Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:20 am
Blake, I have to disagree,We should Respect all our oppositions and I do believe Barnsley will be tough, but I also expect City to win.
Monday 8th April 2013
Nathan Blake
" There’s nobody in the Barnsley team that really carries a threat or should do any damage to the Bluebirds."
No offence to Barnsley, but they operate on a small budget and I really can’t see them holding City back right now.
I believe the Bluebirds will win quite comfortably tomorrow, something like 2-0 or 3-1, to put the club on the brink of promotion.
Although, as we know, if the visitors are even going to get a goal they are going to have to breach what for me is the best defence the Championship has to offer.
Blakey: Cardiff City's defence was impressive against Watford
It falls to me to state the case for the Cardiff City defence this week. The game at Vicarage Road on Saturday evening might not have been the most thrilling for those watching on TV, but it was another priceless point towards the Bluebirds’ promotion cause.
It was a tight game, but once again the difference was a brilliant display from the Bluebirds defence.
A 16th clean sheet of the season is astounding and, let’s be honest here, that defensive work has been the bedrock that this brilliant season has been built on.
I know Cardiff defend right through the team, it’s Malky Mackay’s way of course.
The way the Bluebirds have played going forward has allowed the defence to get tighter on the opposition or play with a higher line.
But after Vicarage Road you have to salute Cardiff’s back five, although when you look at it this season there have been quite a few more than five.
That has been one of the most impressive ingredients about the Bluebirds’ defence so far this campaign, it has been incredibly adaptable and has had to cope with a lot of changes.
There have been a number of different centre-half partnerships with injuries taking Ben Turner and skipper Mark Hudson out of the side.
Young Ben Nugent has slipped in at times and looked solid, Matt Connolly has played in there and then moved back out to right-back.
Even against Watford the story was the same. Connolly was forced off with barely 10 minutes played with a groin injury and on came Kevin McNaughton who had a sound game.
At the same time Leon Barnett was making his fourth appearance at centre-half, with Hudson now out for the rest of the season.
Yes, that Cardiff defence has had a revolving door at times and they have coped with it fantastically well.
There is, of course, a ready-made excuse for poor performances right there.
It would have been so easy for the manager or the players to blame a defeat on the fact that the defence had been forced to change around so much... but they never have.
Everyone has just pulled together and got on with things, and that is very much to be admired.
Individually, there have been some great performers at the back.
Andrew Taylor, for me, is arguably the Bluebirds’ player of the season, a defender who almost goes under the radar as he is so steady.
Hudson, too, has had his best season since he joined the club four years ago. So when it was revealed that he would be out for the run-in then everyone could be forgiven for being just a bit nervous.
But that was before Mackay brought Barnett in on loan from Norwich – and what a fantastic signing he has proved to be.
In his four games to date Cardiff have kept three clean sheets and it is not easy to fit so seamlessly into a defence at this stage of the season.
But Barnett is strong, good in the air and has the ability to pick out a pass too.
No offence to anyone else at the club, but I rate him as the most athletic centre-half at Cardiff right now.
He’s big, but he can cover the ground quickly. It has been brilliant to see him slot straight in and hit the ground running at the club, just what was needed after the loss of Hudson.
But if the back four have been excellent the man behind them has been just as worthy of praise too.
Goalkeeper David Marshall has been one of the most important players all season.
Just look at the Watford match and the brilliant save he pulled off to deny Troy Deeney in the second half.
It was an excellent stop and one that went a long way to making sure his side came away with the draw.
Marshall has done that a lot all campaign, whether it be to keep his side in front or to keep them in a game.
I noted that, after the Watford draw,Mackay said he expected his goalkeeper to be named in the Championship side of the season – and it is pretty hard to disagree with that assessment.
A case might be made for young Jack Butland at Birmingham, but they have had nowhere near the season the Bluebirds have enjoyed.
So it has to be Marshall for me, particularly when you realise just how many clean sheets he has kept.
That defence is going to have to be on form now for the remaining six games, with the first of those being Cardiff’s game in hand at home to Barnsley tomorrow night.
The Tykes have had a fair resurgence of late under new manager David Flitcroft, but for every point Cardiff get now the pressure just lifts from them ever so slightly and I expect them to start playing better and better.
