Burrows tips Bluebirds for the top flight

May 9 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

FORMER Cardiff City boss Frank Burrows believes Wembley glory could be the spark for the Bluebirds to fly into the Premier League.

A new stadium, which opens for the start of 2009-10, plus FA Cup success has seen City’s profile in world football rise rapidly.

And Burrows – who worked for Harry Redknapp, manager of City’s cup final opponents Portsmouth, at West Ham – says that could leave a lasting legacy as far as the club is concerned.

“It’s great to see – and the Bluebirds have a glorious chance to make big progress over the next couple of seasons,” said Burrows from his Florida home.

“I sincerely hope Cardiff’s new stadium and their trip to Wembley gives them a kick forward.

“The new stadium is definitely a key factor.

“A plush new home at the Liberty Stadium certainly seems to have done the trick for chairman Huw Jenkins and manager Roberto Martinez at Swansea City.

“And I would dearly love to see the Bluebirds get into the Premier League.

“Cardiff have flirted with promotion and then finished around mid-table over the last few seasons.

“They have to finish the job and make the step up now.

“Dave Jones is a passionate man and he will crave returning to manage in the Premiership.

“He was under pressure at Cardiff for a while and I’m glad he came through that unscathed.

“He is a top manager, a good man who will take Cardiff City forward.

“He needs time because there is no quick solution, but he is doing a terrific job there.

“The city of Cardiff deserves a Premiership club.

“I worked with Harry (Redknapp) at West Ham, while I met Dave all the way from Stockport to Southampton and Wolves.

“Both are good football men who will earn their success through sheer hard work.”

Burrows, 64, will watch the FA Cup final, featuring two of the clubs he managed, in America.

He was twice manager of City (1986-89 and 1998-2000), leading the Bluebirds to promotion during each spell in charge.

Burrows was also manager of Portsmouth on two separate occasions – from 1979-82 and 1990-91.

So it’s hardly surprising that he refuses to be drawn on who might win the Wembley showpiece on May 17.

“I am going to be a big, brave Scotsman and sit on the fence on this one,” laughed Burrows.

“And you are not going to budge me off it.

“I have some very fond memories of both clubs and had a lot of success with each of them.

“My children and grandchildren have noticed I managed both Cardiff and Portsmouth.

“They are getting excited about that.

“Personally, I just hope both sets of players enjoy the occasion.

“They tell me it’s a fantastic stadium and the atmosphere will be tremendous.

“I’m not sure where it will be shown on television on Florida.

“But if it’s on nearby I will pop in to watch.”

Burrows’ last involvement in football coaching was at Leicester City earlier this season.

The Scot was assistant manager at the Walkers Stadium and then took over as caretaker boss when Gary Megson moved on to Bolton.

Burrows was bitterly disappointed to be sent packing when Ian Holloway was appointed Foxes manager.

But he has taken no pleasure at all from seeing players he worked with suffer relegation from the Championship on the final day of the season last Sunday.

And while Burrows relaxes in Florida, he would still love to be back in British football.

“I love the game and will never lose that affection for football,” said Burrows.

“I would like to get back working again, but jobs are difficult to find.

“I won’t go chasing jobs at my stage of life, but if something came up I would be delighted.”

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