Coming into this season, I was ready to give Russell Slade my full backing. The improvements we saw in the back end of last season were enough to win me over and defend him on social media with fellow bluebirds. I find him a likeable character who is doing the job asked of him.
Our movements in the transfer window thus far have done little to inspire me. Sammy Ameobi was brought in from Newcastle, and Semi Ajayi from Arsenal. Neither have made many starts, with Ameobi restricted to appearances off the bench and Ajayi not even in the match day squad. However, Russell Slade has had a minimal budget and is still working to bring players in.
After a promising pre season in Holland and some impressive wins against Watford and Bournemouth on British soil, I was excited and hopeful coming into the new season. I knew the quality of the squad was still there, and after a settled pre season I hoped we would build on last years mid table finish.
The first competitive game of the new season was a tough opener against Fulham, an early kick off t Cardiff City Stadium. I was intrigued to see what line-up Slade would choose after a few experimental selections in pre season.
We were without 1st choice goalkeeper David Marshall through suspension, and arguably that's what cost us three points in the end. Deputy Simon Moore literally dropped a clanger to gift Fulham the lead, but City fought back with a stunning late equaliser from Craig Noone. I was happy with a point given the circumstances, and I certainly wouldn't have wanted to start the season with a defeat.
Our second game was an even tougher trip to Loftus Road to face Queens Park Rangers, a team that had just been relegated after a dismal season in the premier league. City controlled the game, which was nice to see, but were still sloppy in parts and soon found themselves two nil down.
But the travelling bluebirds were incredible and City persisted with a lovely style of play that Slade believed would get us back in the game. He brought on last season's top scorer, Kenwyne Jones for the non-existent Alex Revell, and it made all the difference.
We pulled one back thanks to a cracking header from stand in captain Sean Morison, to set up a nervy last 25 minutes for the home team. City threw everything forward and left themselves venerable at the back. QPR should have killed the game off but Simon Moore redeemed himself from last week's mistake to keep City in the game.
However much the bluebirds huffed and puffed, it looked in vain as QPR clung on to victory. That was until the ball found itself to Cardiff left back Scott Malone. My first thought in the away end was 'don't shoot you idiot', but he defied me to send a dipping shot into the top corner and rescue a point. It sent the City fans into a frenzy!
My first impression of Malone was that he wasn't good enough for City, but his performances so far this season have proved me wrong and he certainly deserves his place in the team.
After our exploits in London, the blue army faced a long trip to Blackburn in search for our first three points of the season. We very nearly got them. A tidy poachers finish from Joe Mason put the bluebirds in front, and for large parts of the first half we dominated proceedings at Ewood Park.
But, as ever with City, we couldn't hold on. Blackburn piled on the pressure and the returning Marshall had a busy second half. Frustratingly, City sat back deeper and deeper and invited attack from the home team. The resistance was finally broken in the 88th minute as Grant Hanley poked home to break City hearts.
This was a game City should have one. It's not good enough to go 0-1 up away from home and not see it through, especially after how well we played in the first half.
Our most recent game was a really tough looking match at home to title favourites Wolves. I feared the worst and honestly didn't think City would get their first win of the season here, but was happy to be proved wrong.
Wolves started the game with all the possession, without threatening the City goal. City looked threatening when they attacked and Kenwyne Jones was providing some great lay-offs for our wingers. City had a goal disallowed through Joe Mason, but just before half time they seized the initiative. Fabio, in for the ill Malone, played a floating ball into the box with Jones brilliantly headed past the on rushing goalkeeper.
Both sides created a minimal amount of chances, but City carved out a few after Sammy Ameobi came on for the injured Jones. In the end, it was Ameobi who made the difference. His pace, strength and dribbling ability scared the Wolves defence and when the ball broke to him from corner, he buried the chance. City won the game 2-0, a fantastic result.
For me, this is a good start to the season. City sit 7th in the league with an unbeaten record in tact. They have shown much improvement from last season and it now seems the fans are starting to get behind Slade at last.
Next up we face a trip to MK Dons in the second round of the cup, before a tasty trip to Nottingham Forest.
Sunday 23 August 2015
Monday 22 June 2015
New Start for The Bluebirds
It was a difficult campaign of transition for Cardiff City in the 2014/15 season. New managers, a kit colour change, players going out on loan midway through the season- it had it all! It wasn't without it's controversies, but there were a few positive signs both on and off the pitch. However, there is no doubt in my mind that negatives out shone the good feeling. It seems a long time ago that City were beating Man City in front of a packed house with everything peaceful, that's for sure.
For some, their love for the club has died and will probably never return. They can't handle the circus at the club, and I don't blame them. But for others, like me, it will take a whole lot more than a bad season or two to crush my love and passion for City. Here is my take on a poor season.
What were the positives?
For me our away form towards the back end of the season was something that we can take into next year. Wins at Leeds, Forest and Brentford should not go unnoticed. Also, the emergence of the base of a strong team. Players like Eoin Doyle, Joe Ralls and Simon Moore have put their hand up for starting spots next season. The base is there, we just need to be more consistent.
What were the overriding negatives?
The inconsistency stopped us from pushing on and doing more with the season. We just couldn't put a string of results together and never seemed to kick on from a win. It was also both angering and disappointing to see players looking like they didn't care. A few players were not prepared to run an extra yard or go in stronger than the opposition. I hope that over the summer Russell Slade can pick the 'tryers' from the people who don't want to be here and send the latter packing.
Who was the player of the season?
In my eyes there is only one winner. Bruno Manga. He rightfully took the Supporters Club award a few weeks ago. He oozes class and knows what to do with the ball under pressure. He is prone to the odd mistake the odd mistake but once he fully adapts to the English game I'm sure that can be ironed out. I have no doubts that other clubs will be after him, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him leave this summer.
Who was young player of the season?
Again, only one winner for me, Joe Ralls. He managed to force his way into the side in October and never looked back from there. Never looked out of place in any position on the pitch. I, unlike others, tend to prefer him in a more wider position in midfield, where he has built a stern partnership with Fabio. I think it's essential that he becomes an essential player next season.
Where do we need strengthening?
I still think the current City side is in desperate need of some pace, weather that be on the win or behind the striker. Another centre back to replace Manga would also be a great help. Another thing that we lacked this season is creativity. Players like Gunnarson and Adeyami are okay, but they are robust holding players and don't create enough chances.
Is Slade the man for the job?
When things got tough at the start when we went through a few blips and bad results, I stuck by him when others called for his head. Then as results slowly decreased, my faith in him did just that aswell. I sat on the fence for a few months, but after a few encouraging performances and results away from home, I think he can do a job for us.
Where can we finish next season?
Realistically, I would take any mid table position, but being the optimist I am, I think a big club such as ours should be challenging for a play-off spot. With the right additions and a good start to the season, I think that can be achieved.
For some, their love for the club has died and will probably never return. They can't handle the circus at the club, and I don't blame them. But for others, like me, it will take a whole lot more than a bad season or two to crush my love and passion for City. Here is my take on a poor season.
What were the positives?
For me our away form towards the back end of the season was something that we can take into next year. Wins at Leeds, Forest and Brentford should not go unnoticed. Also, the emergence of the base of a strong team. Players like Eoin Doyle, Joe Ralls and Simon Moore have put their hand up for starting spots next season. The base is there, we just need to be more consistent.
What were the overriding negatives?
The inconsistency stopped us from pushing on and doing more with the season. We just couldn't put a string of results together and never seemed to kick on from a win. It was also both angering and disappointing to see players looking like they didn't care. A few players were not prepared to run an extra yard or go in stronger than the opposition. I hope that over the summer Russell Slade can pick the 'tryers' from the people who don't want to be here and send the latter packing.
Who was the player of the season?
In my eyes there is only one winner. Bruno Manga. He rightfully took the Supporters Club award a few weeks ago. He oozes class and knows what to do with the ball under pressure. He is prone to the odd mistake the odd mistake but once he fully adapts to the English game I'm sure that can be ironed out. I have no doubts that other clubs will be after him, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him leave this summer.
Who was young player of the season?
Again, only one winner for me, Joe Ralls. He managed to force his way into the side in October and never looked back from there. Never looked out of place in any position on the pitch. I, unlike others, tend to prefer him in a more wider position in midfield, where he has built a stern partnership with Fabio. I think it's essential that he becomes an essential player next season.
Where do we need strengthening?
I still think the current City side is in desperate need of some pace, weather that be on the win or behind the striker. Another centre back to replace Manga would also be a great help. Another thing that we lacked this season is creativity. Players like Gunnarson and Adeyami are okay, but they are robust holding players and don't create enough chances.
Is Slade the man for the job?
When things got tough at the start when we went through a few blips and bad results, I stuck by him when others called for his head. Then as results slowly decreased, my faith in him did just that aswell. I sat on the fence for a few months, but after a few encouraging performances and results away from home, I think he can do a job for us.
Where can we finish next season?
Realistically, I would take any mid table position, but being the optimist I am, I think a big club such as ours should be challenging for a play-off spot. With the right additions and a good start to the season, I think that can be achieved.
Thursday 11 June 2015
Wales Expects
There has never been as much hope and expectation in a Wales team in years. Confidence and pride was mounting before April's incredible 0-3 victory over Israel, so you can imagine how the Welsh public feel now as their heroes sit second in a group that contained two teams that looked certain to take both automatic spots.
What can Wales exploit?
Home advantage will be a huge boost to Wales on Friday. The game is a sell out so the atmosphere will be immense. Once the Welsh crowd get going and back there team, there is nothing quite like it and because the game is such a momentous occasion, the Wales fans will make the ground rock with noise. The Welsh players must feed off the noise and turn it into positive energy.
There is also an array of talent at Wales' disposal, which often gets mislead into the title of a 'one man team'. Sure, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale will be a handful for any team in world football, but Wales have plenty more than that amongst their ranks. Ashley Williams and James Chester are both established Premier League defenders who adequately deal with incredible talent with their clubs.
I don't think Wales should play with fear. We can stil qualify regardless of Friday's result.
My prediction
My heart says that Wales can pull off a win, but Belgoum have a wonderful selection of talent. Any result is a bonus for us. Last time we played Belgium we shocked the world and git a cracking result, hopefully we do the same again on Froday. 1-1.
It's no understatement to say that you would be lucky to see a back page of a paper that didn't contain a huge picture of Gareth Bale on it. However, from what I've seen the Wales squad have looked relaxed ahead of the biggest game most of them have ever played. They were happy to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans at the Vale Resort. (I know this as I was one of the fans!)
What is there to fear?
Belgium have threats everywhere on the pitch. It has been well documented that they have a golden generation of players, but they have not yet fully clocked onto gear and devastated opponents, especially at the World Cup where they barely git out of first gear before being dumped out.
However, they have an array of attacking talent including the sensational Eden Hazard. If Wales can mark Hazard out of the game and nullify the threat he causes, I think they will be able to handle any attacking problems that could come their way. Ashley Williams and James Chester are more than able centre backs and will have experience of stopping Belgian's premier league stars.
