Only two games into Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City reign and the 68-year-old has already stolen the blue hearts of many fans within the Welsh capital. The question is, just how far can the new Bluebirds boss take his team?
Given Neil’s CV across his 16 football clubs managed and record 7 promotions celebrated – the man only heaps pressure on himself, wherever he may go. However, it’s pressure I’m sure is welcome and the challenge he aspires to in keeping him in the game, even at his respected age.
Given the circumstances that Paul Trollop left the Bluebirds in picking up just 8-points from 11 games, the minimum expectation would surely be to keep the club in the league and the realistic target being a top half finish.
After just his first game at the CCS (Cardiff City Stadium), it almost feels as if he’s already done half the job by beating severnside rivals Bristol City 2-1 thanks to goals from Peter Whittingham and a debut goal for Sol Bamba.
The platform now seems set for Neil Warnock and it’s now up to him to go and perform on it.
Following a 1-1 stalemate in Neil’s latest game at the CCS against high-flying Sheffield Wednesday, Warnock still feels plenty more is to come from his side.
“We will get a lot fitter and a lot sharper in the next couple of weeks,” Warnock told BBC Wales.
“We were second best in a lot of area in this game, but we were not second best in what we had under our shirts.
“I thought we were superb in that regard and the fans appreciated that really.”
With the Bluebirds sat in 22nd position in the Championship standings after thirteen games, thinking of landing a play-off place maybe slightly too optimistic. However, the Bluebirds faithful still have hope of pulling a run together under their new boss. So, the question remains, just how do you string such a run together?
If you rewind back to the 2011 – 2012 season with Brian McDermotts’ Reading side, something like a miracle was achieved at the Madejski Stadium. Just a few months into the season and Reading found themselves worried of a bumpy ride ahead sitting 17th and with not much positives to give the team any sort of encouragement.
However, a miraculous run of 15 victories out of 17 helped guide McDermott’s team promotion to the Barclays Premier League rightfully earning McDermott ‘League Managers Association Championship Manager of the Year’.
Maybe insisting that Warnock can take inspiration from a fellow manager that succeeded him at Leeds United can seem a tad sacrilegious. However, it’s ambition and the type of drive that the supporters feel more than capable of achieving with the players available to Neil at the helm.
Warnock’s next challenge ahead is a visit to Nottingham Forest on Saturday in the gaffers first away game as Bluebirds boss and the City faithful will be hoping to see plenty more “blood and guts” from the team.
So, just how far can Neil Warnock and his troops go in the league? Shall it be a fairy tale come true, or will it all prove to be a bit anticlimactic for the Bluebirds?
New Bluebirds boss Paul Trollope has only managed to obtain 5 points from his 7 opening league games and many fans have blamed the “Welsh way” that Trollope has attempted to mauled into the club – but is there a bigger picture to the missing Cardiff City puzzle?
By Sam Hardwell,
@HardwellSam
It’s Cardiff’s worst start to a season in 11 years, and with a big game against Leeds United at Saturday lunchtime; Trollope has already hinted at possible alterations in both formation and team line-ups this Friday morning.
“We know there’s need to be adaptable and flexible. And I’ve said all along you need a way to win and if it needs a change of shape we will and I’m not afraid to do it, but if I think it’s right way to go forward I’ll stick with it and persevere.
– Trollope told Wales online Friday morning.
Criticising a system that the Bluebirds faithful have only seen when watching their national side at the CCS this quickly can be a very easy conclusion. However, attention can revert to team selection. With all due respect; Kadeem Harris and Declan John aren’t exactly going to give you the robust challenges you need when defending. Whereas the likes of Jazz Richards and Joe Bennett (when fit) could do a job in both departments.
Another area that needs to be addressed is the goalkeeping situation. Yes, Ben Wilson has not looked anything like David Marshall between the sticks, but, what can you expect from a young keeper who just made his 3rd league appearance for the club?
It can be a way of playing or a game plan for Trollope by playing 5 at the back. However, what more can unsettle that 5 when you have a goalkeeper that, with respect, is not ready for this level just yet.
Criticism on young Wilson has been more than harsh, to say the least. Saturday could see the City boss address this issue and if so, it would seem to be the right call on the basis of things.
“He knows himself (Ben Wilson) mistakes have been made over the last game or so and he’ll look to rectify that. We have competition for places, it’s ready, the group has worked hard and I’ve got a decision.
With probably Cardiff’s most influential player not seeing the game-time he merits; Peter Whittingham looks set to reenter the frame in a position Trollope probably sees him in the Joe Allen (much to the revolt reaction from the Bluebird fans at such a comparison) type of role.
“Peter Whittingham played right through pre-season and every league game up to Norwich, we wanted to go a slightly different way and Aron Gunnarsson had a fantastic game at Norwich, but Peter has big part to play and will have a massive role in what we want to do.”
