EXCLUSIVE:I'VE SORTED MY LIFE/I WANT TO BE A CITY HERO

The Lee Tomlin exclusive interview: I've sorted my life out and now I want to be a Cardiff City hero


"I am 30 years old and I have now sorted my life out, I am ready"

By Tom Coleman

Wednesday 26th June 2019

Lee Tomlin says he's ready to play a key role in Neil Warnock's push to get Cardiff City back into the Premier League.

The maverick playmaker has struggled to make his mark in the Welsh capital, despite arriving under plenty of fanfare back in the summer of 2017.

Having been left out of last season's 25-man Premier League squad, Tomlin spent a chunk of last term out on loan to former club Peterborough United, and subsequently fell off the radar of many Bluebirds fans.

However, a picture uploaded the player's social media has once again got many of those same supporters talking, sparking questions over whether he could yet have something to offer boss Neil Warnock.

It is evidence of a new Tomlin, a man who insists he is now ready to shine. He has "no excuses" and what happens from here is "for me and my kids."

The 30-year old claims to have lost nearly two stone already this summer, and is determined to finally lay nagging concerns over his fitness, which were shared by Warnock and many others, to rest.



LEE TOMLIN:


Tomlin explained: "I've tried to get my head down and get as fit as possible after speaking to the gaffer and I've done that. I'm in the best shape of my life.

"For me, the way I am, I never give up. I'll never give up."

There have understandably been questions over whether Tomlin still has a future at the Cardiff City Stadium given his 18-month absence from the first team set-up, but the player himself has categorically ruled out a move away this summer, while also dismissing any suggestions of a rift with Warnock.

Lee Tomlin is in the shape of his life

"Just because it's not gone as planned, doesn't mean I want to move on straight away," he added. "I've not had any bad words with Warnock. I've never had an argument. Never done anything.

"People have this perception that if I left, it must mean I've fallen out with the manager. They couldn't be more wrong.

"I speak to him a lot. He helps me a lot, and he's got me back on track to the mentality I had as a kid and the one I had at Middlesbrough and Bournemouth. He's made me just want to play again, and do it at the highest level possible.

"He's literally been unbelievable to me. He's helped me off the pitch, on the pitch, told me what I could do better.

"Obviously, the main factor has been to get fit and like he's said to me before, if I'm fully fit I'm one of the best players in the Championship.

"The penny's dropped, and I just want to kick on. I'm focused on getting Cardiff City back in the Premier League and hopefully staying there.

"It's a massive, massive club and I want to play for Cardiff, otherwise I wouldn't have signed in the first place."

Tomlin clearly has all the technical ability needed to thrive in the Championship, and Warnock almost certainly still believes there is a gem in there somewhere, but frustrations over his match fitness were clearly a big factor in his initial move away.

Recalling the circumstances around his initial loan to Nottingham Forest last year, Tomlin said: "I wasn't playing as much as I wanted to at Cardiff, even though I was in an unbelievable position.

"I've grown up just wanting to play football, it's not about money, it's not about this or that, it's about playing football. I love football and I want to get back to that.

"Aitor Karanka had loved working with me at Boro and he wanted to bring me to Forest. I did that, enjoyed it and scored goals.

"I looked at it as a move back home. I wasn't playing a lot and I spoke to the gaffer about it. He wanted me to stay, but he knew I wasn't going to play every week.

"But still when I went back to Cardiff I wasn't as fit as I should have been. That was my own fault again. But now I'm not going to let that be a decision made about me."
Those experiences have undoubtedly been key drivers behind Tomlin's impressive summer regime, but there have been other issues at play.

The loan move to former club Peterborough last January was mainly due to personal reasons, with the forward keen to move closer to his family in Leicester as a result, but he insists his difficulties off the pitch are now behind him.




LEE TOMLIN:

"Everything's perfect for me now. It was massive, what Warnock did (for me), allowing me to go to Peterborough to sort out the issues I was having at home.

"Okay, it was a drop down to League One, but mentally and physically, it helped me get back to where I am today."

As it turned out, the work on the training ground in Cambridgeshire was a big catalyst in Tomlin's current efforts to get his Bluebirds career back on track.

"There was a coach at Peterborough, Lee Taylor, who got me on a body fat and fitness programme and I've literally just kicked on from there," he explained.