What can Wales exploit?
Home advantage will be a huge boost to Wales on Friday. The game is a sell out so the atmosphere will be immense. Once the Welsh crowd get going and back there team, there is nothing quite like it and because the game is such a momentous occasion, the Wales fans will make the ground rock with noise. The Welsh players must feed off the noise and turn it into positive energy.
There is also an array of talent at Wales' disposal, which often gets mislead into the title of a 'one man team'. Sure, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale will be a handful for any team in world football, but Wales have plenty more than that amongst their ranks. Ashley Williams and James Chester are both established Premier League defenders who adequately deal with incredible talent with their clubs.
I don't think Wales should play with fear. We can stil qualify regardless of Friday's result.
My prediction
My heart says that Wales can pull off a win, but Belgoum have a wonderful selection of talent. Any result is a bonus for us. Last time we played Belgium we shocked the world and git a cracking result, hopefully we do the same again on Froday. 1-1.
Tuesday 28 April 2015
Welocome To The Big Time
First of all, I would like to offer my congratulations to both Bournemouth and Watford who have been promoted to the Premier League this weekend. Both sides have played some wonderful football over the course of a long season and fully deserve what they have achieved. I believe that both clubs will do themselves justice in the top flight.
It was refreshing to see Bournemouth play fast, fluent football and outplay Bolton in the 3-0 win that all but guarantees the cherries promotion. (Middlesbrough need a 19 goal swing to deny Bournemouth promotion.) Eddie Howe has got his team well drilled and from the first minute they played gorgeous football and looked to attack at every opportunity. In truth, visitors Bolton were never really in the game and rarely threatened Arthur Boruc in the cherries goal.
And Watford, who have also played opposition off the park at will this season, went through a period of turmoil and confusion earlier in the season after four managers left the club within a month. But after that brief spell of turmoil, hornets boss Slavisa Jokanovic has steadied the ship and Watford have flown to the top of the league since he arrived.
When teams like Derby, Nottingham Forest and my team, Cardiff City, were being touted as title winners by fans, pundits and bookies before a ball had been kicked, Watford slipped under the radar. That is a tad surprising considering that they came third two seasons ago and boast players such as Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra up front. However, I'm sure they weren't complaining. The teams I have previously mentioned have had fairly poor seasons by their high standards while teams like Bournemouth, Watford and Wolves have all risen the table as underdogs.
Bournemouth's quick rise is a truly remarkable story reminds me of Swansea's a few seasons ago. The cherries were fighting to stay in the football league just 6 seasons ago and were living on pennies, but now will get a minimum of £90 million this time next year. Eddie Howe has done an unbelievable job to achieve two promotions in three seasons.
It could easily be said that strikers Callum Wilson and Troy Deeney make these two teams click, and that would not be a ridiculous comment, but I don't exactly agree. For Bournemouth, midfielder Harry Arter has been a revelation this season. Signed for £4000 by Eddie Howe from Woking, Arter has been one of the unsung heroes in this Bournemouth side. Arter has the unique ability of being able to pick a pass or a shot from virtually anywhere in the opposition half. He has also popped up with some wonder goals at pivotal times.
For Watford, Adlene Guedioura has been fantastic all through this campaign. His link-up play with Watford's front two is quite superb, and like Arter, he can score some wonder goals. I would be surprised if he does not shine in the Premier League next season.
Despite the fact that I recognise Bournemouth are not a huge club and I respect he fact that they have built a fantastic squad from virtually nothing, it's an untruth that they have not had cash to spend. At the start of the season they took an inspired gamble and spent £3 million on then Coventry striker Callum Wilson. Not all the teams in the championship can just find that money to spend on a then unproven championship striker. They also tabled a £6 million bid for Birmingham youngster Demari Gray, which in the end got rejected. Gray is a fantastic talent but £6 million is not exactly pennies. I'm not looking to be bitter, because I respect Bournemouth massively, but let's not be under the illusion that they work on scraps.
Although Bournemouth and Watford will no doubt remember this weekend for a long time, their focus must now turn to the final day of the season, where both of them will compete for the Championship title. Watford currently sit at the top of the table on 88 points, one point ahead of Bournemouth on 87. The hornets host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday while Bournemouth travel to Charlton.
It's very close to call but something tells me that Watford will slip up and Bournemouth will end up being crowned league champions. We'll see...
It was refreshing to see Bournemouth play fast, fluent football and outplay Bolton in the 3-0 win that all but guarantees the cherries promotion. (Middlesbrough need a 19 goal swing to deny Bournemouth promotion.) Eddie Howe has got his team well drilled and from the first minute they played gorgeous football and looked to attack at every opportunity. In truth, visitors Bolton were never really in the game and rarely threatened Arthur Boruc in the cherries goal.
And Watford, who have also played opposition off the park at will this season, went through a period of turmoil and confusion earlier in the season after four managers left the club within a month. But after that brief spell of turmoil, hornets boss Slavisa Jokanovic has steadied the ship and Watford have flown to the top of the league since he arrived.
When teams like Derby, Nottingham Forest and my team, Cardiff City, were being touted as title winners by fans, pundits and bookies before a ball had been kicked, Watford slipped under the radar. That is a tad surprising considering that they came third two seasons ago and boast players such as Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra up front. However, I'm sure they weren't complaining. The teams I have previously mentioned have had fairly poor seasons by their high standards while teams like Bournemouth, Watford and Wolves have all risen the table as underdogs.
Bournemouth's quick rise is a truly remarkable story reminds me of Swansea's a few seasons ago. The cherries were fighting to stay in the football league just 6 seasons ago and were living on pennies, but now will get a minimum of £90 million this time next year. Eddie Howe has done an unbelievable job to achieve two promotions in three seasons.
It could easily be said that strikers Callum Wilson and Troy Deeney make these two teams click, and that would not be a ridiculous comment, but I don't exactly agree. For Bournemouth, midfielder Harry Arter has been a revelation this season. Signed for £4000 by Eddie Howe from Woking, Arter has been one of the unsung heroes in this Bournemouth side. Arter has the unique ability of being able to pick a pass or a shot from virtually anywhere in the opposition half. He has also popped up with some wonder goals at pivotal times.
For Watford, Adlene Guedioura has been fantastic all through this campaign. His link-up play with Watford's front two is quite superb, and like Arter, he can score some wonder goals. I would be surprised if he does not shine in the Premier League next season.
Despite the fact that I recognise Bournemouth are not a huge club and I respect he fact that they have built a fantastic squad from virtually nothing, it's an untruth that they have not had cash to spend. At the start of the season they took an inspired gamble and spent £3 million on then Coventry striker Callum Wilson. Not all the teams in the championship can just find that money to spend on a then unproven championship striker. They also tabled a £6 million bid for Birmingham youngster Demari Gray, which in the end got rejected. Gray is a fantastic talent but £6 million is not exactly pennies. I'm not looking to be bitter, because I respect Bournemouth massively, but let's not be under the illusion that they work on scraps.
Although Bournemouth and Watford will no doubt remember this weekend for a long time, their focus must now turn to the final day of the season, where both of them will compete for the Championship title. Watford currently sit at the top of the table on 88 points, one point ahead of Bournemouth on 87. The hornets host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday while Bournemouth travel to Charlton.
It's very close to call but something tells me that Watford will slip up and Bournemouth will end up being crowned league champions. We'll see...
Monday 6 April 2015
City Shambolic As Bolton Batter The Bluebirds
At the start of today I genuinely thought that City would be extending our good run of late with a comfortable home win against Bolton Wanderers, a team that really struggle away from the Macron Stadium. How wrong could I be!
Cardiff started the game well in the South Wales sunshine and attacked from the off. We had a lot of possession, but as it has been for most of this campaign, we didn't threaten and created very few chances. We should have capitalized on our 10 minute purple patch in the first half. The reason we are where we are is because we don't create chances and kick teams whilst they are down.
Despite our early pressure, Bolton grew more confident and attacked our goal with threat.
I thought the first half was fairly even, and I still thought that City had the ability to come out in the second half and take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Bolton started the second half very well and I thought they looked the most likely out of the two sides to get the first goal. city just didn't heed the warning sign and a wonder hit from Eidar GudJohnsen gave Bolton a 0-1 lead.
Bolton then doubled the lead on the break with an arrowed shot from Wales international Craig Davies, who was fantastic throughout. And the job was complete when Davies added a wonderful curling effort to give Bolton a wonderful 0-3 win.
My Verdict
Before I start going into the negatives of Cardiff's shambolic performance, I have to say that Bolton fully deserved what they got. They came with a plan and implemented it too perfection. Players such as Barry Bannan and Adam Bogdan are quality players who have premier league experience. They all grafted hard and worked for their teammates.
However, at times City were there own worst enemy, and it was by far the worst performance of the season. We are talking about a 0-3 home defeat to a team that hadn't won away from home in 8 games. City didn't create enough chances throughout the game and it came back to bite them.
Bolton didn't have tons of chances either, bit when they had a sight of goal, they were clinical. Even a player like Emile Heskey, who is not the most glamorous striker, is a real handful and can do just as good a job as a player like Eoin Doyle.
Before the game I thought that City were turning a corner and were starting g to show that they could be a decent team next season, but today just showed that we have plenty of work to do before I can say that we can aim for a high position next year. I think it will be another season of mid table mediocrity next time around.
I guess another important question is if I want Russell Slade to be our manager next year. The answer is no, not really. I have always thought that Slade was a bit out of his depth, and results like this go a long way to proving that.
That being said, results have improved over the past few weeks, and it would be nice to have a bit of stability at the club for once!
Next up is Leeds away. I'm predicting a 1-1 draw.
Cardiff started the game well in the South Wales sunshine and attacked from the off. We had a lot of possession, but as it has been for most of this campaign, we didn't threaten and created very few chances. We should have capitalized on our 10 minute purple patch in the first half. The reason we are where we are is because we don't create chances and kick teams whilst they are down.
Despite our early pressure, Bolton grew more confident and attacked our goal with threat.
I thought the first half was fairly even, and I still thought that City had the ability to come out in the second half and take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Bolton started the second half very well and I thought they looked the most likely out of the two sides to get the first goal. city just didn't heed the warning sign and a wonder hit from Eidar GudJohnsen gave Bolton a 0-1 lead.
Bolton then doubled the lead on the break with an arrowed shot from Wales international Craig Davies, who was fantastic throughout. And the job was complete when Davies added a wonderful curling effort to give Bolton a wonderful 0-3 win.
My Verdict
Before I start going into the negatives of Cardiff's shambolic performance, I have to say that Bolton fully deserved what they got. They came with a plan and implemented it too perfection. Players such as Barry Bannan and Adam Bogdan are quality players who have premier league experience. They all grafted hard and worked for their teammates.