There’s nobody in the Barnsley team that really carries a threat or should do any damage to the Bluebirds.
No offence to Barnsley, but they operate on a small budget and I really can’t see them holding City back right now.
I believe the Bluebirds will win quite comfortably tomorrow, something like 2-0 or 3-1, to put the club on the brink of promotion.
Although, as we know, if the visitors are even going to get a goal they are going to have to breach what for me is the best defence the Championship has to offer.
Monday 8th April 2013
Nathan Blake
" There’s nobody in the Barnsley team that really carries a threat or should do any damage to the Bluebirds."
No offence to Barnsley, but they operate on a small budget and I really can’t see them holding City back right now.
I believe the Bluebirds will win quite comfortably tomorrow, something like 2-0 or 3-1, to put the club on the brink of promotion.
Although, as we know, if the visitors are even going to get a goal they are going to have to breach what for me is the best defence the Championship has to offer.
Blakey: Cardiff City's defence was impressive against Watford
It falls to me to state the case for the Cardiff City defence this week. The game at Vicarage Road on Saturday evening might not have been the most thrilling for those watching on TV, but it was another priceless point towards the Bluebirds’ promotion cause.
It was a tight game, but once again the difference was a brilliant display from the Bluebirds defence.
A 16th clean sheet of the season is astounding and, let’s be honest here, that defensive work has been the bedrock that this brilliant season has been built on.
I know Cardiff defend right through the team, it’s Malky Mackay’s way of course.
The way the Bluebirds have played going forward has allowed the defence to get tighter on the opposition or play with a higher line.
But after Vicarage Road you have to salute Cardiff’s back five, although when you look at it this season there have been quite a few more than five.
That has been one of the most impressive ingredients about the Bluebirds’ defence so far this campaign, it has been incredibly adaptable and has had to cope with a lot of changes.
There have been a number of different centre-half partnerships with injuries taking Ben Turner and skipper Mark Hudson out of the side.
Young Ben Nugent has slipped in at times and looked solid, Matt Connolly has played in there and then moved back out to right-back.
Even against Watford the story was the same. Connolly was forced off with barely 10 minutes played with a groin injury and on came Kevin McNaughton who had a sound game.
At the same time Leon Barnett was making his fourth appearance at centre-half, with Hudson now out for the rest of the season.
Yes, that Cardiff defence has had a revolving door at times and they have coped with it fantastically well.
There is, of course, a ready-made excuse for poor performances right there.
It would have been so easy for the manager or the players to blame a defeat on the fact that the defence had been forced to change around so much... but they never have.
Everyone has just pulled together and got on with things, and that is very much to be admired.
Individually, there have been some great performers at the back.
Andrew Taylor, for me, is arguably the Bluebirds’ player of the season, a defender who almost goes under the radar as he is so steady.
Hudson, too, has had his best season since he joined the club four years ago. So when it was revealed that he would be out for the run-in then everyone could be forgiven for being just a bit nervous.
But that was before Mackay brought Barnett in on loan from Norwich – and what a fantastic signing he has proved to be.
In his four games to date Cardiff have kept three clean sheets and it is not easy to fit so seamlessly into a defence at this stage of the season.
But Barnett is strong, good in the air and has the ability to pick out a pass too.
No offence to anyone else at the club, but I rate him as the most athletic centre-half at Cardiff right now.
He’s big, but he can cover the ground quickly. It has been brilliant to see him slot straight in and hit the ground running at the club, just what was needed after the loss of Hudson.
But if the back four have been excellent the man behind them has been just as worthy of praise too.
Goalkeeper David Marshall has been one of the most important players all season.
Just look at the Watford match and the brilliant save he pulled off to deny Troy Deeney in the second half.
It was an excellent stop and one that went a long way to making sure his side came away with the draw.
Marshall has done that a lot all campaign, whether it be to keep his side in front or to keep them in a game.
I noted that, after the Watford draw,Mackay said he expected his goalkeeper to be named in the Championship side of the season – and it is pretty hard to disagree with that assessment.
A case might be made for young Jack Butland at Birmingham, but they have had nowhere near the season the Bluebirds have enjoyed.
