Lennie is the real deal

Lennie Lawrence's appointment as Cardiff City's new director of football could turn out to be one of the best decisions the club has ever made, writes Mark Aizlewood.

I was captain of Charlton Athletic when Lennie got his first managerial position.

It was somewhat of a surprise appointment at the time, but it proved to be a masterstroke.

Charlton would not be where they are now if it wasn't for Lennie.

He is certainly the manager who had the most influence on my playing career because he, more than anyone else, got the best out of me.

And that is what he will do at Cardiff - he will inspire the players to perform to the best of their ability.

Lawrence has the desire and knowledge to succeed

Lennie is a 'tracksuit manager.' He's in his element on the training ground.

There's not much he cannot do in football terms, but one of his greatest qualities is his ability to organise his teams to be very difficult to beat.

I think the difference between an automatic promotion place at the play-offs will hinge on three or four points.

I won't be surprised if some of Lennie's tactical decisions during tense matches towards the end of the season will give Cardiff those valuable points.

He's not the high-profile name that some of the fans wanted, but I don't think Cardiff need that sort of coach.

Lennie has not only got the experience to win football matches, but he knows what it takes to take a club from the lower divisions to the top flight.

He did it at Charlton and at Middlesbrough - and I don't see any reason why he cannot do the same at Cardiff.

If I was Alan Cork, I would be thoroughly delighted that somebody of Lennie's experience and calibre is coming to help him to be successful.