However, at times City were there own worst enemy, and it was by far the worst performance of the season. We are talking about a 0-3 home defeat to a team that hadn't won away from home in 8 games. City didn't create enough chances throughout the game and it came back to bite them.
Bolton didn't have tons of chances either, bit when they had a sight of goal, they were clinical. Even a player like Emile Heskey, who is not the most glamorous striker, is a real handful and can do just as good a job as a player like Eoin Doyle.
Before the game I thought that City were turning a corner and were starting g to show that they could be a decent team next season, but today just showed that we have plenty of work to do before I can say that we can aim for a high position next year. I think it will be another season of mid table mediocrity next time around.
I guess another important question is if I want Russell Slade to be our manager next year. The answer is no, not really. I have always thought that Slade was a bit out of his depth, and results like this go a long way to proving that.
That being said, results have improved over the past few weeks, and it would be nice to have a bit of stability at the club for once!
Next up is Leeds away. I'm predicting a 1-1 draw.
Thursday 26 March 2015
A Nation Holds It's Breath
Normally before a Wales game there is far more hope than expectation amongst the country. In the past we have had players who don't want to play for the nation, players who don't want to risk a big move by getting injured, and a team that doesn't have enough talent to achieve anything. A Wales game used to be a bit of fun, and if we got anything, it was a bonus.
But times have changed. Now we have a squad that is filled with exciting young talent, and every man in the squad wants to make the nation proud. And the country has responded. Never in my lifetime (I'm 11) has there been this amount of belief and expectation before a Wales game. We go into the game against Israel on Saturday with the upmost confidence that we can go there and get something. I feel comfortable in saying that it would be no shock if we went to Haifa and won. That hasn't been said for a while.
Our Team
Anyone who now says that Wales are a one man team is quite frankly living on coo-coo land. Yes, Gareth Bale is still by far the best player in the team, but most of our sqaud now plays for a premier league/championship club at the present time. James Chester, Aaron Ramsey, Ashley Williams, Joe Ledly, Joe Allen, James Collins, Neil Taylor, Sam Vokes... The list is endless. This is a Wales team with an abundance of talent.
But at the moment, we have more than just talent amongst our ranks. Everyone in the squad has proven in the 4 games that we have played so far that they want to be here. I think it showed in the celebrations after the Belgium game that the willingness to work for each other and achieve things together is certainly there.
In previous Wales teams there has not been enough leaders to keep the team ticking when times are tough. That's certainly not a problem this time around. If I could have picked one captain from the premier league to lead my Wales team, Ashley Williams would come pretty high on the list. Maybe he doesn't have the best ability (which isn't entirely true), he's a born leader and carries Wales forward . Gareth Bale could also deputise in the captains role. He leads for the front and his ability cannot be questioned.
The Opposition
Israel come onto this crich game in Group B sitting pretty at the top of the table. I certainly expect a tough test from this game. They don't have many stand-out players, but in the previous 3 games the have played this campaign, they have played some flowing football and have been the surprise package of the group. They have a few familiar faces and will be a very tough test.
My Prediction
I think this will be a very close encounter. I would take a draw in Haifa which would set us up nicely for the rest of the campaign, but u don't think we can afford to play for a draw. If Wales can get the first goal, then the is noting stopping us from claiming all 3 points. Let's hope so!
But times have changed. Now we have a squad that is filled with exciting young talent, and every man in the squad wants to make the nation proud. And the country has responded. Never in my lifetime (I'm 11) has there been this amount of belief and expectation before a Wales game. We go into the game against Israel on Saturday with the upmost confidence that we can go there and get something. I feel comfortable in saying that it would be no shock if we went to Haifa and won. That hasn't been said for a while.
Our Team
Anyone who now says that Wales are a one man team is quite frankly living on coo-coo land. Yes, Gareth Bale is still by far the best player in the team, but most of our sqaud now plays for a premier league/championship club at the present time. James Chester, Aaron Ramsey, Ashley Williams, Joe Ledly, Joe Allen, James Collins, Neil Taylor, Sam Vokes... The list is endless. This is a Wales team with an abundance of talent.
But at the moment, we have more than just talent amongst our ranks. Everyone in the squad has proven in the 4 games that we have played so far that they want to be here. I think it showed in the celebrations after the Belgium game that the willingness to work for each other and achieve things together is certainly there.
In previous Wales teams there has not been enough leaders to keep the team ticking when times are tough. That's certainly not a problem this time around. If I could have picked one captain from the premier league to lead my Wales team, Ashley Williams would come pretty high on the list. Maybe he doesn't have the best ability (which isn't entirely true), he's a born leader and carries Wales forward . Gareth Bale could also deputise in the captains role. He leads for the front and his ability cannot be questioned.
The Opposition
Israel come onto this crich game in Group B sitting pretty at the top of the table. I certainly expect a tough test from this game. They don't have many stand-out players, but in the previous 3 games the have played this campaign, they have played some flowing football and have been the surprise package of the group. They have a few familiar faces and will be a very tough test.
My Prediction
I think this will be a very close encounter. I would take a draw in Haifa which would set us up nicely for the rest of the campaign, but u don't think we can afford to play for a draw. If Wales can get the first goal, then the is noting stopping us from claiming all 3 points. Let's hope so!
Saturday 21 March 2015
Convincing at last
Cardiff City at last have given us a convincing win at home. The 2-0 win at home to a very poor Birmingham side was a game I genuinely enjoyed, and recently that hasn't been said by me to often. It's always pleasing to know that you have a cushion heading into the last 10 minutes. I always felt comfortable in the game and knew that Birmingham would find it extremely difficult to mount a comeback.
What happened
Goals from Eoin Doyle and Peter Whittingham ensured that City claimed a home win at last. Cardiff started with good intent but the teams went in at half time level at 0-0. Throughout the game Birmingham offered little attacking threat and they were finally put to the sword with a much needed goal for newboy Eoin Doyle, and a penalty from stalwart Peter Whittingham.
My Verdict
I'm very pleased with how City tried to dominate the game from minute 1. To be honest, it certainly wasn't a thriller, but I definitely thought we had control of the game. In previous months we haven't created enough chances, and when we do, we don't take them. However, today we were clinical and we created a few good openings.
Without showing any dis-respect to Birmingham, they didn't offer much and defended poorly at times. Fabio defended danger man Demari Gray superbly. It was very nice to see striker Eoin Doyle get on the score-sheet for the first time in a bluebirds shirt. He showed some fantastic touches when he came on for Alex Revell and he deserved his goal.
Another thing that we are learning every week is Joe Ralls has to play regularly for us. He has the potential to be a star man in the City side for another 5 years of more. He's so confident on the ball and isn't afraid to put a foot in. He must feature in our plans for the future.
Next game
Next up is a difficult trip to Reading. It's never an easy game but with a strong away following heading to the Majeski Satdium, I can see us continuing our good form with something. Let's hope so!
What happened
Goals from Eoin Doyle and Peter Whittingham ensured that City claimed a home win at last. Cardiff started with good intent but the teams went in at half time level at 0-0. Throughout the game Birmingham offered little attacking threat and they were finally put to the sword with a much needed goal for newboy Eoin Doyle, and a penalty from stalwart Peter Whittingham.
My Verdict
I'm very pleased with how City tried to dominate the game from minute 1. To be honest, it certainly wasn't a thriller, but I definitely thought we had control of the game. In previous months we haven't created enough chances, and when we do, we don't take them. However, today we were clinical and we created a few good openings.
Without showing any dis-respect to Birmingham, they didn't offer much and defended poorly at times. Fabio defended danger man Demari Gray superbly. It was very nice to see striker Eoin Doyle get on the score-sheet for the first time in a bluebirds shirt. He showed some fantastic touches when he came on for Alex Revell and he deserved his goal.
Another thing that we are learning every week is Joe Ralls has to play regularly for us. He has the potential to be a star man in the City side for another 5 years of more. He's so confident on the ball and isn't afraid to put a foot in. He must feature in our plans for the future.
Next game
Next up is a difficult trip to Reading. It's never an easy game but with a strong away following heading to the Majeski Satdium, I can see us continuing our good form with something. Let's hope so!
Wednesday 18 March 2015
Onwards And Upwards
After a week of fantastic results on the pitch for Cardiff city, many people are already tipping them for a good season next year, and under-fire gaffer Russell Slade has earned the belief of a few of the bluebirds faithful. A surprise win at high flying Brentford and a dogged draw with Bournemouth at the Cardiff City Satdium.
What happened?
Andre Gray's goal on the first half an hour against Brentford looked like it would hand city another defeat, but we showed determination, recsiliance and a little not of quality to stun the Londeners and take a 1-2 victory back over the border after goals from Federico Macheda and Alex Revell gave us a much needed away win. It's now 3 times on a row that we have gone away and come back with a fantastic 3 points.
We then followed the own up with a very respectable 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, who were top of the table before the game. We came form behind again and showed determination in a scrappy game, but sometimes we were a tad shaky at the back.
My Verdict
I am extremely pleased with the two score lines that will go down in the books, but the performances and determination in both games really pleased me. It was one of the first times that we haves seen City players giving an extra 10% and willing to graft for the fans and for their team-mates.
I'm starting to warm to Slade, but I struggle to see how fans can instantly think he will deliver huge success next season. People easily forget the fact that for numerous months we have been served up drab performance after drab peorformsnce. I'm not saying that I will never like Slade and I'm not willing to give him a chance, but he must do more to regain my trust and prove that the last few weeks haven't been a fluke.
Next game
Next up is Birmingham at home on Saturday. I went to the away game at Sta Nadrews, and I thought it was a fairly even game, and I expect a similar contest on the weekend. I think the first goal will be crucial- If City can get it then I would hope that they could dominate the game at home. However, I'm not taking Birmingham lightly. They have been brilliant under Gary Rowett. They have been through a bit of a blip but are starting to come out if it and I fully expect a good game from them. Let's hope for another positive result!
What happened?
Andre Gray's goal on the first half an hour against Brentford looked like it would hand city another defeat, but we showed determination, recsiliance and a little not of quality to stun the Londeners and take a 1-2 victory back over the border after goals from Federico Macheda and Alex Revell gave us a much needed away win. It's now 3 times on a row that we have gone away and come back with a fantastic 3 points.
We then followed the own up with a very respectable 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, who were top of the table before the game. We came form behind again and showed determination in a scrappy game, but sometimes we were a tad shaky at the back.
My Verdict
I am extremely pleased with the two score lines that will go down in the books, but the performances and determination in both games really pleased me. It was one of the first times that we haves seen City players giving an extra 10% and willing to graft for the fans and for their team-mates.
I'm starting to warm to Slade, but I struggle to see how fans can instantly think he will deliver huge success next season. People easily forget the fact that for numerous months we have been served up drab performance after drab peorformsnce. I'm not saying that I will never like Slade and I'm not willing to give him a chance, but he must do more to regain my trust and prove that the last few weeks haven't been a fluke.
