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.

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.

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.