As the penny drops for Paul Trollope and his team, it would seem that the best move would be to alter the players at hand; not the system. If the system was to be dropped versus Leeds United, has the jigsaw and most importantly, has Trollope’s pride in the “Welsh way” been thrown out of the window at the expense of 7 league games?
With Anthony Pilkington leading the goals (3) for the team from the Welsh capital and Shane Duffy comically in close attendance with his double against his own Blackburn Rovers side at the CCS, surely things can only look up?
Ben Turner made 121 appearances for the Bluebirds. However, was the decision by the football club to release the English born defender a smart one? Is Ben Turner Cardiff City’s best England international that never was? I take a look at what might have been for the man they called ‘Big Ben’.
After being unfavoured through injury at Coventry City, Ben Turner made the switch to the Welsh capital for a reported fee of £750,000 in August 2011, courtesy of passing a fitness test. It took Big Ben till the 1st October that year to make his first Cardiff City appearance after overcoming a knee injury. He was a late substitute coming onto the field away at Hull City.
Turner’s full league debut came two-weeks later, a 2-2 draw versus Ipswich Town. From then onwards, the centre-back was a regular for the Bluebirds alongside then club captain, Mark Hudson.
Come February 2012, Malky Mackay and his Cardiff City team were both contesting for a place in the Championship Play-Offs, as well as preparing themselves for a League Cup Final against English giants Liverpool. The cup final saw Turner put in a Terry Butcher like performance at a packed Wembley Stadium, keeping the likes of Steven Gerrard; Luis Suarez and even former Bluebirds forward, Craig Bellamy at bay.
The Carling Cup Final was eventually one by Liverpool, despite a late Ben Turner tap-in to take Liverpool to penalties.
Ben Turner’s Late Goal at Wembley v Liverpool
The following season saw Ben Turner grow stronger, along with his teammates. This proved, as the Bluebirds won promotion to the Premier League as Champions. With the top goalscorer only netting eight (Aaron Gunnarson) in the 2012/2013 campaign, speaking volumes of the Bluebirds’ defensive prowess. Turner was a regular at the heart of the defense that season.
With the Premier League being a completely different kettle of fish, big summer signings were expected, much to the worry of both Turner and Hudson.
With Premier League experience needed in the back-line for City, it was former Swansea City centre-back Steven Caulker who put pen to paper in a deal worth up to £8-million.
However, come the opening day of Cardiff’s first ever Premier League season, it was captain Mark Hudson that found himself among the substitutes bench. As Turner and Caulker found their feet together as a strong partnership at the back.
The pair performed admirably in the first half of the Bluebirds’ Premier League season, with wins against Manchester City and arch rivals Swansea being the highlights. Under Malky Mackay, Turner, as well as the rest of the Cardiff side, looked to be a fit and compact unit. “They’re one of the fittest sides in the league, not many teams are going to be picking up points from here (Cardiff City Stadium).” – Arsène Wenger following his Arsenal teams’ 3-0 victory at Cardiff.
If Turner was ever to play for his national side, it would be fair to say, that this was the prime point in his playing career to do so. However, it seemed almost ironic that just as the Birmingham born defender was making his case for an England call-up, extraordinary scenes off the pitch at the football club would result in Malky Mackay losing his post as Cardiff City manager.
With the arrival of former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjær being announced as the new manager, the Bluebirds looked to take attention back onto the pitch in an attempt to avoid relegation. However, with every manager, comes alternative impacts. From a fans’ point of view, the impact was not a positive one. The players looked deprived of teamwork; desire, commitment, passion and work ethic – all these attributes seemed to have vanished along with Mackay.
OGS (Ole Gunnar Solskjær) almost seemed to be out to perplex the Cardiff City faithful, with constant squad rotations, especially at the back. With the only guaranteed place at the back being for Steven Caulker; while Juan Cala (a new signing by OGS), Mark Hudson and Ben Turner constantly rotated, no matter what shift being put in by any of the trio.
Turner, however, did show glimpses of his own defensive qualities along with the likes of David Marshall. Most notably, Big Ben stole the praises from Marshall winning Man of the Match in a 0-0 stalemate at home versus Aston Villa. This was despite the Scotland goalkeepers’ save of the season from a late Andreas Weimann effort. However, Turner was subsequently dropped for the following league game in a 4-0 home defeat at home to Hull City, with the Cardiff faithful asking among themselves, ‘How has he dropped Turner after the Villa match?’.
Cardiff were eventually relegated back to the Championship for the 2015/2016 season, dampening any chances Ben Turner had of an England call-up, for now.
Turner was unlucky to be hit by injury upon Cardiff’s return to the Championship, and was eventually loaned back to former club Coventry, in aid of some much needed fitness. He scored on his first appearance back at the Sky Blues and made several appearances before picking up an ankle injury, resulting in an immediate return to the Bluebirds.