Next game
Next up is Birmingham at home on Saturday. I went to the away game at Sta Nadrews, and I thought it was a fairly even game, and I expect a similar contest on the weekend. I think the first goal will be crucial- If City can get it then I would hope that they could dominate the game at home. However, I'm not taking Birmingham lightly. They have been brilliant under Gary Rowett. They have been through a bit of a blip but are starting to come out if it and I fully expect a good game from them. Let's hope for another positive result!
Thursday 12 March 2015
Taking Shape
After another thrilling and absorbing two nights of intense champions league action, the knockout stages are starting to take shape and we are one step closer to finding out who will lift the converted trophy in Berlin. Porto, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint Germain all made it through to the quarter finals after overcoming their opposition.
I think it's non-debatable that the most drama came at the Bernabau Stamford Bridge. On Tuesday night, Real Madrid came into the game with the tie finished in many people's eyes with Madrid comfortably winning the first leg 0-2 at the Veltins Arena. However, German visitors Schalke would not lie down and produced a stunning performance to win the game 3-4 on the night. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and Karim Benzema netted one, but goals from Christian Fuchs, Leroy Sane and a crucial double from Klass Jaan Huntelaar at his old club gave Schalke a memorable win. Despite Real being poor, the visitors should be proud of their performance.
Real, however have big problems. Whenever I see them play they never malfunction as a team, always arguing on the pitch and showing a lack of trust in each other in attack. Gareth Bale has been singled out for critism, but for me the blame lies with the entire team. At the moment they are just a bunch of individuals, and you can't win games with individuals.
Another enthralling game was the clash between Chelsea against PSG, with the latter progressing after extra time. The game had it all. Tension, controversy, goals and passion, but sadly the main talking point of the match was the way the Chelsea players surrounded the referee in an attempt to get Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off, which in the end worked. Chelsea have been accused of gamesmanship by many pundits.
On the pitch, PSG overcame adversity to beat a shambolic Chelsea side with ten men after Thiago Silva scored an incredible header to send the visitors through, winning on away goals. For the most part of the match Chelsea played with ten men, but it seemed like Chelsea were disadvantaged in terms of numbers. They were all at sea at the back and their approach play was far too slow to penetrate.
The other two games had nowhere near as much nail-biting drama, but that was largely down to the two winning sides. Porto blew Basel away in Portugal to ease into the next round with Bayern Munich also dominating with a 7-0 victory over Ukrainian outfit Shaktar Donetsk.
Bayern have to be one of the favourites for the tournament now. They have such quality in their side and their strength in depth is incredible, with their second team perfectly capable of beating any side in this competition. You can never write PSG off, although I really cannot see them making it all the way. Real Madrid must sort out their ever-growing problems if they are too challenge. A team like Barcelona or Bayern would surely punish them if they put in a performance like onTuesday night. I'm making these assumptions believing that Manchester City will get knocked out by Barcelona in the second leg.
I think it's non-debatable that the most drama came at the Bernabau Stamford Bridge. On Tuesday night, Real Madrid came into the game with the tie finished in many people's eyes with Madrid comfortably winning the first leg 0-2 at the Veltins Arena. However, German visitors Schalke would not lie down and produced a stunning performance to win the game 3-4 on the night. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and Karim Benzema netted one, but goals from Christian Fuchs, Leroy Sane and a crucial double from Klass Jaan Huntelaar at his old club gave Schalke a memorable win. Despite Real being poor, the visitors should be proud of their performance.
Real, however have big problems. Whenever I see them play they never malfunction as a team, always arguing on the pitch and showing a lack of trust in each other in attack. Gareth Bale has been singled out for critism, but for me the blame lies with the entire team. At the moment they are just a bunch of individuals, and you can't win games with individuals.
Another enthralling game was the clash between Chelsea against PSG, with the latter progressing after extra time. The game had it all. Tension, controversy, goals and passion, but sadly the main talking point of the match was the way the Chelsea players surrounded the referee in an attempt to get Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off, which in the end worked. Chelsea have been accused of gamesmanship by many pundits.
On the pitch, PSG overcame adversity to beat a shambolic Chelsea side with ten men after Thiago Silva scored an incredible header to send the visitors through, winning on away goals. For the most part of the match Chelsea played with ten men, but it seemed like Chelsea were disadvantaged in terms of numbers. They were all at sea at the back and their approach play was far too slow to penetrate.
The other two games had nowhere near as much nail-biting drama, but that was largely down to the two winning sides. Porto blew Basel away in Portugal to ease into the next round with Bayern Munich also dominating with a 7-0 victory over Ukrainian outfit Shaktar Donetsk.
Bayern have to be one of the favourites for the tournament now. They have such quality in their side and their strength in depth is incredible, with their second team perfectly capable of beating any side in this competition. You can never write PSG off, although I really cannot see them making it all the way. Real Madrid must sort out their ever-growing problems if they are too challenge. A team like Barcelona or Bayern would surely punish them if they put in a performance like onTuesday night. I'm making these assumptions believing that Manchester City will get knocked out by Barcelona in the second leg.
Thursday 5 March 2015
Turning A Corner
Cardiff City's impressive 1-3 win over strugglers Rotherham away from home on Tuesday night was yet more evidence that slowly but surely the bluebirds are turning a corner. Just under 400 city fans made the long journey to the New York Stadium on a bitter cold Tuesday evening and their loyalty was rewarded with Bruno Ecuele Manga, Kiko Macheda and Conor McAleny goals giving city another precious victory on the road, which surely cements our championship safety.
People will say "oh it's only Rotherham away", but you can only beat what is in front of you and if you go to any ground in the league and are 0-3 up within 40 minutes then you will be extremely happy. It's no difference here. I think my eyes nearly feel out of my head when I checked my ipad to see the score. I went on another site just to check the score was actually real when we went 0-3 up.
It's satisfying to finally look back at a city match and be able to say that we thoroughly deserved the win and it was never really in doubt, which I think is certainly the case here. 2 of the goals were fine finishes, especially Macheda's who normally draws a lot of criticism from me and many others. But there I no doubting that his hooked volley to give us a commanding 0-2 lead was one of the best I've seen from a city player all season.
Another man who has also drawn a lot of criticism from me is bluebirds manager Russell Slade, but credit where credit is due, we had a game plan on Tuesday that was masterminded by him and it worked. Yes, new head coach Paul Trollope has been a breath of fresh air, but credit also has to go to Slade for some of the recent results. His style of football is normally frustrating to say the least, but if he can keep results like this up then I will give him more time in the hot seat.
Aside from the tremendous result on Tuesday, another hot topic this week has been the idea of more cost-cutting taking place in the summer transfer window. Now don't get me wrong, I want this club to develop and keep good players, but this season some of our high earners just haven't performed to the levels that we should expect. David Marshall has been solid this year, but his deputy Simon Moore has proved that he could do a fine job if he was to leave. We could make a handy 4 million at least from that sale. Craig Nonne has hardly had one good game for us this season, and with a 2 million offer coming in from Norwich in the last window, more money could be made from that. Peter Whittingham has been another player that has been poor this year, and in Stuart O Keefe, Joe Ralls and Tom Adeyami, we have perfectly capable young talent that could attempt to fill his boots.
Anyway, next up for the bluebirds is a home game against Charlton on Saturday. I think it would be unfair to the lads that did a superb job on Tuesday, so I would like Slade to go with a similar team for this clash. Before the end of the season, I would also like more young players to wear the blue shirt to give them a chance to prove that they have futures.
Before I finish this blog, I would just like to give my well wishes to Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis who suddenly collapsed in a premier league game on Wednesday. We may be huge rivals, but I don't wish to see any players health decreasing on the football pitch. Best wishes Bafe
People will say "oh it's only Rotherham away", but you can only beat what is in front of you and if you go to any ground in the league and are 0-3 up within 40 minutes then you will be extremely happy. It's no difference here. I think my eyes nearly feel out of my head when I checked my ipad to see the score. I went on another site just to check the score was actually real when we went 0-3 up.
It's satisfying to finally look back at a city match and be able to say that we thoroughly deserved the win and it was never really in doubt, which I think is certainly the case here. 2 of the goals were fine finishes, especially Macheda's who normally draws a lot of criticism from me and many others. But there I no doubting that his hooked volley to give us a commanding 0-2 lead was one of the best I've seen from a city player all season.
Another man who has also drawn a lot of criticism from me is bluebirds manager Russell Slade, but credit where credit is due, we had a game plan on Tuesday that was masterminded by him and it worked. Yes, new head coach Paul Trollope has been a breath of fresh air, but credit also has to go to Slade for some of the recent results. His style of football is normally frustrating to say the least, but if he can keep results like this up then I will give him more time in the hot seat.
Aside from the tremendous result on Tuesday, another hot topic this week has been the idea of more cost-cutting taking place in the summer transfer window. Now don't get me wrong, I want this club to develop and keep good players, but this season some of our high earners just haven't performed to the levels that we should expect. David Marshall has been solid this year, but his deputy Simon Moore has proved that he could do a fine job if he was to leave. We could make a handy 4 million at least from that sale. Craig Nonne has hardly had one good game for us this season, and with a 2 million offer coming in from Norwich in the last window, more money could be made from that. Peter Whittingham has been another player that has been poor this year, and in Stuart O Keefe, Joe Ralls and Tom Adeyami, we have perfectly capable young talent that could attempt to fill his boots.
Anyway, next up for the bluebirds is a home game against Charlton on Saturday. I think it would be unfair to the lads that did a superb job on Tuesday, so I would like Slade to go with a similar team for this clash. Before the end of the season, I would also like more young players to wear the blue shirt to give them a chance to prove that they have futures.
Before I finish this blog, I would just like to give my well wishes to Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis who suddenly collapsed in a premier league game on Wednesday. We may be huge rivals, but I don't wish to see any players health decreasing on the football pitch. Best wishes Bafe
Sunday 1 March 2015
Fight but not flair
It was a gritty performance from Cardiff City but they still fell 0-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the sky bet championship. Hopes were high amongst many city fans after the 0-1 win away at Wigan on Tuesday. Personally, I thought we would get something from today but I knew it would be a very tough game against an inform Wolves outfit. And so it was...
What happened
A 26th minute counter attack goal from winger Bakary Sako ensured Wolves remained in contention for promotion with a 0-1 win over the bluebirds. City dominated early on but fell behind to a lightning counter attack after they gave the ball away on the halfway line. The bluebirds fought valiantly for the remainder of the first half but went in at the break a goal down, much to the delight of the 2000 travelling Wolves fans.
In the second half, Peter Whittingham's reckless two yellow cards meant that city played the remaining 30 minutes with 10 men. However, this did not sway them a late flurry of attack produced two goal line clearances but the ball would not go in. Controversial owner Vincent Tan marched round the pitch before the game, and was surprisingly welcomed warmly by the bluebirds faithful. He didn't make it round to my stand.
