By Chris O'Brien
July 4 2004

Cardiff City have secured another impressive signing, with 'keeper Tony Warner joining on a bosman free transfer from Millwall, a player who has had an ugly meeting with the club before. The 6'4 giant is expected to take the number one shirt for the start of the new season in August.

Only hours after completing the coup of Welsh international defender Robert Page, Cardiff City have announced the signing of Millwall 'keeper Tony Warner. The 6'4 giant joins the club from Millwall on a bosman free transfer, with the signing delighting many supporters and clearly indicating the willingness of Lennie Lawrence to strengthen the team for next season despite mammoth debts.

The ease of Warner's move to Ninian Park is surprising, particularly considering the weeks or tedious speculation that surrounded the less inspiring purchase of midfielder Lee Bullock from York City. Warner is likely to take the first-choice slot as 'keeper, and should the situation regarding Martyn Margetson's contract be resolved then Neil Alexander will almost certainly leave the club within the foreseeable future.

The 30-year-old kicked off his career with hometown club Liverpool, but struggled to get much first-team recognition at Anfield. He spent loan spells at Swindon Town and in Scotland with Aberdeen and Glasgow Rangers before leaving Merseyside to join Milwall. He made 225 appearances for the Uefa-Cup bound Lions after joining the London-outfit in 1999, and fans of last season's F.A Cup runners-up will be disappointed to see the goalkeeper depart the Den.

If the name sounds familiar, Warner has had an ugly meeting with the Bluebirds in the past. Those who didn't only start supporting the club when Sam Hammam arrived will remember a fierce opening day 1-1 draw with Millwall in 1999, where trouble between supporters and hooliganism were visible around and inside the ground. Warner was charged with assault following the game after accusations that the 'keeper through a bottle at supporters after he had been subject to racial abuse, taunts and been pelted with objects by supporters.

The signings of Page and now Warner have completely changed opinions of many supporters as we head into the new season. Days ago many fans were discussing the possibility of a battle against relegation but now things look a lot more positive. Whether or not there will be anymore departures of arrivals through the doors of Ninian Park prior to the start of next season remains to be seen, but Lennie Lawrence has done well in bringing these latest acquisitions to Cardiff.

Bluebird to the Bone would like to welcome Tony Warner to City.