After overcoming the injury, Turner fortunately made it in time for the final game of the 15/16 season against Birmingham in a 1-1 draw, in which Turner played well above merit. Unfortunately, it would prove to be the defenders’ last for the club, as he was not offered a new deal to stay put, and now looks elsewhere for a new club.
“There were never any negotiations. I won’t say I was surprised but I’m genuinely disappointed,” Turner said.
“I would have been open to structure my contract in a way that would have suited me and the club.”
“Ken was honest, he said it was a business decision by the club and he thinks it’s best that I look elsewhere,” he told BBC Wales Sport.
In some way, I do hope Big Ben finds the club that utilities his strengths to benefit his playing career. And I do also hope that he proves the club made the wrong decision in axing the player. Maybe, in an ideal world, if kept fit under Malky Mackay, it would have been a different story. Not only for the club, but for Turner, also.
Shrewsbury shock Bluebirds as a second-half Andrew Mangan header sends the Welsh side out of the FA Cup.
CHRONOLOGICAL MATCH REPORT:
Russell Slade made nine changes following his sides 1-0 home win to Blackburn Rovers last weekend. In contrast, Micky Mellon made five adjustments to last weeks team who were thumped 7-1 at the hands of Chesterfield Town. The XI including a start for former and controversial Bluebirds defender Anthony Gerrard.
It was the visitors who had the first sniff on goal inside the opening 30-seconds. Forward Andrew Mangan easily turning Bruno Manga on the edge of the box with the deflected shot resulting in a corner, as the Bluebirds looking around each other with sheer disbelief.
As the game had the feeling of a reserve match fixture, Shrewsbury were looking to make sure any City fans inside the CCS stayed silent. The lively LarnellCole with a positive run and shot from 25-yards deflected for his sides second corner of the game, as City struggled to settle into the game.
City snuffed out their first chance of the game after 14-minutes and fair to stay, over due. Former City defender Anthony Gerrard scuffed his kick with Macheda picking up the loose ball and fed fellow strike partner Alex Revell. The shot on goal also taking a deflection wide with brave defending.
The resulting corner eventually being put wide by Bruno Manga from the penalty spot on the half-volley. Decent attempt for a defender, an agonising one for a forward.
Since the Gerrard mistake, the Bluebirds smelt blood and produced their best spell of the game so far on the 21-minute mark. Great interchange of play via Peter Whittingham and Scott Malone by the touch-line, with the low cross by the full-back being put wide on the stretch from experienced forward Alex Revell.
While the Bluebirds looked to build patiently, Macheda had other ideas as he skipped past one and shot in his stride with the ‘keeper only able to parry into the path of Revell, who snatched at his chance from an acute angle.
The former Manchester United forward seemed to inspire the Bluebirds as Whittingham threatened the heart of the defence. It was his squared ball that found its way through Revell’s legs into the path of Ameobi, coming onto his preferred left-foot and struck the post from just inside the box.
It seemed as if Ameobi started to picture the Shrewsbury players as training cones, evading all of four defenders on the edge of the box opening a shot on goal. However, nothing but catching practice for ‘keeper Mark Halstead.
Just before half-time, Shrewsbury goalkeeper Halstead did his best to keep out a Scott Malone cross come shot from an awkward angle. However, it was not as awkward as the half-time boos from the very few City fans in attendance.
HALF-TIME: CARDIFF CITY 0 – 0 SHREWSBURY TOWN
GOAL: Cardiff City 0 – 1 Shrewsbury Town (Andrew Mangan, 62 mins)
With a quiet opening to the second-half, it was Shrewsbury who caught the home side napping. An inswinging cross from left-winger Scott Vernon found its way to the back-post, with forward Andrew Mangan heading home as simple as you like from close range.
With the Cardiff City Stadium lacking fans, Shrewsbury lacking possession and the Bluebirds lacking that killer pass – it was written for the underdogs in the cup of shocks to take advantage of their very few chances.
Cardiff City Substitution: Matthew Kennedy replaces Kagisho Dikgacoi (62 mins)
Despite the score-line, the Bluebirds managed to create the best chance of the game – Fabio with a peach-perfect ball finding Macheda who turned the last man, one-on-one and could only find the legs of the ever present Halstead.
Cardiff City Substitution: Craig Noone replaces Fabio (74 mins)
With just 13-minutes of normal time remaining, Whittingham attempted a rare right-footed shot from range that should have been tame for Halstead’s gloves. But the desperate attempt was spilled with no player in a blue jersey able to capitalise on the loose ball.
Just moments later, another cross from the left again dangering the Bluebirds defence. Clarke getting ahead of his man Scott Malone, but couldn’t seal the tie as he put the ball wide of Moore’s left-hand post.
Cardiff City Substitution: Joe Mason replaces Alex Revell (81 mins)
Stuart O’Keefe had the very few fans in attendance off their seats, with a first time shot inside the box being brilliantly tipped wide for a corner.