Russell Slade
The defeat was not anyone's fault, I don't think. In the first 20 minutes we looked a very good side that were perfectly capable of getting something out of Wolves. I had nothing negative to say about our tactics for once. Paul Troloppe seems to have an effect on Slade, and there is a noticeable difference in what the players want to do with the ball at times. We got the ball to the wide areas well and at times our play was nice to watch. I didn't really have a bad thing to say about Slade during the match.
His post-match comments were as intriguing and at times infuriating as ever. He said he was "pleased" with how the game went. Now don't get me wrong, I was not disappointed with the performance, but in my opinion you can never really be pleased after you have lost a game.
My verdict
In my eyes, over the last few weeks city have improved week on week. Today was another decent performance. There was less "hoof-ball" on show (which I put down to Troloppe and Slade), which is something that most of the city faithful have wanted for a few months now. We also retained the ball quite well in the first half. However, until we got desperate in the last 15 minutes we didn't create any clear cut chances that troubled the Wolves keeper. It was shots from outside the box if that at times.
The difference between Wolves and city at them moment is that they had one chance in the first half and they scored. Also, when they had a sustained period of pressure early in the second half, they created chances and looked threatening. Without being disrespectful to Wolves, they did not play well and at times looked an average side. I doubt they will go up and I really thought that we could have got something from them.
Something I always demand from a city team is that they fight till the end, and we certainly did that. It seemed that adversity spurred us on and in the last 10 minutes we certainly looked like scoring. My man of the match was centre back Bruno Ecuele Manga. He had the right balance of solid and composed. If I'm being honest he's too good for us and eally should be playing at a higher level.
The next game
Up next for city is a tricky trip to fellow strugglers Rotherham. Our opponents picked up a vital 2-1 win over Millwall on Saturday, but it was marred by crowd trouble from the travelling fans. They're managed by Steve Evans who who's Rotherham side beat Slades Leyton Orient in the play-off final last season to get to the championship.
The bluebirds will have 400 loyal fans backing them in Yorkshire, and I think we will claim a point in a 1-1 draw.
What happened
A 26th minute counter attack goal from winger Bakary Sako ensured Wolves remained in contention for promotion with a 0-1 win over the bluebirds. City dominated early on but fell behind to a lightning counter attack after they gave the ball away on the halfway line. The bluebirds fought valiantly for the remainder of the first half but went in at the break a goal down, much to the delight of the 2000 travelling Wolves fans.
In the second half, Peter Whittingham's reckless two yellow cards meant that city played the remaining 30 minutes with 10 men. However, this did not sway them a late flurry of attack produced two goal line clearances but the ball would not go in. Controversial owner Vincent Tan marched round the pitch before the game, and was surprisingly welcomed warmly by the bluebirds faithful. He didn't make it round to my stand.
Russell Slade
The defeat was not anyone's fault, I don't think. In the first 20 minutes we looked a very good side that were perfectly capable of getting something out of Wolves. I had nothing negative to say about our tactics for once. Paul Troloppe seems to have an effect on Slade, and there is a noticeable difference in what the players want to do with the ball at times. We got the ball to the wide areas well and at times our play was nice to watch. I didn't really have a bad thing to say about Slade during the match.
His post-match comments were as intriguing and at times infuriating as ever. He said he was "pleased" with how the game went. Now don't get me wrong, I was not disappointed with the performance, but in my opinion you can never really be pleased after you have lost a game.
My verdict
In my eyes, over the last few weeks city have improved week on week. Today was another decent performance. There was less "hoof-ball" on show (which I put down to Troloppe and Slade), which is something that most of the city faithful have wanted for a few months now. We also retained the ball quite well in the first half. However, until we got desperate in the last 15 minutes we didn't create any clear cut chances that troubled the Wolves keeper. It was shots from outside the box if that at times.
The difference between Wolves and city at them moment is that they had one chance in the first half and they scored. Also, when they had a sustained period of pressure early in the second half, they created chances and looked threatening. Without being disrespectful to Wolves, they did not play well and at times looked an average side. I doubt they will go up and I really thought that we could have got something from them.
Something I always demand from a city team is that they fight till the end, and we certainly did that. It seemed that adversity spurred us on and in the last 10 minutes we certainly looked like scoring. My man of the match was centre back Bruno Ecuele Manga. He had the right balance of solid and composed. If I'm being honest he's too good for us and eally should be playing at a higher level.
The next game
Up next for city is a tricky trip to fellow strugglers Rotherham. Our opponents picked up a vital 2-1 win over Millwall on Saturday, but it was marred by crowd trouble from the travelling fans. They're managed by Steve Evans who who's Rotherham side beat Slades Leyton Orient in the play-off final last season to get to the championship.
The bluebirds will have 400 loyal fans backing them in Yorkshire, and I think we will claim a point in a 1-1 draw.
Wednesday 25 February 2015
Grit Gets The Points
Cardiff City's win over fellow strugglers Wigan last night might just be the biggest of the season. A huge sense of relief chorused over me when I saw the 'FT' sign pop up next to our name on Sky Sports News. Aaron Gunnarsson scored the only goal of the game to give city a vital win at the DW Stadium. In my earlier blog, I said I wanted us to dominate a poor Wigan side. We did not do that, but again we worked hard defensively for points, which is a very encouraging sign. You have to graft in the championship, and you also have to ride to ride your luck. We did both last night.
Twice Wigan put the ball ion pour net and it was wrongly ruled out for offside. Again, sometimes our tactics were negative, with City only having 40% possession against a Wigan side that are renowned for being a team that struggles to hold on to the ball. Of course I want us to play more positive and attacking football, but when you are at Wigan on a cold Tuesday night, you just need to get the job done in any way possible.
I think this win clears us of relegation, which I'm extremely relieved about. One or two people are saying that we have a decent chance of making the play-offs after this win. I would have to disagree with this. Yes, it's possible, but I have seen every team that occupy the top 6 places this season, and they all looked far better than us.
Any win is a good win, but let's not get carried away. In no way did we dominate Wigan, who I think are destined for relegation this season. In my heart I would say that it was a fully deserved win and that we dominated Wigan, bit we didn't. In fact, it's hard to recall a time when from the first whistle to the last we've outplayed a team. That's the next step that we need to strive to take.
Most people and sites are reporting that the 350 Cardiff City fans who made the long journey to Lancashire clapped ex city boss Malky Mackay and sung his name throughout the first half, which was good to hear. I'm only a kid, so I'm not really sure what to make of all the controversy surrounding Mackay and our owner Vincent Tan, bit I will never forget some of the memories that Malky helped bring to me during his 3 seasons at the club.
Something that I'm starting to realise about our new striker Eoin Doyle is that he is sacrificing goals for the good of the team. He works hard, creates plenty of chances and when he does have a shot on goal he is denied by a wonderful save. I'm sure that once luck is on his side the goals will flow. His partnership with fellow striker Kenwyne Jones is flourishing and at times they have shown real signs of understanding.
Our next opponents are Wolves at home on Saturday. It will be a very tough game, and when the two sides met earlier in the season a desperately unlucky Mark Hudson (now at Huddersfield) gave Wolves the win with a last minute own goal. Our vistors have play-off aspirations and danger men like Bakary Sako need to be kept tightly under wraps.
Regardless of the result last night and whatever the score is on Saturday, I'm still convinced that Russell Slade is not the right man to lead this club forward. However, I'll back him until his last day in charge and I'll be at Cardiff City Stadium to cheer on the boys to another win. Hopefully, anyway...
Twice Wigan put the ball ion pour net and it was wrongly ruled out for offside. Again, sometimes our tactics were negative, with City only having 40% possession against a Wigan side that are renowned for being a team that struggles to hold on to the ball. Of course I want us to play more positive and attacking football, but when you are at Wigan on a cold Tuesday night, you just need to get the job done in any way possible.
I think this win clears us of relegation, which I'm extremely relieved about. One or two people are saying that we have a decent chance of making the play-offs after this win. I would have to disagree with this. Yes, it's possible, but I have seen every team that occupy the top 6 places this season, and they all looked far better than us.
Any win is a good win, but let's not get carried away. In no way did we dominate Wigan, who I think are destined for relegation this season. In my heart I would say that it was a fully deserved win and that we dominated Wigan, bit we didn't. In fact, it's hard to recall a time when from the first whistle to the last we've outplayed a team. That's the next step that we need to strive to take.
Most people and sites are reporting that the 350 Cardiff City fans who made the long journey to Lancashire clapped ex city boss Malky Mackay and sung his name throughout the first half, which was good to hear. I'm only a kid, so I'm not really sure what to make of all the controversy surrounding Mackay and our owner Vincent Tan, bit I will never forget some of the memories that Malky helped bring to me during his 3 seasons at the club.
Something that I'm starting to realise about our new striker Eoin Doyle is that he is sacrificing goals for the good of the team. He works hard, creates plenty of chances and when he does have a shot on goal he is denied by a wonderful save. I'm sure that once luck is on his side the goals will flow. His partnership with fellow striker Kenwyne Jones is flourishing and at times they have shown real signs of understanding.
Our next opponents are Wolves at home on Saturday. It will be a very tough game, and when the two sides met earlier in the season a desperately unlucky Mark Hudson (now at Huddersfield) gave Wolves the win with a last minute own goal. Our vistors have play-off aspirations and danger men like Bakary Sako need to be kept tightly under wraps.
Regardless of the result last night and whatever the score is on Saturday, I'm still convinced that Russell Slade is not the right man to lead this club forward. However, I'll back him until his last day in charge and I'll be at Cardiff City Stadium to cheer on the boys to another win. Hopefully, anyway...
Monday 23 February 2015
Hotting Up
After another absorbing but controversial weekend of premier league action, the stakes are increasing and the league is hotting up. Whether you support Leicester or Chelsea, every side needs to up their game in order to reach the required goals. This stage of the season is crucial. Teams scrap for precious points as players play for their futures and managers try to convince owners that they are the right man for the job.
I will start with the top. Chelsea currently occupy top spot on merit. The blues have played some dazzling football and have rarely looked like slipping off top spot. They did have rare bad day on Saturday though with a 1-1 draw with Burnley not what Jose Mourinho would have expected from his star-studded side. I believe that they will win the title. Players like Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have stole the headlines, but defensive enforcer Nemanja Matic has been a revelation this year.
Close behind them in second are Manchester City, the holders of the premier league. This season has been a mixed bag for City, with a few uncharacteristic performances this year. However, they are by no means out of the title race, and with quality like Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva, can harm any team in the world on their day.
The top 4 race is also an intriguing battle. It looks like Southampton, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham look the most likely sides to claim the crucial spot. I think Liverpool will claim it. They are just starting to gain momentum and their 0-2 win at Southampton yesterday sent out a message to the rest of the league saying they mean business. United are a team that still haven't settled down under Louis Van Gaal. Players like Robin Van Persie and Falcao are mis-firing and the way they are playing, I can't see them holding down a top 4 place.
