Paul Trollope Must Stick To His Guns and Not Swallow His Pride Over “Welsh Way”

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?

Article by Sam Hardwell,

@HardwellSam

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Turner: England’s Star Centre-Back… That Never Was!

By Sam Hardwell

@HardwellSam

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.

Only time shall tell… Good luck Big Ben!

 

 

Does Heaton deserve England call-up?

By Sam Hardwell,

@HardwellSam

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.

Does Heaton deserve England call-up?

Why Joe Mason can be Cardiff City’s catalyst next season

By Sam Hardwell

Twitter: @HardwellSam

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.

By Sam Hardwell,

Twitter: @HardwellSam

Where did it all go wrong for Cardiff City?

By Sam Hardwell

@HardwellSam

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.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment:

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.

Russell Slade and cost-cutting:

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?

Why Cardiff City will miss midfield maestro Peter Whittingham

By Sam Hardwell

@HardwellSam

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.

Football League Team Of The Decade (2005-2015)

By Sam Hardwell

@HardwellSam

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

Gunnarsson Ignores Slade’s Game Plan In Defeat

Cardiff City played host to Derby County on Saturday 31st January 2015, losing the game 2-0 with a slightly different philosophy within Slade’s usual “Hoof ball” system.

With the absence of David Marshall (club captain) and Ben Turner (vice), some wondered who would take on the arm-band for the clash with second place Derby County. The team-sheets were announced an hour prior to kick-off, as was the skipper for the Bluebirds in Icelandic skipper, Aaron Gunnarson.

A source from inside the football club (apparently a guest fan) over heard a brief conversation between Gunnarsson and Whittingham.

Allegedly, the conversation was spurred before kick-off as Gunnarsson took upon his own team-talk when in a huddle with the other ten players in the Cardiff side. The team-talk was apparently purely on an alternative approach to City’s open play by supporting and keeping the ball on the floor, preferred to Slade’s usually criticised “hoofball”.

Aaron Gunnarsson, 25, is no stranger when it comes to controversy. The forty-nine time capped intentional found fingers pointed in his direction when City’s team-sheet was leaked 24 hours prior to kick-off to opposing side Crystal Palace last season.

True or false, there defiantly was a noticeable change about the manner in how City approached the game. Most of the play was distributed from the back four, looking for new signing O’Keefe and both wide players in Harris and Noone.

Despite any attempts in an alternative philosophy, again, the striker(s) seemed to struggle to connect with the midfield in the final third of the pitch. The first attempt at goal took all of thirty-two minutes from Alex Revell, but was straight at Lee Grant in the Derby goal.

It was the same old story for Russell’s men, as an early Simon Moore penalty save from a controversial foul by skipper Aaron Gunnarsson couldn’t prevent Derby from victory. An own-goal from left-back Scott Malone and a Russell Martin header capped off yet another miserable day for the Bluebirds and now find themselves 13th, seven points off the relegation zone.

The final whistle brought a chorus of boos from the City faithful, as they let Russell and his men know, enough is enough.

By Sam Hardwell

@HardwellSam

Has Cardiff City Owner Vincent Tan Earned Respect?

By Sam Hardwell

@HardwellSam

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan has seen his side alter divisions on the pitch, managers, fans and kit colour. In his five years as owner of the Bluebirds, he has seen his name next to much controversy which he has attempted to rectify. Does Vincent Tan deserve respect?

When Vincent Tan joined Cardiff City in May 2010 with fellow Malaysian investor Dato Chan Tien Ghee, the plan was to clear the debt and challenge for promotion to the Premier League within the next two seasons of investing. As plans for equity were in progress and a winding up order avoided, former Cardiff manager Dave Jones floundered in his attempt to get the club to the top flight with a Play-Off Final and a second-leg nightmare defeat at home to Reading.

Dave Jones was relieved of his duties on the same day noisy neighbours Swansea City gained promotion to the Premier League. His departure made way for Malky Mackay, being appointed manager in June 2012 by the Cardiff board and not Vincent Tan, which he himself would soon make clear.

Malky Mackay came into Cardiff with only nine senior players at the club after a major clear out at the football club. The former Watford manager had to act quickly to fill out his squad before the start of the 12-13 season and did so with what mainly were free-agents. City were unfancied by the bookies for the Play-Offs, however, Mackay somehow managed to guide his Bluebirds side to a Carling Cup Final and a Play-Off place in his first season in charge.

The following season proved to be one of City’s most successful. Promotion was gained in the 13-14 season, but it came at a price with many question marks surrounding owner Vincent Tan after he declared Cardiff City’s home colours would change from blue to red. This was seen as a lucky colour in Malaysia and would also assist Cardiff in a global market, insisted Tan.

Alleged Bizarre Actions From Vincent Tan:

– Questions why Cardiff City goalkeeper (David Marshall) hasn’t scored.

– Encouraged players to shoot from inside their own half.

– Prefers players with lucky 8 in their birth-dates.

– Handed written notes of tactics before kick-off to Malky Mackay.

– Asked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to alter playing style.

It would seem that lightning can only strike twice as Cardiff were relegated from the Premier League the following season in what also proved to be their most controversial.

Cardiff fans were overwhelmed with their start to the top flight, with victories against Manchester City and arch rivals Swansea. The plaudits were being pointed in the direction of Malky Mackay’s organisational skills. However, Vincent Tan had an alternative verdict on the Scotsman. This only further angered the Cardiff faithful. It was claimed that Tan told Mackay himself that he overspent on a player that was not value for his money (Andreas Cornelius), going on to say he wanted a Toyota, when Tan requested a Ferrari. A football owner comparing cars to football… How bizarre can the man get?

