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!
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