The relegation battle is also really starting to hot up. Every team from 20th placed Leicester to 12th placed Everton are still needing points to ensure safety. Leicester, Burnley and Hull all picked up crucial points on the weekend that could have a major influence on the final standings.
I was especially impressed with Leicester in their 2-2 draw at Everton on Sunday, where they could have taken all 3. They showed promise in every area with Matty James having another solid performance in midfield. David Nugent also made a difference when he came on. He deservedly got his goal and worked hard for the cause. If they can carry on that level of performance then there is no reason why they can't stay in the division.
A team I have been impressed with throughout the season is Burnley. They struggled at the start of the season, but after a fantastic win over Southampton, they have produced some cracking performances. Danny Ings has been a reliable source of goals and keeper Tom Heaton has been outstanding. Manager Sean Dyche has done brilliantly on a very low budget. I genuinely think that they will stay in the league.
Obviously I haven't had time to cram every team into this blog, but many other teams have a lot to play for. The premier league is likely to throw up many more surprises and brilliant matches before the end of the season, and I can't wait to see the action unfold.
I will start with the top. Chelsea currently occupy top spot on merit. The blues have played some dazzling football and have rarely looked like slipping off top spot. They did have rare bad day on Saturday though with a 1-1 draw with Burnley not what Jose Mourinho would have expected from his star-studded side. I believe that they will win the title. Players like Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have stole the headlines, but defensive enforcer Nemanja Matic has been a revelation this year.
Close behind them in second are Manchester City, the holders of the premier league. This season has been a mixed bag for City, with a few uncharacteristic performances this year. However, they are by no means out of the title race, and with quality like Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva, can harm any team in the world on their day.
The top 4 race is also an intriguing battle. It looks like Southampton, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham look the most likely sides to claim the crucial spot. I think Liverpool will claim it. They are just starting to gain momentum and their 0-2 win at Southampton yesterday sent out a message to the rest of the league saying they mean business. United are a team that still haven't settled down under Louis Van Gaal. Players like Robin Van Persie and Falcao are mis-firing and the way they are playing, I can't see them holding down a top 4 place.
The relegation battle is also really starting to hot up. Every team from 20th placed Leicester to 12th placed Everton are still needing points to ensure safety. Leicester, Burnley and Hull all picked up crucial points on the weekend that could have a major influence on the final standings.
I was especially impressed with Leicester in their 2-2 draw at Everton on Sunday, where they could have taken all 3. They showed promise in every area with Matty James having another solid performance in midfield. David Nugent also made a difference when he came on. He deservedly got his goal and worked hard for the cause. If they can carry on that level of performance then there is no reason why they can't stay in the division.
A team I have been impressed with throughout the season is Burnley. They struggled at the start of the season, but after a fantastic win over Southampton, they have produced some cracking performances. Danny Ings has been a reliable source of goals and keeper Tom Heaton has been outstanding. Manager Sean Dyche has done brilliantly on a very low budget. I genuinely think that they will stay in the league.
Obviously I haven't had time to cram every team into this blog, but many other teams have a lot to play for. The premier league is likely to throw up many more surprises and brilliant matches before the end of the season, and I can't wait to see the action unfold.
Sunday 22 February 2015
Slowly But Surely
For Cardiff City, any point is a decent one at the moment. We need to fight for every point we can get at this point in time, and the 450 hardy souls who travelled to Huddersfield saw a glimmer of the fighting spirit we need to steer us out of trouble.
You can't help but be underwhelmed with our lack of attacking intent recently, and that didn't change on Saturday, but the main thing is that we got something out of the game. It was never going to be easy. Many pundits said that city were going to have to scrap for the points, and at times the bluebirds did that.
There are still a few dreamers who think the play-off are not out of reach. For them, this is surely two points dropped. But for people like me who are far more concerned about survival this season, it is a fairly good point. We went to a tough place to go and grafted for the point. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective.
However, the stats don't lie, and they're not pretty. We have become accustomed to being dominated in terms of possession, and today was no different. It went 61-39 in Huddersfield's favour. It's something that we are seeing to often under Russell Slade. We have the players to go out and dominate teams, but we're to scared that we'll lose. We need to be brave and see if we can control a game.
The draw also means that we have only won once in 13 attempts. That's not acceptable for a team that were dubbed "the best squad the best squad the championship has ever seen." In fact, it's relegation form. That needs to change quickly.
A win could come at Wigan on Tuesday, and I believe if we took 3 points at the DW Stadium, it would almost guarantee safety. However, that won't be an easy game. I was watching Wigan Warriors (rugby league team) play last night at the DW stadium, and let's just say the pitch was not in the best condition. In fact, it was nothing sort of atrocious. It will be difficult to play any type of passing football, but then again, I hardly think we will be using that tactic on Tuesday!
Wigan are in huge relegation trouble and very low on confidence. They looked very poor in a 0-3 home loss to Charlton on Friday, and I would be very disappointed if we failed to take 3 points on Tuesday. They are managed by ex bluebird boss Malky Mackay. Forget all the controversy over his texts to Iain Moody, I will forever be thankful to him for what he did for the club.
I would swap Craig Noone for exciting prospect Kadeem Harris on Tuesday night. Noone has been abject this season, and looks like he desperately needs a rest. Other than that, I would name an unchanged side for the Wigan game. I think we will stop the rot here and claim a 0-2 win.
I don't think we will go down this season, but I'm adamant that Russell Slade has to go at the end of the season, wherever we finish. The football is poor and we are not picking up enough wins. Let's hope both of those things can change on Tuesday.
You can't help but be underwhelmed with our lack of attacking intent recently, and that didn't change on Saturday, but the main thing is that we got something out of the game. It was never going to be easy. Many pundits said that city were going to have to scrap for the points, and at times the bluebirds did that.
There are still a few dreamers who think the play-off are not out of reach. For them, this is surely two points dropped. But for people like me who are far more concerned about survival this season, it is a fairly good point. We went to a tough place to go and grafted for the point. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective.
However, the stats don't lie, and they're not pretty. We have become accustomed to being dominated in terms of possession, and today was no different. It went 61-39 in Huddersfield's favour. It's something that we are seeing to often under Russell Slade. We have the players to go out and dominate teams, but we're to scared that we'll lose. We need to be brave and see if we can control a game.
The draw also means that we have only won once in 13 attempts. That's not acceptable for a team that were dubbed "the best squad the best squad the championship has ever seen." In fact, it's relegation form. That needs to change quickly.
A win could come at Wigan on Tuesday, and I believe if we took 3 points at the DW Stadium, it would almost guarantee safety. However, that won't be an easy game. I was watching Wigan Warriors (rugby league team) play last night at the DW stadium, and let's just say the pitch was not in the best condition. In fact, it was nothing sort of atrocious. It will be difficult to play any type of passing football, but then again, I hardly think we will be using that tactic on Tuesday!
Wigan are in huge relegation trouble and very low on confidence. They looked very poor in a 0-3 home loss to Charlton on Friday, and I would be very disappointed if we failed to take 3 points on Tuesday. They are managed by ex bluebird boss Malky Mackay. Forget all the controversy over his texts to Iain Moody, I will forever be thankful to him for what he did for the club.
I would swap Craig Noone for exciting prospect Kadeem Harris on Tuesday night. Noone has been abject this season, and looks like he desperately needs a rest. Other than that, I would name an unchanged side for the Wigan game. I think we will stop the rot here and claim a 0-2 win.
I don't think we will go down this season, but I'm adamant that Russell Slade has to go at the end of the season, wherever we finish. The football is poor and we are not picking up enough wins. Let's hope both of those things can change on Tuesday.
Wednesday 18 February 2015
Better From The Bluebirds
In the end, Cardiff City could only take a point against Blackburn Rovers, but it was a much improved team display to what we have been used to over the past couple of months. There were two changes to the city side that were under par against Brighton last week, with Eoin Doyle and Matthew Kennedy coming in for Stuart O Keffe and Conor Mcaleny.
Before the game, I felt fairly optimistic, going for a 1-1 draw when asked by my Dad. City old boys Rudy Gestede and Craig Conway lined up for Blackburn, and Gestede won most headers during the match. It was good to see them receive nice reception form the bluebirds faithful.
We started the game on the front foot without creating any clear cut chances. Our passing was crisper and we were moving the ball to wide areas more frequently, instead of the routine hoof up to Kenwyne Jones. The exciting strike partnership of Eoin Doyle and Jones was showing some nice touches, with Kenwyne winning flick-ons a lot when the ball was in the air. Rovers didn't really settle into the game in the first half, and they were a stark contrast from the team that beat Stoke on Saturday.
City's danger man was new boy Matthew Kennedy who was direct and dangerous throughout. He took on his full back on numerous occasions and injected some much needed pace into the side. It was really good to see a player who knew when to run and pass. He did the simple things so well.
The first half ended with no goals, but it was a much improved performance. Eoin Doyle had a shot cleared off the line in the middle of the half. Our play was more fluent, but if I was being picky, I would have liked to have seen us create a few more chances.
The second half started with Blackburn controlling the play a lot more than in the first period. For 5 minutes, we had to defend and weather the storm, but the visitors never really looked like scoring.
The second half was pretty even, but I felt we just shaded it. Peter Whittingham controlled the game, something we haven't seen from him for a while. Kennedy carried o looking potent, and Lee Peltier put in a solid performance.
In the 84th minute, Sean Morrison headed past the Blackburn goalkeeper, Steele, to send the Cardiff City Stadium into raptures. But just when I thought we were heading for precious three points, a defensive blunder cost us the win. Scott Malone took one for the team with a heroic goal line clearance to prevent a certain goal, only for team mate Craig Noone to slip and put the goal on a plate for ex city man Rudy Gestede to finish. My heart sank a million miles!
In the end, the points were shared, but it was great to see city put in a good display and the crowd getting behind them. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a game at the Cardiff City Stadium like I did yesterday. New head coach Paul Trollope certainly made a difference technically, with less "hoofball" tactics being implemented.
We face a tough game away at Huddersfield on Saturday. It certainly won't be easy, but I definitely see this as a game we can get something out of. We need to carry on with these positive tactics in the coming weeks, and I think it's vital that we see a similar side to last night being used.
Before the game, I felt fairly optimistic, going for a 1-1 draw when asked by my Dad. City old boys Rudy Gestede and Craig Conway lined up for Blackburn, and Gestede won most headers during the match. It was good to see them receive nice reception form the bluebirds faithful.
We started the game on the front foot without creating any clear cut chances. Our passing was crisper and we were moving the ball to wide areas more frequently, instead of the routine hoof up to Kenwyne Jones. The exciting strike partnership of Eoin Doyle and Jones was showing some nice touches, with Kenwyne winning flick-ons a lot when the ball was in the air. Rovers didn't really settle into the game in the first half, and they were a stark contrast from the team that beat Stoke on Saturday.
