Cardiff City: Managers must accept high demands – Neil Harris

Neil Harris says managers have to accept high standards when working for Cardiff City.

Millwall boss Harris managed Cardiff for 14 months before being sacked in January 2021.

Harris led the Bluebirds to the Championship play-offs in 2019/20 but was shown the door after six consecutive defeats.

He returned to the Cardiff City Stadium for the first time as Millwall were beaten 1-0 by a Cardiff side led by Omer Riza, who is in interim charge following the sacking of Erol Bulut last month.

Perry Ng’s header was enough for Cardiff’s first league win of the season.

Bulut’s departure – which came just 111 days after signing a two-year contract – has left Cardiff looking for a 12th permanent manager in 14 years.

When asked about the recent upheaval at his former club, Harris said: “Cardiff have had success, promotions, Premier League times and good championship periods over the last 20 years.

“The demand from the fan base and also the owners is to try and get into the top half, top six of the league – and fight to get promoted back to the Premier League.

“Obviously it was a bad start to the season and when I found myself after a bad run a change happened. We accept that as managers.

“When you sit in the hot seat here, you know how high the demand is.”

Harris added that he was “always disappointed” when managers leave Cardiff because “sometimes I wish people were given a bit more opportunity to extend their stay”.

However, the former striker said club owner Vincent Tan was entitled to expect success.

“On the other hand, Vincent is a good guy who has put a lot of money into the football club and has high standards,” added Harris.

“Erol will know. I’m glad Omer gets a chance. I’m disappointed he got his first win against us, but it gives the football club some time to make calm decisions.”