"I've been on golf holidays and family holidays, but every afternoon I'll still do my sessions, which a few years ago, or for most of my career really, I've never done that and so it's just literally one minute runs, three minute runs, four minute runs, inclines, and things like that. I just haven't' stopped.

"I come in in the morning, have my breakfast, take the kids to school, go and play golf, and then I'll do a session. Then I'll have something to eat before doing another session, before going to bed. Then I'll wake up and go and do it all again.

"I've literally just tried to sort my life out and tried to get as fit as possible."

A fully fit Lee Tomlin in peak physical condition is a prospect that will almost certainly excite most Bluebirds fans - and will keep many a Championship defender awake at night in the process.


His ability has never really been in doubt. Even Manchester United's legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson was once impressed by Tomlin's capabilities.

But the nature of such a mercurial talent means a player like Tomlin has always attracted admirers and critics in equal measure.

After what's been a steep learning curve over the last couple of years, the man himself is determined to redress that balance, and shut the critics up once and for all.

"Obviously not getting into the 25-man squad for the Premier League after going to Forest and doing really well, was tough. But it was the fitness thing again. In football that's the only thing anyone has ever said to me.

"Darren Ferguson said the same to me when I was at Peterbrough. Even when his dad, Sir Alex, came to watch, he said 'technically you're unbelievable to watch but it's just the fitness thing'.


"Now I just want to get to that point where no one can talk about fitness.

"I'll always have something to prove. I think until the day you die you're still proving people wrong. Not everyone's going to be happy, but why not try to make everyone happy.

"I'm always trying to prove people wrong, and prove that I'm not this bad guy that people think I am.

"I've got my head screwed on now."

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sounds promising

sounds promising[/quote]


Yes it does Wez, this really will be his last chance, aged 30 and I reckon we will see how Tomlin is after our first dozen games

The question is I suppose will he actually move to Cardiff and base himself here?

It seems that some of the problems at Bristol and here were as a reluctance by the player to move from where his family were located in Leicester and I wonder if that has changed in any way.

Really would be the last chance saloon for him now I think.

Don't believe a word of it and I hope we can move him on. I literally see no place for him anywhere in the team and I don't think Warnock will either.

I never give up

you mean except the last few years when he generally couldn't be bothered and was putting snide marks on social media about not playing.

To be really honest , it would be fantastic for our club as Tomlin has already cost us wasted £millions.
I have serious doubts and to be honest after so many many chances, I can’t see him changing.

But we have no other choice but to give him yet another chance as actually No other clubs want him.

The question is I suppose will he actually move to Cardiff and base himself here?

It seems that some of the problems at Bristol and here were as a reluctance by the player to move from where his family were located in Leicester and I wonder if that has changed in any way.

Really would be the last chance saloon for him now I think.

I agree if he wants to make the team, he has to show some commitment, I am worried he will lose interest again in a month and be out of the team tieing up wages and one of the important midfield positions!

he does this every year, "best shape of my life" story

Always seems to go downhill when he is away from his family. Hopefully he can stay focused and remain fit though as on his day he is a real game changer. Definitely his last chance with us and I think we will see what Warnocks intentions are with him if/how much he features in pre-season.

I’m really hoping the kid does well. I like the technical ability just his head hasn’t been there. Good luck Lee

I’ve always liked Tomlin but know that court case is firmly behind him as well he’s probably been able to think a lot clearly know I think he will do a good job for us

Let get behind him and show him our support come on Tomlin son

His ability and commitment have never been an issue just the fitness side of it so if he has resolved this part we could have a new player on our hands. We should get off his back and give him a run of games to prove his commitment.

I don't think he's likely to get a game, never mind a run of games.
There's obviously some problem lurking in the background here, and I don't think Sir Neil is going to allow whatever it is to re introduce a problem which he couldn't solve before . He's got enough problems replacing the entire midfield as it is.
Of course it's a pity that this obviously talented player can't play his part but there it is.

I share your hope that there can be some last minute redemption of Lee's career, but I think it's very unlikely. He couldn't get on at Peterborough despite huge excitement when he went there because they could see what a skilful player he is but the atmosphere soon soured. I don't know what the problem is, although I think it's probably more than fitness. I expect we'll find out when he writes an exposé somewhere in the future.