City's danger man was new boy Matthew Kennedy who was direct and dangerous throughout. He took on his full back on numerous occasions and injected some much needed pace into the side. It was really good to see a player who knew when to run and pass. He did the simple things so well.
The first half ended with no goals, but it was a much improved performance. Eoin Doyle had a shot cleared off the line in the middle of the half. Our play was more fluent, but if I was being picky, I would have liked to have seen us create a few more chances.
The second half started with Blackburn controlling the play a lot more than in the first period. For 5 minutes, we had to defend and weather the storm, but the visitors never really looked like scoring.
The second half was pretty even, but I felt we just shaded it. Peter Whittingham controlled the game, something we haven't seen from him for a while. Kennedy carried o looking potent, and Lee Peltier put in a solid performance.
In the 84th minute, Sean Morrison headed past the Blackburn goalkeeper, Steele, to send the Cardiff City Stadium into raptures. But just when I thought we were heading for precious three points, a defensive blunder cost us the win. Scott Malone took one for the team with a heroic goal line clearance to prevent a certain goal, only for team mate Craig Noone to slip and put the goal on a plate for ex city man Rudy Gestede to finish. My heart sank a million miles!
In the end, the points were shared, but it was great to see city put in a good display and the crowd getting behind them. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a game at the Cardiff City Stadium like I did yesterday. New head coach Paul Trollope certainly made a difference technically, with less "hoofball" tactics being implemented.
We face a tough game away at Huddersfield on Saturday. It certainly won't be easy, but I definitely see this as a game we can get something out of. We need to carry on with these positive tactics in the coming weeks, and I think it's vital that we see a similar side to last night being used.
Monday 16 February 2015
Time To Step Up
After a disastrous campaign so far in the championship, Cardiff City enter the crunch period in the domestic season very low on confidence. Last Tuesday's dire 0-0 draw at home to fellow strugglers Brighton summed up the season. Never have I seen such a boring and un-inspiring performance from the bluebirds.
A big improvement is needed, starting with tomorrow night's game at home to Blackburn. Our visitors are on a high after a hugely impressive 4-1 victory over Stoke on Saturday in the F.A cup. However, fatigue could come into play as the bluebirds haven't played since last Tuesday. Rovers haven't won a game on the road in 9 outings, but knowing our luck, that will probably end tomorrow!
I thought our defence was reasonably solid last week, but it was our poor attacking display that let us down. We didn't create any clear cut chances and rarely took the game by the scruff of the neck. Brighton were there for the taking, it was a game that we could of got more out of, and had our tactics been more positive and attacking minded, I think we would of.
We seem scared to attack teams and risk conceding a goal in order to score one, which worry's me. The style of play is also a very concerning sign. We have players that have the ability to play fast, attacking football. I don't mind the odd long ball, but it's getting to a point where every time a city player gets the ball, I expect it to be aimlessly hoofed down the pitch.
Now is a time where we need our leaders to step up. People like Bruno Ecuele Manga, Peter Whittingham and David Marshall have to demand an extra 10% from the players around them. Every player wearing the blue and white of Cardiff City need to fight for the badge on their chest. If every player gives 100% and we still lose, then that's fine, but it's when I see players not even trying that gets on my nerves.
I don't think Russell Slade is the right man for the job, and I have no doubt that the club will go backwards until his reign ends. However, I don't think now is the time to show him the door. I would not be disappointed if I wake up tomorrow morning and finds that he has been sacked, but I would stick with him until the end of the season. I think we'll just about stay up this season, and sacking him now would put a whole new cloud of uncertainty over the club. I think we should get rid of Slade at the end of the season, whatever league we're in.
In my opinion, we also need a clear-out in the summer. Players who aren't kicking a ball and the egomaniacs within our squad need to go.
I think that if we have the right manager and direction, we could mount a promotion push within the next couple of years. We need everyone pulling in the right direction, which I believe won't happen with Slade at the helm.
Anyway, onto the game tomorrow. In all honesty, I can't see us getting a win tomorrow. Blackburn are a very good side and we just don't look like a championship side at the moment. I don't see where we are going to score a goal. Game on game our main threat is a set piece, which really concerns me. Also, Blackburn were nothing short of brilliant on Saturday when they demolished Stoke to reach the quarter finals of the cup. They did it with star man Jordan Rhodes on the bench as well, with Joshua King netting a hat- rick alongside fellow striker Rudy Gestede's penalty.
We have a chance to pick up a few points in the coming games after tomorrow night, with games at Wigan, Huddersfield and Leeds all looking winnable. I want us to be attacking in those games and use the talents of attacking players such as Eoin Doyle, Craig Noone and Kenwyne Jones to hurt the opposition. I would prefer to try and beat teams than too sit back and hope for a draw.
The coming weeks may well go a long way to defining our season. We need everyone to get behind the team, but that works both ways. The boys in blue need to give everything to the cause. We need a quick revival, and it must start tomorrow.
A big improvement is needed, starting with tomorrow night's game at home to Blackburn. Our visitors are on a high after a hugely impressive 4-1 victory over Stoke on Saturday in the F.A cup. However, fatigue could come into play as the bluebirds haven't played since last Tuesday. Rovers haven't won a game on the road in 9 outings, but knowing our luck, that will probably end tomorrow!
I thought our defence was reasonably solid last week, but it was our poor attacking display that let us down. We didn't create any clear cut chances and rarely took the game by the scruff of the neck. Brighton were there for the taking, it was a game that we could of got more out of, and had our tactics been more positive and attacking minded, I think we would of.
We seem scared to attack teams and risk conceding a goal in order to score one, which worry's me. The style of play is also a very concerning sign. We have players that have the ability to play fast, attacking football. I don't mind the odd long ball, but it's getting to a point where every time a city player gets the ball, I expect it to be aimlessly hoofed down the pitch.
Now is a time where we need our leaders to step up. People like Bruno Ecuele Manga, Peter Whittingham and David Marshall have to demand an extra 10% from the players around them. Every player wearing the blue and white of Cardiff City need to fight for the badge on their chest. If every player gives 100% and we still lose, then that's fine, but it's when I see players not even trying that gets on my nerves.
I don't think Russell Slade is the right man for the job, and I have no doubt that the club will go backwards until his reign ends. However, I don't think now is the time to show him the door. I would not be disappointed if I wake up tomorrow morning and finds that he has been sacked, but I would stick with him until the end of the season. I think we'll just about stay up this season, and sacking him now would put a whole new cloud of uncertainty over the club. I think we should get rid of Slade at the end of the season, whatever league we're in.
In my opinion, we also need a clear-out in the summer. Players who aren't kicking a ball and the egomaniacs within our squad need to go.
I think that if we have the right manager and direction, we could mount a promotion push within the next couple of years. We need everyone pulling in the right direction, which I believe won't happen with Slade at the helm.
Anyway, onto the game tomorrow. In all honesty, I can't see us getting a win tomorrow. Blackburn are a very good side and we just don't look like a championship side at the moment. I don't see where we are going to score a goal. Game on game our main threat is a set piece, which really concerns me. Also, Blackburn were nothing short of brilliant on Saturday when they demolished Stoke to reach the quarter finals of the cup. They did it with star man Jordan Rhodes on the bench as well, with Joshua King netting a hat- rick alongside fellow striker Rudy Gestede's penalty.
We have a chance to pick up a few points in the coming games after tomorrow night, with games at Wigan, Huddersfield and Leeds all looking winnable. I want us to be attacking in those games and use the talents of attacking players such as Eoin Doyle, Craig Noone and Kenwyne Jones to hurt the opposition. I would prefer to try and beat teams than too sit back and hope for a draw.
The coming weeks may well go a long way to defining our season. We need everyone to get behind the team, but that works both ways. The boys in blue need to give everything to the cause. We need a quick revival, and it must start tomorrow.
Friday 13 February 2015
Crunch Time
The question on the lips of many Welsh rugby fans after last Friday's disappointing defeat to England at the Millennium Stadium is how did we let it slip? Indeed, it was a crushing loss and no-one was more distraught than me. It seemed as if in the second half we couldn't handle England's physicality, which is a very worrying sign. We also didn't use our brilliant backline enough. It's hard to recall a time when Jonathan Davies, Alex Cuthbert or Jamie Roberts were given the ball in the right areas and looked threatening.
However, in the first half, we looked like the Wales team that we are all used to. Dogged, determined and threatening with ball in hand in the right areas. Players like Toby Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny really put a shift in and fought for the Welsh badge on their chest. We went in at the break in a 16-8 lead, and certainly looked like the team that would go on and win the match. But after the break, something changed in both sides. England came out with new belief. They looked hungry and to be honest we couldn't live with them.
When Jonathan Joseph ducked and weaved his way around 3 missed tackles, you sensed the momentum had swung their way. That try moved England within touching distance, and the boot of George Ford gave them a victory that we will never hear the end of!
Yes, it was gutting, but there are positives to take from the game. In the first half, we had control against a strong team, and on another day, would have pushed on to win the game. Theoretically, the championship is still wide open. If we win all our remaining games, which is not impossible, we have a decent chance of reclaiming the title that belongs in the "land of rugby", don't we?
What is important if we want to do well this year, is that we move on from this result quickly. We face a tough test at Murrayfield on Sunday. Scotland are starting to look like a side who can give most international sides a decent game. They went to France last week and made the French work hard for their victory, sometimes showing signs that they could win the game themselves. They have a fantastic backline, with Laidlaw, Hogg, Lamont, Fife and Visser all very able players.
In the forwards, the two Gray brothers will be a handful, with both looking good in Paris last week. I think the game will be one and lost in the first 20 minutes. If we can get an early try and play with confidence from the outset, then I have no doubt that we will take a valuable win back to Wales. However, if the Scots get early momentum and the Murrayfield crowd back them, then we could have a great contest on our hands.
We will be without Samson Lee and George North, who are both concuss after the gruelling battle last week. North in particular took some nasty blows to the head. They will be replaced by Liam Williams and Aaron Jarvis, who in my opinion, both deserve the call-ups.
I hope that we play fluent rugby and really go after Scotland, if we do then I think we will win the game. Our back line has the ability to score tries for fun, and we have the forwards that will work hard to secure ball for them. Let's hope we can bounce back, come on Wales!
However, in the first half, we looked like the Wales team that we are all used to. Dogged, determined and threatening with ball in hand in the right areas. Players like Toby Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny really put a shift in and fought for the Welsh badge on their chest. We went in at the break in a 16-8 lead, and certainly looked like the team that would go on and win the match. But after the break, something changed in both sides. England came out with new belief. They looked hungry and to be honest we couldn't live with them.
When Jonathan Joseph ducked and weaved his way around 3 missed tackles, you sensed the momentum had swung their way. That try moved England within touching distance, and the boot of George Ford gave them a victory that we will never hear the end of!
