the club wants to see after a period of time.
What’s it like going back to your old stomping ground?
Really looking forward to seeing a lot of faces I know well, a manager I know really well. I’m really looking forward to that. Looking forward to going back there and getting three points for Cardiff City.
Yeah it is, that Llanrumney site is really important for the club, developing our own site, a base for our whole academy to be at and for the first team to interact as well.
It’s got quality pitches, winter pitches, 4G, learning environment for the kids, classrooms and lads doing college there as well.
It’s having everything at one site.
It’s early days but it’s a really exciting one. Vincent’s thought process for the future, Ken [Choo], Mehmet [Dalman], the board, thinking about the longer term of the club and the youth.
We want success today, of course we do, but the thought process of giving young players a chance, coming into the first team.
Ultimately, the plan is to have XI Cardiff City kids in the first team one day. It’s not easy but that’s what the club wants to see after a period of time.
What’s it like going back to your old stomping ground?
Really looking forward to seeing a lot of faces I know well, a manager I know really well. I’m really looking forward to that. Looking forward to going back there and getting three points for Cardiff City.
Welsh football bounce in the dressing room?
Yeah! Definitely! Harry and Kieffer have come back into the building with a buzz, Mark Harris, too.
It lifts the group, lifts our fan base going into Saturday. We feel it and I’m sure the whole of Cardiff City does.
It's been a year since you took over, what have you taken from it and what have you changed?
I think at Millwall I was cutting my teeth as a manager, my first job. I started out from scratch, learning on your feet every day.
I am learning and developing. Clubs run in different ways. Building those relationships, long project at Millwall.
Leaving there at the right time, coming to Cardiff and starting again with a project building from the academy upwards.
It’s another challenge and one I’m really enjoying at the moment.
Yeah! Definitely! Harry and Kieffer have come back into the building with a buzz, Mark Harris, too.
It lifts the group, lifts our fan base going into Saturday. We feel it and I’m sure the whole of Cardiff City does.
It's been a year since you took over, what have you taken from it and what have you changed?
I think at Millwall I was cutting my teeth as a manager, my first job. I started out from scratch, learning on your feet every day.
I am learning and developing. Clubs run in different ways. Building those relationships, long project at Millwall.
Leaving there at the right time, coming to Cardiff and starting again with a project building from the academy upwards.
It’s another challenge and one I’m really enjoying at the moment.
Watching Millwall now, can you take pride in the foundations you’ve laid down?
Of course I do. I enjoyed my time at the club. I enjoyed it as a player, coach and manager. I was there almost five years putting foundations in place.
Gary has taken over and done an amazing job. It’s not easy working with other people’s players but I like to think I left him with a good core group of players.
But that chapter of my life has gone and I have enough to focus on now at Cardiff City.
All done
That's it from Neil Harris for today.
Thanks as ever for joining us.
www.walesonline.co.uk
Of course I do. I enjoyed my time at the club. I enjoyed it as a player, coach and manager. I was there almost five years putting foundations in place.
Gary has taken over and done an amazing job. It’s not easy working with other people’s players but I like to think I left him with a good core group of players.
But that chapter of my life has gone and I have enough to focus on now at Cardiff City.
All done
That's it from Neil Harris for today.
Thanks as ever for joining us.
Every word Neil Harris just said on injuries and texts he sent Wilson and Moore
The Bluebirds manager this afternoon spoke to the press ahead of the clash against his former club Millwall this weekend
Watching Millwall now, can you take pride in the foundations you’ve laid down?
Of course I do. I enjoyed my time at the club. I enjoyed it as a player, coach and manager. I was there almost five years putting foundations in place.
Gary has taken over and done an amazing job. It’s not easy working with other people’s players but I like to think I left him with a good core group of players.
But that chapter of my life has gone and I have enough to focus on now at Cardiff City.
All done
That's it from Neil Harris for today.
Thanks as ever for joining us.
Every word Neil Harris just said on injuries and texts he sent Wilson and Moore
The Bluebirds manager this afternoon spoke to the press ahead of the clash against his former club Millwall this weekend
How does it feel knowing Rydog has an "I Love Harris" banner?
Of course it's a really nice feeling, that said we all know that could change in the blink of an eye (he laughs). I'm really enjoying my time at the club, and especially the special relationship I have with Ryd's. I pay special attention to what he writes on message boards and really hope I can one day make him fall in love with Cardiff in the same way he fawns over Brentford and such, big task I know but who knows.
Fair play.
Gutted about Tommo hes a massive miss but sadly now that hes on the wrong end of 30 I think last season is going to be his last pinnacle form of his career at this level.
What?
I cant see Tommo staying injury free to get a consistent run of games for the rest of his playing days and reproducing the form from last season his lack of self discipline off the field and his age has caught up with him sadly I hope I'm wrong.
I was hoping the David Hughes appointment was asked to Harris but I'm sure hes happy with it anyway.
Nice one again @Eat Y'self Fitter 
Shame we won't be seeing Tomlin until January at least, a player of his ability we really could have used. I hope that doesn't stop the club having a look around at what's available in the transfer window, it'll be here before we know it.
Shame we won't be seeing Tomlin until January at least, a player of his ability we really could have used. I hope that doesn't stop the club having a look around at what's available in the transfer window, it'll be here before we know it.
Nice one again @Eat Y'self Fitter
Shame we won't be seeing Tomlin until January at least, a player of his ability we really could have used. I hope that doesn't stop the club having a look around at what's available in the transfer window, it'll be here before we know it.
Seems this chap is stalling on renewing his contract
Barnsley skipper Alex Mowatt is yet to renew his stay at Oakwell, having fended off summer interest from all of Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and QPR.
The 25-year-old has played every minute of Barnsley’s season so far. Now in his fourth full season at the club, he’s missed just two Championship games of the previous 103 for Barnsley.
It’s credit to the type of player he’s become; there’s few midfielders in the division as rounded as him and he shows no signs of peaking just yet, with two goals to his name this season.
Having shone in what was a poor Tykes side last time round, Mowatt became the subject of summer interest from several Championship clubs.
Cardiff, Middlesbrough and QPR were all touted with the midfielder, but nothing would materialise, and Mowatt would enter what is his final contacted season at the club.
The club activated a clause before the end of last season to ensure an extra year on his stay, whilst remaining confident that he’ll sign a new deal in the meantime.
But with less than six weeks until the New Year, time is running out for Barnsley to renew their captain’s stay before he can enter into pre-contract negotiations.
He may well be holding out for a new and improved offer, from either Barnsley or from elsewhere come January.
Mowatt’s a fine Championship player and could likely play at a higher-level – it’d be a huge blow if Barnsley were to lose him for nothing.
Definitely need reinforcements in Jan a new right back and a midfielder that got more ability with the ball.
Osei-Tutu out for another month is a big blow too with 9 games to come in that period, means we almost certainly have to persist with Bacuna at full back.
