February
Newsfile

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"They’ll gain automatic promotion this year. And with Sam Hammam behind them, with his and (chief coach) Alan Cork’s enthusiasm, they will stabilise in the Second Division next season or may be go straight through."

Atkins was impressed with Cardiff's performance and was quick to praise the club he nearly became manager of. Atkins was odds on to get the managers chair at City before Frank Burrows came back to Ninian Park.

“The gulf between Cardiff and Carlisle is enormous,” Atkins said.

“People say money talks and it certainly did in this game. Cardiff have a wonderful opportunity to go all the way.

“They have a major backer probably for the first time in the club’s history which will bring stability.

“I could sense the good feeling around the club from the cheers Sam got from the fans as he walked around the ground.

“They are all behind him and there’s no better man to have at the helm, an owner who wants promotion and isn’t happy unless he’s losing £2m (on transfer fees) a year.

“There aren’t many like Sam. Cardiff could become a Premiership side. It’s a massive club with terrific supporters who deserve at least First Division football. I think they’ll get it in the next two years.”

Thanks Ian. Good luck to you in your battle against relegation.