In the mean time, I'm afraid this is just the football press making up nonsense to create a story again.

Making all the write noises but actions speak louder than words.
Hes set himself up now to make or brake himself .he will be watched closely by all .its not just the start of a season it has to be a hole consistentl season.
I'll believe it when I see it and I wish him good luck in trying.
Last chance for him then

His ability and commitment have never been an issue just the fitness side of it so if he has resolved this part we could have a new player on our hands. We should get off his back and give him a run of games to prove his commitment.

His commitment has been THE biggest issue, or lack of commitment I should say. Getting yourself fit is all about commitment. And why are you asking him to prove his commitment (your last sentence) if you say it has never been an issue?

His ability and commitment have never been an issue just the fitness side of it so if he has resolved this part we could have a new player on our hands. We should get off his back and give him a run of games to prove his commitment.

His commitment has been THE biggest issue, or lack of commitment I should say. Getting yourself fit is all about commitment. And why are you asking him to prove his commitment (your last sentence) if you say it has never been an issue?

If the Tomlin of 18 months ago is still there then yes he needs to be bounced out of the club at the earliest opportunity, however if the Tomlin we all thought we were getting two years ago when we signed him then WOW. Not only would we be replacing the likes of Arter but Tomlin could give us the ammunition to smash this league, feeding that potential frontline especially if we spend big on the right striker. MY CUP IS MORE THAN HALF FULL if it comes off then its WIN WIN

His ability and commitment have never been an issue just the fitness side of it so if he has resolved this part we could have a new player on our hands. We should get off his back and give him a run of games to prove his commitment.

His commitment has been THE biggest issue, or lack of commitment I should say. Getting yourself fit is all about commitment. And why are you asking him to prove his commitment (your last sentence) if you say it has never been an issue?

If the Tomlin of 18 months ago is still there then yes he needs to be bounced out of the club at the earliest opportunity, however if the Tomlin we all thought we were getting two years ago when we signed him then WOW. Not only would we be replacing the likes of Arter but Tomlin could give us the ammunition to smash this league, feeding that potential frontline especially if we spend big on the right striker. MY CUP IS MORE THAN HALF FULL if it comes off then its WIN WIN

He's had you and many others on here with your pants down mate. Does it every pre-season.

His ability and commitment have never been an issue just the fitness side of it so if he has resolved this part we could have a new player on our hands. We should get off his back and give him a run of games to prove his commitment.

His commitment has been THE biggest issue, or lack of commitment I should say. Getting yourself fit is all about commitment. And why are you asking him to prove his commitment (your last sentence) if you say it has never been an issue?

Correct, staying fit is 100% a commitment factor. Being fit is an absolute minimum requirement for a professional footballer and I'm not just talking a bit of match fitness, Tomlin was way off.

His ability and commitment have never been an issue just the fitness side of it so if he has resolved this part we could have a new player on our hands. We should get off his back and give him a run of games to prove his commitment.

His commitment has been THE biggest issue, or lack of commitment I should say. Getting yourself fit is all about commitment. And why are you asking him to prove his commitment (your last sentence) if you say it has never been an issue?

If the Tomlin of 18 months ago is still there then yes he needs to be bounced out of the club at the earliest opportunity, however if the Tomlin we all thought we were getting two years ago when we signed him then WOW. Not only would we be replacing the likes of Arter but Tomlin could give us the ammunition to smash this league, feeding that potential frontline especially if we spend big on the right striker. MY CUP IS MORE THAN HALF FULL if it comes off then its WIN WIN

He's had you and many others on here with your pants down mate. Does it every pre-season.

Tbf to Tomlin ive never seen him look in that shape ever.

Give the lad a chance. How many of you have experienced the life of a professional football player. It's not easy I'll tell you

I expect he'll be moved on again if he doesn't prove himself during pre-season.

I hope he does prove himself, because the ability is there.. There's nothing wrong with the ability. It's just the fitness and attitude.

I expect he'll be moved on again if he doesn't prove himself during pre-season.

I hope he does prove himself, because the ability is there.. There's nothing wrong with the ability. It's just the fitness and attitude.

Happy to give him a chance IN TRAINING and if he’s consistently one of the best performers pre season then why not give him a go? Like others, I’m not convinced and I’m certain we’ve heard, and seen, this all before. He’s like Gazza without any good in-game performances.