Shrewsbury Town Subsitution: Akpa-Akpro replaces Andrew Mangan (83 mins)
Shrewsbury Town Subsitution: Jermaine Grandison replaces Scott Vernon (83 mins)
Substitute Matthew Kennedy looked to make an emphatic impact near the end as his powerful shot on goal sailed just wide of the top left-hand corner, but eventually finds the blue seats behind the goal.
City thought they had scored when Bruno Manga’s header from a Whittingham corner drifted just wide of the left-hand post, much to the Gabon internationals agony.
With the very last kick of the game, it was Ian Black who struck the outside of Simon Moore’s right-hand post.
10 years ago today, the Bluebirds were still recovering from a heavy 5-1 defeat at the Madejski Stadium with a crowd of over 22,500 watching a rampant Reading side.
Since that calamitous defeat, the Bluebirds have both endured and suffered in what has been a roller coaster decade for the football club. With play-off heart breaks (yes, plural), rebrand, promotion and relegation, they now find themselves 9th in the Sky Bet Championship table, just 4 points adrift of the play-off places at the start of 2016.
But what about the players that have fought for and through both success and dejection?
Here is my Cardiff City XI of the Decade…
(4-4-1-1)
Goal Keeper: David Marshall
Many would not be surprised to see the Scottish international between the sticks for City. Having made over 200 appearances for the Bluebirds since joining in 2009, Marshall has performed heroics for the Welsh capital and even earned himself a place in the Sky Sports’ Premier League ‘Team of the Season’ during their one year stay in the top flight.
Some of the City faithful may debate that former City shot-stopper Neil Alexander deserved his spot in the XI. But, due to Marshall’s commitment and desire to the football club, it is he who gets the nod ahead of his Scottish international team mate.
Right-Back: Kevin Theophile-Catherine
French right-back Kevin Theophile-Catherine (KT) signed for the club after gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2013 for a reported fee of £2.1 million, making his debut in a 1-1 draw at the KC Stadium (Hull City).
After only a couple of matches, Theophile’s talents of both defending and going forward was there for all to see with fans quickly forgetting his predecessors in Kevin McNaughton and Mathew Connolly.
Centre-Back: Mark Hudson
Signed from Charlton in 2009, Hudson did not hit the ground running in his opening season with the Bluebirds. With numerous and unfortunate mistakes costing the team, including an own goal v Leicester in the 2010 play-off semi-final.
When Malky Mackay took charge in 2011, he utilised Hudson’s abilities to his strength and also allowed the skipper to keep the armband, despite the arrival of former Bluebirds captain Craig Bellamy.
In City’s promotion winning season, Hudson was hailed by then team mate Kevin McNaughton as “monumental”.
Centre-Back: Steven Caulker
SWANSEA, WALES – FEBRUARY 08: Steven Caulker of Cardiff in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Cardiff City at the Liberty Stadium on February 8, 2014 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Paul Thomas/Getty Images)
Caulker, like Catherine, signed for Cardiff following their promotion to the Premier League in an attempt to avoid relegation. The former Spurs and Bristol City defender was brought to the club for a fee of £8-million and quickly proved value for money, scoring the winner against bitter rivals and his former club Swansea City.
Caulker proved to be a vital asset to both fans and management as he was ever present in City’s Premier League season. He failed to miss a single minute of Premier League football for the club, scoring 5 goals.
Left-Back: Adam Matthews
Predominantly a right-back, Matthews proved he can be flexible in either full-back position and flourished.
Despite having a trial in the Swansea academy, Matthews was eventually brought into the Bluebirds’ youth system. He made his senior debut in one of the opening games of the 09-10 season in a 1-1 draw away at Blackpool coming on to replace Paul Quinn.
Adam used knowledge when defending and ability with pace when going forward. He scored his first ever senior goal at Vicarage Road from the halfway-line in a 4-0 victory, much to opposition keeper Scott Loach’s disappointment.
Matthews was named Football League apprentice of the Year, with Cardiff City academy assistant manager describing the Welsh international as “a shining example to every young player on how to perform on the pitch, and also how to behave off the pitch.”
Centre Midfield (Defensive): Gary Medel
Gary Medel, Cardiff City
Medel was signed from Sevilla for a club record £11 million. Despite not scoring for the club in his single season in the Premier League, fans will still regard the Chilean as a steal.
The man they call ‘El Pitbull’ was instrumental in many key passes and tackling success rates for the Bluebirds – a giveaway in possession would be as probable as today’s Jamie Vardy missing the target.
While City digested relegation from the Premier League, Medel had no time to feel sorry for himself as he helped guide Chile to round 16 in the 2014 World Cup. His heroics in the heart of the defence had some pundits praising him as a “super human”.
