Neil Harris is hoping Jed Wallace is forced to eat his words when he comes to Cardiff on Boxing Day to try to gun down his former boss.
The Millwall winger was among the first to congratulate Harris on his appointment as successor to Neil Warnock at the Bluebirds, but added a barb to his message of goodwill.
“He wished me all the best with my opportunity to come to Cardiff and said he was looking forward to seeing me on Boxing Day and ruining my Christmas by playing well,” explained Harris.
“I hope that’s not the case. Jed is a bubbly, likeable character and he’s had a very good season.
“Like I have with my players here at Cardiff City, I had a close relationship with the players at Millwall. You need to build those relationships with your players because when they feel trusted, respected and supported they are at their best.”
Wallace has already gunned down one Welsh club this season. Swansea City were sunk by one of his eight goals to date last month and now he is looking for a Welsh double to end the year on a high.
“I love Chopper (Harris) and he built the group here now. When he got the job I texted him saying ‘all the best, great to see you back in the game – look forward to ruining your Christmas’,” said Wallace.
“He texted back saying ‘that’s one game I won’t be losing’.”
Harris scored a club record 138 goals in 432 appearances in two spells at Millwall before going on to become Academy manger and then the full time manager.
He will know more about the opposition than he will about his own players after only seven games in charge, but claims it will be a game just like any other.
“The media will make more out of me being the old manager at Millwall than I will. It won’t make me want to win the game any more because I want to win every game,” said Harris.
“It’s not about me. All I am interested in is getting a good performance from an eclectic group of players and three points for Cardiff City.
“There is an added incentive to the game for everybody looking in from the outside. I have a good insight into their players which will help in our preparation.
“Those minor details I know might gain us an advantage, but they can say the same about me. There is inside knowledge for both and I am really looking forward to seeing a lot of people I worked with before.”
