Warnock signs new two-year deal with Bluebirds

Neil Warnock poses for the cameras with Yanic Wildschut. Photo: Cardiff City FC

MANAGER Neil Warnock has signed a two-year contract extension with Cardiff City FC.

Warnock took over the Bluebirds in October 2016 following the sacking of Paul Trollope and steered them clear of relegation in his first campaign.

Now Cardiff sit in second place in the EFL Championship, four points clear of third-placed Aston Villa, and are looking to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League in Warnock’s second season in charge.

The Yorkshireman has been rewarded for turning around the fortunes of the club with a new contract that will keep him at Cardiff until 2020.

Assistant manager Kevin Blackwell and first team coach Ronnie Jepson have also extended their stays with the club.

Cardiff’s owner Vincent Tan commented on the news, saying: “After positive talks, I am very pleased that Neil has committed to Cardiff City Football Club for a further two seasons.

“Having supported Neil since his arrival at the Club, we have been delighted to see results follow on the pitch. We are very happy to have agreed this deal, and are looking forward to continuing to bring further success to Cardiff City.

“We were also pleased to strengthen the team in the recent January window, and wish Neil and the entire squad much success in the games ahead.”

Cardiff City FC Chairman Mehmet Dalman said: “This is excellent news for everyone connected with Cardiff City Football Club.

“Since taking the reins at Cardiff City Stadium, Neil has transformed the fortunes of the side. His excellent work has helped us to compete at the very top of the division this season and we are all tremendously excited to see what the next two years will bring.”

Cardiff City FC Executive Director & CEO Ken Choo added: “I’m sure I speak for all fans of the Club when I say that we are thrilled to see Neil put pen to paper on a new contract.

“Neil has had a fantastic impact here in the Welsh capital and we know that he has all of the attributes and experience to continue the great work that he has already put in. I’m very much looking forward to the next two campaigns with him at the helm.”

Fans and pundits have been expressing their opinions on the news on Twitter.

Simon Davies of BBC Radio Wales tweeted: “Great news for Cardiff fans that Neil Warnock has signed a new deal. Has done an incredible job and is a pleasure to deal with too!”

BBC Wales Football Correspondent Rob Phillips tweeted: “Reported on this club for a long time. Cannot think of a manager who has better understood the DNA of @CardiffCityFC. He has worked miracles – on and off the pitch. No wonder Vincent Tan & Mehmet Dalman have acted to sort this.”