Centre Midfield (Box to Box): Jordan Mutch
A real box-to-box midfielder that Cardiff have seemed to lack in the past. Somebody that can create, protect, battle and find the back of the net.
Mutch is an all round midfield player and proved so, by keeping out the illustrious Peter Whittingham towards the end of City’s promotion winning season.
Right-Wing: Chris Burke
With many wingers gracing the football club, Chris Burke stands above the rest purely for the reason of being a workhorse off the ball, as well as being an old fashioned winger. Most notably when occupying a passenger role while being injured. City lead Leicester with a 2-1 margin for the ten men to protect, and soldiered through with huge credibility.
The Scottish winger scored 15 goals in 102 appearances for the Bluebirds.
Left-Wing: Mats Moller Daehli
The Norwegian international made his debut for the Bluebirds in a fourth round FA Cup tie victory away at Bolton. The youngster proved a breath of fresh air out wide after snubbing former club Manchester United to join his former boss, Ole Gunnar Solskaer.
Daehli put in many stupendous performances with his time at the football club. Leaving Ashley Cole for dust on numerous occasions, making Seamas Coleman look like Seamas lost-man. But, most memorably his last gasp goal at the Hawthornes that salvaged a point in a stunning 3-3 draw which was one of the games of the Barclays Premier League season.
Centre Attacking Midfield: Craig Bellamy
Bellamy had two spells in the Welsh capital, and made sure any play-off heart break from his first spell at the club was mended by winning the league in his second.
Bellamy had already gained a credible reputation among some of the big guns within the Barclays Premier League including West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester City.
The former Wales skipper can be utilised on either wing, behind the striker and playing up top. With his work rate, direct pace and a rocket of a right foot, he could pose a major threat to any side.
Following City’s relegation from the top flight, Bellamy announced his retirement from football stating “I guess over the years I’ve become accustomed to the pain from various injuries, but for the last three to four years I’ve been on anti-inflammatories every day. I’m not sure my body will think that’s a wise thing in due course, but it kept me playing for that period. The time has come to stand aside and say enough. My body can’t take anymore.”
Bellamy scored 17 goals in 90 appearance for his hometown club and now has a part-time role in the clubs academy set up.
Striker: Jay Bothroyd
It can be fair to say, that Bothroyd’s career lit up shortly after he put pen to paper on his Bluebirds contract in 2008. Then manager Dave Jones telling the striker on his arrival “I’ll give you the stage and you go out and perform on it.”
Even with a staggering height of 6 ft 3 inches, it did not hold the strikers pace back one bit. Bothroyd also possessed a sweet left foot that caught the eye of many Premier Leagues sides.
His great link up play could bring any other attacker into the game and assisted the likes of Michael Chopra, Ross McCormack and Crag Bellamy on many occasions.
On 13th November 2010, his impressive performances and goal ratio earned him an England call-up in a 2-1 defeat to France coming off the bench. Bothroyd became the first ever Cardiff City player to represent the England senior team in the clubs 111-year history.
Bothroyd went on to score 41-goals in 116 appearances for the club.
Current Burnley shot-stopper Tom Heaton earns surprise England call-up after having his Premier League dream short lived after just a single season in the top flight with the Clarets.
Heaton and his Burnley side conceded 53 goals in the 14-15 Premier League season, but England boss Roy Hodgson has overlooked the statistics and has stuck by his decision to call-up the Chester born goalkeeper.
Heaton finds his name alongside a more experienced England pairing between the sticks in both Robert Green and Joe Hart, which indicates minutes maybe limited for the ex-Cardiff and Bristol City keeper. However, he has described the call-up as “indescribable”.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and pretty much everything since I started playing has been geared towards trying to get there.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to see the wood for the trees when you got relegated, but it certainly feels a long way away from that feeling now.”
Heaton praised by Burnley gaffer Sean Dyche
The former Manchester United youth product will be no stranger to a Wembley appearance, if in Hodgson’s future plans, after making an incredible 2012 Carling Cup Final performance for his former Cardiff City side against Liverpool.
It was Heaton himself who helped the Bluebirds on their way to Wembley with two penalty saves in the semi-final versus now Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Heaton proved to be a real pest between the sticks for penalty takers, as he frustrated Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in the shoot-out with a stupendous save… Maybe something England require in their woeful penalty shoot-out record?
Heaton will now take matters into his own hands (literally) when England travel to the Republic of Ireland on June 7th.
The friendly will be a chance for new comers such as Heaton to make a claim for their place in the XI, as the squad then travel to Slovenia on June 14th in a European Championship Qualifier.
QPR forward Charlie Austin and Leicester’s Luke Vardy have also been selected in Roy Hodgson’s XI.
All three players will be looking to impress in order to consolidate their places for their beloved country.
Irish forward Joe Mason has been in fine form for the Bluebirds towards the end of the 14-15 season since returning from his loan spell at Bolton back in January.
