Fan View: Cardiff City

Rob Wildey catches up with Emyr Thomas, a Cardiff City fan ahead of Blues’ trip to the Welsh capital tomorrow.

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF NEIL WARNOCK?

He`s a proven manager at this level and he has turned us around, steered us away from danger. He wears his heart on his sleeve and the players respect that and respond to it. He has done a magnificent job.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTATION FOR CARDIFF THIS SEASON – WHAT WOULD CLASS AS A GOOD SEASON?

Back in August, we didn`t expect to be 15 points off the play-offs in March. But from where we were when Paul Trollope left, it`s actually not been a bad season after all. A top six place is too much of an ask at this stage so it`s all about planning for next season while tucking ourselves comfortably into a top half finish.

WHAT HAS WARNOCK DONE DIFFERENTLY TO HIS PREDECESSORS, RUSSELL SLADE AND PAUL TROLLOPE?

Slade struggled to get us to play how he wanted us to and we were too lightweight. Trollope took over and gave it a good go but we were too easy to beat and didn`t score enough goals. Warnock has done what he always does – simplified the game, set the team to play a system that best suits his players and made us a lot more solid. The football isn`t always pretty but we often out battle teams.

WILL WARNOCK STAY NEXT SEASON? IF SO, WHAT WILL THE EXPECTATION BE?

I hope he stays. He`s no spring chicken so he won`t be a Cardiff custodian for a great deal of time but he has improved us and given the fans hope again. If we can strengthen the squad in the summer then a play-off spot could be a realistic aim. It`s a hard league to get out of though.

IF YOU COULD SIGN ONE BIRMINGHAM PLAYER FOR THE CARDIFF SQUAD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Lukas Jutkiewicz because he scores goals. I believe we tried to sign him in a previous transfer window and he would have been a good addition. Anthony Pilkington is our top scorer with eight so it`s clear to see an added goal threat would do us the world of good.

WHAT IS YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE GAME?

We`ve only lost on of our last five at home and Birmingham don`t seem to be in any sort of form so I`m going for a 2-0 home win.