As the season wore on, so did the squabble within the football club as things heated up between owner and manager. With Vincent seemingly looking more and more impacient with the Cardiff boss, he wrote an email to the Scotsman saying: “Resign or be Sacked!”. The news broke out on social network with fellow managers backing the Cardiff City manager: “You’ve got a business man who is operating the club (Vincent Tan) who knows absolutely nothing about football.” – Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports.

Come December time, the squabble seemed to be transpiring onto the pitch with heartless performances from the Cardiff players, which the Bluebirds faithful were not used to seeing under Mackay. With defeats to Liverpool and Southampton and sitting just outside the relegation zone, Mackay’s time was called to an end, despite the protests from fans to keep him on as manager.

With Cardiff fans demanding an answer as to why Mackay saw the boot, the owner stated: “In time, the truth will be unveiled and people will apologise.” The apology that Tan seems to be referring to unfolded when news broke out of a texting scandal between Malky Mackay and former Cardiff City scout Ian Moodey. The texts were investigated by the FA and it was revealed as racist, sexist and homophobic content between the two former Cardiff City employees. Malky Mackay held an interview with the press admitting to the texting scandal in a plead to help clear his name, claiming it was just “banter” but also admitting it was unacceptable and no excuse.

The 14-15 season saw City boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked in a more respectful fashion come September after only nine months in charge. The sacking came as Cardiff found themselves mid-table in the Championship which did not meet the requirements of fans and board.

As performances under new Cardiff boss Russell Slade proved to be gritty and unattractive, the fans along with the old traditional blue kit seemed to vanish all together. Much to Tan’s realisation prompted by his mother that “unity” and “togetherness” was the way forward, Vincent Tan, against his own words reverted the club kit back from red to blue again.

The critics seemed to have converted onto current Cardiff boss Russell Slade, as fans found themselves displeased with performances as well as results. However, it appears that former Cardiff City owner Sam Hammam is preparing a court conflict with the club over an alleged £6million-plus figure still owed to creditors Langston. The debt owed to Langston was stated to be cleared back in 2013 thanks to the clubs income of revenue after the re-brand. Could this be another lie coming from Vincent Tan once again?

After Vincent seemed to have made amends for the re-brand and found his actions justified after the sacking of Mackay, has Tan burned City again?

Vincent is set to fly in to watch the Bluebirds play host to fellow Championship side Derby County after almost a year being outside of the Welsh capital this weekend (Sat 31st Jan).

… Has Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan earned respect?

Charlton 1 – 1 Cardiff City – Let Fans Speak

Lazy, trash and not looking forward to the next day, these are just some of the things Cardiff City and Boxing Day have in common after Charlton draw.

As it stands, Cardiff trail the play-off places by seven points after what was a more than disappointing Boxing Day draw at the Valley.

Despite only two points from a possible twelve, Cardiff owner (Vincent Tan) who has let the Bluebirds faithful know on this Christmas holiday that the club will “not be turning team back to blue”, but insists that Cardiff “will make the play-offs” – He told BBC Radio Wales after the game.

Leaving Tan out of the question, which he is more than use to, Cardiff knew to get back into the promotion challenge, they needed to either prove what they are capable of or return home with three points by any means necessary, they did neither.

With Cardiff one goal to the good in the second period not only had something to protect, but something to build on with only ten players in front of them.

Charlton were reduced to ten men when Harriott launched into a late and high challenge on Noone and was shown a straight red card.

Red Card at the Valley

Despite the one man advantage in the Bluebirds’ favour, they only managed one shot in the second-half and allowed Charlton to complete the day with 60% of possession to their name.

To add insult to injury, Charlton grabbed what was a deserved goal in the 88th minute through Berg Gudmundsson after Sean Morrison earlier cleared an attempt from George Tucudean off the line. Is this credit to Charlton and their staff or pity upon Cardiff?

This is not the first time that the Bluebirds have been unable to perform of the levels expected when playing against ten men. Cardiff found themselves in a comfortable two goal lead at the CCS and only brought pressure upon themselves when the ten men of Reading pulled one back and could nearly of taken away a point from the CCS with Cardiff having to withheld needless and relentless pressure. Could this be a poor mental state or just a negative approach from manager Russell Slade?

Playing terrible and not picking up results with the best squad in the league. Sorry, but that’s as bad as a manager gets!

Yes, at first under Russell, it was free flowing, swift, and a joy to watch going forward in his old school 4-4-2 system. With goals coming from various of areas, much like the era under Dave Jones, but we know how that one panned out.

Now, it looks gritty while relying on set-pieces as shown via Gunnarsson’s long throw which helped Tom Adeyemi to first City goal and unlike under Mackay, it’s not getting us the results.

Adeyemi first goal v Charlton

The problems on the pitch is obviously nothing the fans can do, that’s up to Russell and the team, but even worse of a job is that they can only worry about it.

“We had total control for 35 minutes but we were disappointed with the second half as we performed so differently.” – Slade told BBC Radio Wales.

He then went on to add: “We will have to look at the mental and physical side of our game. I thought our defending was poor for much of the second half.”

Cardiff are at home to play-off contenders Watford on Sunday with a chance to make things right in the play-off hunt, otherwise, things could look a bit blue.

Article by,

Sam Hardwell

@HardwellSam