Throughout most of the 14-15 season, the Bluebirds seemed to lack creativity and a rock hard defense. However, upon Joe Mason’s return from injury after a more than remarkable loan spell at Bolton, one of these problems were at least rectified.
Plymouth born Mason marked his return from injury being subbed on in the second-half of Cardiff’s away trip to Reading back in early April, as the Bluebirds trailed the Royals one-nil. The 24-year-old showed signs of flair yet to be tapped as he saw his side grab a late point courtesy of Connor McAlaney’s stunning strike.
Mason found himself in Slade’s first-team plans sooner rather than later following the departure of Kenwyne Jones who was loaned to eventual Championship title winners Bournemouth, much to the disbelieve of the Cardiff City faithful.
Despite having no realistic target man up-top in a 4-4-1-1 system, Mason fitted just in behind former Chesterfield striker Eoin Doyle, and the pair seemed to gel quicker than expected in the final six games of the season.
With only six goals between both Mason and Doyle, gaffer Russell Slade was quick to praise the movement of the Bluebirds’ front duo.
“The movement between the pair is key, they compliment each other.” Slade told Wales Online
“One will go long and one will go short and the link up has improved as a partnership for the sake of the team.”
With the summer transfer window soon approaching, Slade has been given the green light by owner Vincent Tan to obtain his potential targets for the 15-16 Championship champagne .
“Vincent’s already given the go ahead for a couple of targets,” he said.
“We’ve got two or three little packages lined up for him to review and see if we get some joy from them.”
Whoever Slade will bring into the Welsh capital this summer, it is without a doubt that Mason is a gem of a player within the club and can surely create as well as find the back of the net.
Mason is rumoured as a transfer target for Championship rivals Wolves in a potential £3 million bid to lure the striker to the midlands.
The Bluebirds will play Forest Green Rovers and Shrewsbury away before setting off to Holland on July 19th for a week.
When the Bluebirds were promoted from the Championship back in 2013, owner Vincent Tan set his sights high on his Cardiff City side, but now find themselves back in the second tier and not at all on merit.
The re-brand:
Great credit was due to Scotsman Malky Mackay who guided Cardiff City to the Premier League in the 2012-13 season, but could he have done it without the financial backing of owner Vincent Tan assisted by the controversial re-brand of the Bluebirds’ kit from blue to red?
The re-brand was just the start of a nasty division within the football club, as the Bluebirds faithful did not take kindly to the colour kit alteration and soon turned on the clubs owner.
Malky Mackay sacking:
Okay, with two three-nil defeats in a row at Anfield, then at home to Southampton at the Cardiff City Stadium, it’s fair to say that Malky Mackay wasn’t on the best run in the latter stages of his Cardiff City managerial career.
Despite the late negatives prior to Malky Mackay’s sacking, the Cardiff fans were fond of the former Norwich City defender, and again, more finger pointing was directed at the Cardiff owner.
The sacking was later revealed by owner Vincent Tan that Mackay had overspent on funds that he wasn’t given by the owner. Most notably in the transfer of Andreas Cornelius from Danish club F.C Copenhagen for a club record fee of approximately £8 million. The striker made eight appearances for the Welsh club with no goals to his name.
Cornelius was eventually sold back to F.C Copenhagen for an undisclosed fee in the January window and it was reported by Cardiff that they had lost more than they initially bargained for in the deal.
Even later reports brought out an F.A policing investigation against Mackay for several text messages that was sent by Mackay adeemed to be of a racist, sexist and homophobic nature.
Following the sacking of Malky Mackay, former Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as the new Cardiff boss on the 2nd January 2014. The appointment came as a surprise to the Cardiff fans, given Solskaer’s lack of experience in footballing management.
Solskjaer’s first game in charge was an FA Cup tie away at big boys Newcastle United where Cardiff managed to come from behind to win the game 2-1 at St.Andrews. This was only to be false hope for the Cardiff faithful, as Solskjaer plumaged the Bluebirds to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League table, and in doing so, the Welsh club were relegated.
However, Solskjaer was backed by the board to bounce straight back to the Premier League. But, with the club suffering two straight defeats to both Norwich and Middlesborough at home, Solskjaer was sacked leaving the Cardiff fans pondering on why the Norwegian was ever appointed manager.
With the Cardiff board looking at their former appointment of the inexperienced Solskjaer, they looked this time in the other direction by appointing former Yeovil Town and Brighton manager Russell Slade on the 6th October 2014.
Despite the bags of experience Slade has obtained as a footballing manager, the question was still to be asked by the Cardiff fans: “Russell who?”.
To Slade’s credit, he had the capital city of Wales buzzing after what was a more than great start.
Slade built himself a platform with sixteen points from a possible twenty-four by the end of November, but he could not build on the positive start and saw his side winless in the month of December.