Yes, it was gutting, but there are positives to take from the game. In the first half, we had control against a strong team, and on another day, would have pushed on to win the game. Theoretically, the championship is still wide open. If we win all our remaining games, which is not impossible, we have a decent chance of reclaiming the title that belongs in the "land of rugby", don't we?
What is important if we want to do well this year, is that we move on from this result quickly. We face a tough test at Murrayfield on Sunday. Scotland are starting to look like a side who can give most international sides a decent game. They went to France last week and made the French work hard for their victory, sometimes showing signs that they could win the game themselves. They have a fantastic backline, with Laidlaw, Hogg, Lamont, Fife and Visser all very able players.
In the forwards, the two Gray brothers will be a handful, with both looking good in Paris last week. I think the game will be one and lost in the first 20 minutes. If we can get an early try and play with confidence from the outset, then I have no doubt that we will take a valuable win back to Wales. However, if the Scots get early momentum and the Murrayfield crowd back them, then we could have a great contest on our hands.
We will be without Samson Lee and George North, who are both concuss after the gruelling battle last week. North in particular took some nasty blows to the head. They will be replaced by Liam Williams and Aaron Jarvis, who in my opinion, both deserve the call-ups.
I hope that we play fluent rugby and really go after Scotland, if we do then I think we will win the game. Our back line has the ability to score tries for fun, and we have the forwards that will work hard to secure ball for them. Let's hope we can bounce back, come on Wales!
Thursday 12 February 2015
Dismal Bluebirds
Dismal is the word that springs to mind when describing Cardiff City's season so far. I've attended every home game and two away games so far, and most of the time the football has been drab and dull. To many, our dire season has been a major surprise, with the bluebirds being tipped as title favourites after relegation from the premiership last season.
But after a summer upheaval, we struggled to settle and find our best team. There were good results with wins against teams such as Huddersfield and Wigan making the start to the season a tad more respectable. But the disastrous 2-4 defeat at the hands off Norwich proved the final nail in the coffin. Tan had seen enough, and Ole lost his job.
The early favourites for the job were the usual suspect: Pulis,Hughton, Steve Clark etc. But instead of a high profile new gaffer to kick us into shape, Vincent Tan appointed the well known name.... Russell Slade. Russell who I hear you ask. You know, Russell Slade, the Leyton Orient manager.
The early signs were good with Slade's first game being the 2-1 victory over then-leaders Nottingham Forest. But since then, everything has gone downhill. The bluebirds slumped to an awful 3-0 loss at Bolton, before following that up with a 0-0 draw at Birmingham. I was one of 2000 hardy souls who sang their hearts out at St Andrews, but to no avail. City looked dis-jointed at the back and there was no rhythm to our play. By then dreams o automatic promotion were slowly slipping away, but I still held the hope of a play off spot. We put a few good results together, beating Reading 2-1 and claiming our first away win of the season in a 0-1 victory over Watford.
However, it was plain for all to see that the performances were still not up to scratch, and if things didn't improve quickly, then city would be losing pace with the play off group.
The point for me when I realised that we were miles off promotion was when we drew at home to Rotherham 0-0. I recall that we had one clear cut chance at home against relegation contenders. Slade didn't know what to do to change things and our attempts to create chances came from long balls. Many city fans, including myself, booed the team off after the final whistle, because it was a dire display.
Then we slowly slid into mediocrity. We found ourselves 2-0 down at Bournemouth within 20 minutes, but showed a few fighting qualities in a game with we eventually lost 5-3. It said it all that after that match centre back Sean Morrison had overtaken 2 million pound striker Adam Le Fondre in the scoring charts. A 2-3 defeat at home to Brentford was probably on of the worst first half displays I've ever seen by city. It's a game I don't really want to go into in depth to be honest! And a 1-1 draw at the valley where we let 10 men Charlton come back into the game almost spoilt the Christmas festivities!
An awful result against Watford soon followed, and by this point many fans were calling for Slade's head. Only 5000 city fans decided to turn up for the fa cup 3rd round tie at home to Colchester, where the bluebirds ran out 3-1 winners.
Bun then it happened. What every city fan wanted. THE RETURN TO BLUE!! I returned home from a hard day at school to find that my beloved bluebirds were back in our rightful colours. It then came out that Vincent Tan's mother had told her son to make the change, which prompted many comical songs against Fulham the next day. The atmosphere at CCS for the game against Fulham was quite frankly unbelievable. Everyone was in a party mood, however, the football was more of the same. Adam Le Fondre's flick on gave us an early lead, but after that, nothing much happened! Still, it was 3 points.
But after the honeymoon period had finished, it was back to reality. And the reality is that at the moment Cardiff are a very poor side and are going backwards. 4 consecutive defeats at the hand of Norwich, Middlesbrough, Reading (in the cup) and Derby proceeded the Fulham victory, thus putting us in a relegation dogfight.
A slight improvement against Sheffield Wednesday gave us a glimmer of hope, but it soon died down after the dismal 0-0 home draw to Brighton, which was actually painful to watch!
Many fans don't like Slade because of some of his eccentric decisions such as leaving out top scorer Kenwyne Jones for the crucial home game to Derby. But for me, the main concern is the style of play which is clearly not working and is costing us points. It seems as if all the players know how to do is hoof the ball back to the opposition. That might have worked for Slade at Leyton Orient, but what is the point of having technical masters like Peter Whittingham, Craig Noone and Kadeem Harris when the ball is just bypassing them and being hoofed up to the strikers.
Another problem is the fact that we have got rid of a few high profile players ad replaced them with players who you would associate with the lower leagues. Signings such as Lee Peltier, Scott Malone and Alex Revell hardly caught my imagination. Players such as Kim Bo kyung, Javi Guerra, Adam Le Fondre and Guido Burgstaller who promised so much have been let go for nothing. Yes, it cuts down the wage bill, but it doesn't help us going forward. These are gifted players who should be in and around the first team, not being offloaded to other clubs for nothing.
However, i'm genuinely excited by the deadline day signings that we made. Conor McAleny has a very bright future and will surely help with the lack of creativity at the moment. Eoin Doyle was acquired from Chesterfield and has a proven record wherever he has been. We need him to lighten the burden on Kenwyne and chip in with a few goals.
What's imperative now is that every player that puts on the blue shirt from now up until the end of the season gives there all. That's all we ask for. If it comes down to ability, I will back our players to come out on top and dig us out of the relegation dogfight we found ourselves in.
But after a summer upheaval, we struggled to settle and find our best team. There were good results with wins against teams such as Huddersfield and Wigan making the start to the season a tad more respectable. But the disastrous 2-4 defeat at the hands off Norwich proved the final nail in the coffin. Tan had seen enough, and Ole lost his job.
The early favourites for the job were the usual suspect: Pulis,Hughton, Steve Clark etc. But instead of a high profile new gaffer to kick us into shape, Vincent Tan appointed the well known name.... Russell Slade. Russell who I hear you ask. You know, Russell Slade, the Leyton Orient manager.
The early signs were good with Slade's first game being the 2-1 victory over then-leaders Nottingham Forest. But since then, everything has gone downhill. The bluebirds slumped to an awful 3-0 loss at Bolton, before following that up with a 0-0 draw at Birmingham. I was one of 2000 hardy souls who sang their hearts out at St Andrews, but to no avail. City looked dis-jointed at the back and there was no rhythm to our play. By then dreams o automatic promotion were slowly slipping away, but I still held the hope of a play off spot. We put a few good results together, beating Reading 2-1 and claiming our first away win of the season in a 0-1 victory over Watford.
However, it was plain for all to see that the performances were still not up to scratch, and if things didn't improve quickly, then city would be losing pace with the play off group.
The point for me when I realised that we were miles off promotion was when we drew at home to Rotherham 0-0. I recall that we had one clear cut chance at home against relegation contenders. Slade didn't know what to do to change things and our attempts to create chances came from long balls. Many city fans, including myself, booed the team off after the final whistle, because it was a dire display.
Then we slowly slid into mediocrity. We found ourselves 2-0 down at Bournemouth within 20 minutes, but showed a few fighting qualities in a game with we eventually lost 5-3. It said it all that after that match centre back Sean Morrison had overtaken 2 million pound striker Adam Le Fondre in the scoring charts. A 2-3 defeat at home to Brentford was probably on of the worst first half displays I've ever seen by city. It's a game I don't really want to go into in depth to be honest! And a 1-1 draw at the valley where we let 10 men Charlton come back into the game almost spoilt the Christmas festivities!
An awful result against Watford soon followed, and by this point many fans were calling for Slade's head. Only 5000 city fans decided to turn up for the fa cup 3rd round tie at home to Colchester, where the bluebirds ran out 3-1 winners.
Bun then it happened. What every city fan wanted. THE RETURN TO BLUE!! I returned home from a hard day at school to find that my beloved bluebirds were back in our rightful colours. It then came out that Vincent Tan's mother had told her son to make the change, which prompted many comical songs against Fulham the next day. The atmosphere at CCS for the game against Fulham was quite frankly unbelievable. Everyone was in a party mood, however, the football was more of the same. Adam Le Fondre's flick on gave us an early lead, but after that, nothing much happened! Still, it was 3 points.
But after the honeymoon period had finished, it was back to reality. And the reality is that at the moment Cardiff are a very poor side and are going backwards. 4 consecutive defeats at the hand of Norwich, Middlesbrough, Reading (in the cup) and Derby proceeded the Fulham victory, thus putting us in a relegation dogfight.
A slight improvement against Sheffield Wednesday gave us a glimmer of hope, but it soon died down after the dismal 0-0 home draw to Brighton, which was actually painful to watch!
Many fans don't like Slade because of some of his eccentric decisions such as leaving out top scorer Kenwyne Jones for the crucial home game to Derby. But for me, the main concern is the style of play which is clearly not working and is costing us points. It seems as if all the players know how to do is hoof the ball back to the opposition. That might have worked for Slade at Leyton Orient, but what is the point of having technical masters like Peter Whittingham, Craig Noone and Kadeem Harris when the ball is just bypassing them and being hoofed up to the strikers.
Another problem is the fact that we have got rid of a few high profile players ad replaced them with players who you would associate with the lower leagues. Signings such as Lee Peltier, Scott Malone and Alex Revell hardly caught my imagination. Players such as Kim Bo kyung, Javi Guerra, Adam Le Fondre and Guido Burgstaller who promised so much have been let go for nothing. Yes, it cuts down the wage bill, but it doesn't help us going forward. These are gifted players who should be in and around the first team, not being offloaded to other clubs for nothing.
However, i'm genuinely excited by the deadline day signings that we made. Conor McAleny has a very bright future and will surely help with the lack of creativity at the moment. Eoin Doyle was acquired from Chesterfield and has a proven record wherever he has been. We need him to lighten the burden on Kenwyne and chip in with a few goals.
What's imperative now is that every player that puts on the blue shirt from now up until the end of the season gives there all. That's all we ask for. If it comes down to ability, I will back our players to come out on top and dig us out of the relegation dogfight we found ourselves in.
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