Cardiff City boss Steve Morison says he's yet to receive any good luck messages from Vincent Tan ahead of Sunday's FA Cup clash with Liverpool - but insists his relationship with the Bluebirds hierarchy is stronger than ever after a busy January window.
The Bluebirds, with around 8,000 fans in tow, head to Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday lunchtime, having secured back-to-back league wins courtesy of a 1-0 triumph at Barnsley on Wednesday night.
The hero that night, Uche Ikpeazu, is one of several January arrivals unable to make the trip as he's cup tied, but his impressive debut has nevertheless heighted the real feelgood factor around a new-look City camp.
With the transfer window done and dusted, Morison will likely be doing his best to focus on matters on the pitch, beginning with a daunting trip to the six-time European champions.
Speaking ahead of the game, Morison revealed he's yet to receive his usual good luck message from the owner, but says he was nevertheless impressed by the level of communication from the top during what was a manic transfer window.
Asked if he'd spoken to the Malaysian, he said: "Not yet. That comes on the Sunday morning or Saturday night! But he’s been great, especially this last month, ever since I’ve taken over.
"Constant conversations. Constant dialogue, especially with the transfers with the players we’ve brought in. It’s everyone we’ve brought in goes through the transfer committee, but ultimately it ends with the committee agreeing and then me having a conversation with Vincent on it.
"The conversation could be five minutes, it could be 20 minutes. It’s all about the how, why and where they fit in, and then he gives us the green light off the back of it.
"There’s been a couple where he’s said no. That’s the way it is. Then I have to maybe put more work in and explain it to him. But he’s backed me with every single player we’ve wanted and funnily enough we got them.
"Apart from waiting for (Ryan) Giles with that not happening and then Alfie ( Doughty) waiting in the background. Every player I’ve taken to Vincent and the board, everyone agreed to.
"He’s backed me on it, and that’s been great. It’s been a real easy experience. The frustrating thing is having that all agreed and then waiting for the other teams to agree for their players to come.
"But from his point of view, he’s been fantastic and it’s been really enjoyable. I spoke to him after the Barnsley game last night and everyone’s pleased. Another game we won and another new signing scored!"
In terms of team news for Sunday, Ikpeazu, Cody Drameh, Max Watters and Doughty are all cup tied, while there are real concerns over Sean Morrison, who was forced off during the win over Barnsley.
Joe Ralls and Curtis Nelson also face late fitness tests after recent knocks.
Cardiff take on the Reds at 12pm on Sunday.
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