With results still faltering and fans beyond disappointed with the Cardiff boss, the Bluebirds faithful finally had something to smile about after the club announced their return to blue. This also brought them their long overdue win in over a month against under achieving Fulham winning the game by a goal to nil at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Despite some more poor performances with hints of improvement on the field, Russell Slade is assured of the boards backing and stresses this is a “transition period” for the football club.
The need to reduce the budget was made clear by the Cardiff boss and board, with the departures to some fan favourites such as John Brayford, Matts Daehli, Kenwyne Jones and more which only baffled the Cardiff City faithful as to why some of the clubs best players were allowed to leave without the players’ consent.
These factors within the football club has given Cardiff City a reputation of being a bit of a “circus club” to some. Unable to stay out of the headlines for all the wrong reasons, why wouldn’t they be?
But surely now, the only way is up for the Welsh club?
The iconic midfielder recently earned an eight year milestone at the football club, and the quantity of his time there more than matches the quality he has shown the Cardiff City faithful.
Whittingham has been somewhat of a fans favourite at the Cardiff City Stadium, but some have an alternative view on the midfielder.
The Nuneaton born footballer began his professional playing career at Aston Villa, where he was scouted playing for his local Sunday league side.
After brief spells at both Derby County and now Premier Leagueside Burnley, Whittingham signed for the Bluebirds on a permanent basis for an estimated £350,000 fee back in January 2007, which will now seem like a steal for the Welsh club.
The thirty-year-old has scored over 70 goals from midfield, including a hat-trick in a 4-3 victory away at Sheffield United in the 2009-10 season.
However, some of the Bluebirds faithful have had their critics of the city number seven. Whittingham has been referred to being “lazy” and “poor” defensively. He may have a wand of a left foot and the vision of Andrea Pirlo, but some fans have been stressing as to what he offers on days that his usual killer passing or strikes out of nothing don’t payoff.
Whittingham is a literal key to the Cardiff side, with him, you can unlock a defense with ease and you may not even notice it. Without him, you’re pretty much lost, struggling to get through the back door and forcing yourself to break your way in.
He’s a player that fans have hope for in a dead-ball situation. If he doesn’t deliver, you know he’s due to do something special.
It’s easy to pinpoint what a player lacks on the pitch, especially in times of despair for a club that were backed for promotion at the start of the campaign, but find themselves 13th with just five games remaining in the Sky Bet Championship.
A comfort that Whittingham fans can take when the midfielder finally kicks the bucket is the promising product of youngster Joe Ralls.
Ralls, 21, has come up from the Cardiff City youth system and is finding a run of games alongside Whittingham in a midfield four.
Ralls, like Whittingham, also possesses vision and a wand of left boot. Maybe the only difference between the pair is that Ralls would have a better understanding in the defensive department, having played emergency left-back for the Welsh side on a numerous of occasions.
The Bluebirds will be hoping for a better campaign next season with the board confirm Russell Slade will remain in charge of the Welsh side next season.
In the past decade, we’ve witnessed many great players to grace the Football League. Some now coaching, some still going strong and some now living the dream at the top level of English football. The Football League and the Football Manager online community have partnered up to search for the Football Leagues (Championship, League One and League Two) best XI of the past decade to mark 10 years of Football League awards. I went ahead to challenge some of their names to my own XI…
Manager – Ian Holloway
When you have a team, you need a motivator at the helm to take charge. For the gaffer, I’ve chosen Bristolian born Ian Holloway. Some may have their critics on his lack of focus to defend at times, but this man gets the job done and in style. Ian believes in the philosophy that goals win you matches and that was proven in his incredible spell at Blackpool. The Seasiders were favourites for relegation in the 2010 Championship season, but Holloway saw them in a different light and guided them to the Barclays Premier League after a 3-2 victory over Cardiff City in the Play-Off Final. Holloway has also won major honours at Q.P.R and Crystal Palace.
GK – Julian Speroni – Crystal Palace
Maybe not quite the height you’d ask a goalkeeper to be (6’1) compared to some giants, especially in a very physical league, however, when you’re looking for consistency, commitment, desire and passion; look no further than this Argentine. Speroni, 35, signed for Crystal Palace in 2004 from Scottish club Dundee United, going on to make 302 appearances for the London club in the Football League.
The veteran is now making his name known worldwide, playing regularly in the Barclays Premier League. He has also saw his side involved in a Carling Cup semi-final and has found himself much loved among the Palace faithful being named supporters’ player of the season on four separate occasions.
RB – Graham Alexander – Preston North End
Despite his position at the back, Scottish defender Graham Alexander is no stranger to a goal in any division. Yes, it may be from a ‘wee’ 12-yards, but he is a cult hero to Preston fans nonetheless. With 372 appearances and 54 goals for The Lilywhites, he has been renowned for his exceptional reading of the game and carried this trait in to management with League One outfit Fleetwood Town.
CB – Rodger Johnson – Wycombe Wanderers/Cardiff City
Johnson spent the majority of his career at Wycombe Wanderers (2000 – 2006) where he won PFA player of the year, before moving to Cardiff where he won the same award for his performances in a higher division. Johnson is known for his glancing headers in defensive and attacking areas scoring 41 goals in his career, not bad for a man who spends most of his minutes at the back.
CB – Ashley Williams – Swansea City
A center-back who is equally brilliant with the timing of his challenges as well as his distribution. The 49 time capped Welsh international is a real ball playing defender, capable of switching the ball to either wing from the back with pin-point accuracy. Williams has seen his Swansea side promoted on two separate occasions and now finds himself playing in the Barclays Premier League. His performances have brought the attention of many top clubs in England including Arsenal.
LB – Dean Lewington – MK.Dons
With many candidates for the left-back spot, MK.Dons’ Dean Lewington finds his place due to his commitment and consistency in performances for his club. Having made over 500 appearances (cup & league), Lewington found his 500th game for the club dubbed “Orange4Lewie” due to his hair colour. The theme was to make the stadium as orange as possible which brought to much amusement for the MK Dons faithful that day.
WM – Peter Beagrie – Scunthorpe United
A familiar name and face to many associated with the Football League and some may forget the impact he had on the football pitch. Beagrie was renowned for his somersault celebrations as well as being a cult hero among Scunthorpe United fans. The ever lasting winger had abundance of work rate, with quick feet as well as delivering a mean cross. He dropped all of three divisions to join Scunthorpe after playing in the top division of English football. He ended his Irons career in 2006 and went on to have a brief spell at Grimsby Town.
CM – Leon Britton – Swansea City
Began his career at West Ham before joining Swansea City in 2003 helping the Welsh side avoid relegation from division four. Britton has since appeared in every professional English division climbing an enormous league ladder with Swansea and now plays in the Barclay’s Premier League. Britton is not an instinctive goalscorer, but possess the composure that even Andrea Pirlo would be proud of under immense pressure. He looks to play in front of the back four and always seems to have time on his side.
CM – Peter Whittingham – Cardiff City
He may not run, he may not make that last ditch challenge through the mud, but what this lad does have is a wand of a left foot. Beginning his career in the Midlands at Aston Villa, Whittingham made his transfer to Cardiff City in 2007.
The Nuneaton born midfielder was highly criticised in his earlier days at Cardiff, being called “lazy” and “gutless”. However, he more than made up for in abundance with his left boot in order to deliver, create and of course score a worldly of goals. He has been nicknamed the “shy assassin” due to his composure when celebrating.
Whittingham, 30, has so far made over 305 appearances and scored 77 goals in the Football League and thus has earned his place in my XI.
WM – Jason Koumas – West Bromwich Albion
If you give this lad a stage, he will go and perform on it with flying colours. Koumas found himself as a bit of yo-yo player, flirting with both the Premier Division and the Championship. He made his name known at Tranmere Rovers becoming a fans favourite. His skilful performances attracted the interest of West Bromwich Albion where he spent the majority of his playing career. Koumas uses his quick feet to great effect and he also possesses one hell of a strike from distance.
ST – Lee Trundle – Swansea City
Skill, power, determination and a tidy finish; these are just some of the attributes that allowed Lee Trundle to overcome his lack of genuine pace. A name that was more than familiar in South Wales stealing the hearts of, well, all of the Swansea City faithful. Trundle has played for fifteen different clubs since making his professional start for Burscough in 1995 and is now a club ambassador at Swansea City.
ST – Rickie Lambert – Bristol Rovers/Southampton
Much like Trundle, Lambert lacked the pace to beat a man, but was no stranger to a goal. It took him till the latter stages of his career to gain international recognition after signing for Southampton from Bristol Rovers. Many question why Lambert was never given the chance at the top level before, this could have been his pace holding him back. Lambert has scored 204 Football League goals and now plays in the Premier League with European giants Liverpool.
Close Candidates:
Manager – Eddie Howe
Manager – Gary Johnson
Manager – Nigel Atkins
Manager – Tony Pulis
GK – David Marshall – Cardiff City
GK – Luke McCormick – Plymouth Argyle
CB: Jose Fonte – Southampton
LB – Ian Hart – Reading
CM – Richie Wellens – Doncaster Rovers/Leicester City
ST – Adebayo Akinfenwa – Northampton Town
ST – Gary Hooper Scunthorpe
You can find out the Football Leagues ‘FL Team Of The Decade’ at the annual Awards ceremony on Sunday 19th April at The Brewery, London – the tenth anniversary of the event.
The shortlist for manager of the Team of the Decade will be decided with help from the Football Manager online community.
To find out more about The Football League Awards please visit www.FLAwards.com
Sam Hardwell - Football Correspondent 