So it has to be Marshall for me, particularly when you realise just how many clean sheets he has kept.
That defence is going to have to be on form now for the remaining six games, with the first of those being Cardiff’s game in hand at home to Barnsley tomorrow night.
The Tykes have had a fair resurgence of late under new manager David Flitcroft, but for every point Cardiff get now the pressure just lifts from them ever so slightly and I expect them to start playing better and better.
There’s nobody in the Barnsley team that really carries a threat or should do any damage to the Bluebirds.
No offence to Barnsley, but they operate on a small budget and I really can’t see them holding City back right now.
I believe the Bluebirds will win quite comfortably tomorrow, something like 2-0 or 3-1, to put the club on the brink of promotion.
Although, as we know, if the visitors are even going to get a goal they are going to have to breach what for me is the best defence the Championship has to offer.
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:54 am
Oh well, we'll probably lose to Barnsley now cos Nathan Blake gets plenty wrong and makes stupid comments. I think we comfortably beat them but it could easily be a draw. Barnsley have been in good form lately
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:55 am
The ones down the bottom are more of a threat that the ones at the top at this time of the season, Malky wont think this one is in the bag
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 8:38 am
This is the same Barnsley that in the last month have beat Brighton, Watford, Leicester and held Palace to a draw away. Only lost 1 in last 6 games, that's a decent sides form. Will not be easy but im expecting a win 
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 8:41 am
It is very difficult to predict scores in the championship this season. It really has been a season where anyone can beat anyone.
Barnsley have had a good run of results lately winning 3 and drawing 1 out of the last 5. Those 4 games where they have got a result have been against teams in the top 7, Brighton, Watford, Leicester all home wins and drawing away to Palace. The only downfall was against a fellow relegation struggler Sheff Wed at Hillsborough.
Although that looks topsey turvey the only teams showing some inform on that list are Sheff Wed and Brighton although I feel the southerners Brighton are feeling it now.
A very unpredictable league.
Barnsley have had a good run of results lately winning 3 and drawing 1 out of the last 5. Those 4 games where they have got a result have been against teams in the top 7, Brighton, Watford, Leicester all home wins and drawing away to Palace. The only downfall was against a fellow relegation struggler Sheff Wed at Hillsborough.
Although that looks topsey turvey the only teams showing some inform on that list are Sheff Wed and Brighton although I feel the southerners Brighton are feeling it now.
A very unpredictable league.
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 11:53 am
It will be a tough game just like every championship game. Any points taking from Barnsley is a good result 
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 12:20 pm
Silly comments by Blake, they are scrapping for their survival and we are under pressure to secure promotion,lots could go wrong, I do agree we'll win about 2-0 or 3-1 but to dismiss the oppositions chances is just asking for trouble.
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 12:31 pm
Pontypool_Bluebird wrote:Oh well, we'll probably lose to Barnsley now cos Nathan Blake gets plenty wrong and makes stupid comments. I think we comfortably beat them but it could easily be a draw. Barnsley have been in good form lately
I'm wondering if he even follows the championship with such a naive remark. Everyone knows anyone can beat anyone and they often do in this league.
I suppose he is happy now we have a different captain tho
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 1:36 pm
It worries me coming out with stuff like that!!
I mean how stupid can he be saying Barnsley are going to get a goal
I mean how stupid can he be saying Barnsley are going to get a goal
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 3:41 pm
How did he get a job. He talks absolute shit.
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:20 pm
Annis, I agree with you about 'giving the opposition respect' and (far more importantly) so does Malky!
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:19 pm
We'll draw this game. Barnsley are a very underrated side
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:46 pm
Peterborough operate on a small budget, bring back David Giles.
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:56 pm
So long as it's NB who is taking Barnsley lightly and not MM and the team I don't mind.
They are fighting for every point possible. No game is going to be easy from now on....... they are on a very good run.
They are fighting for every point possible. No game is going to be easy from now on....... they are on a very good run.
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:02 pm
I have defended Blake all season with his columns and I fully agreed with him at the time when he made his statement about Hudson not doing his job as captain when we shipped 3 goals away to Forest and 5 goals away to Charlton.
However, this is the first time I have disagreed with Blake 100%. It makes you wonder what his mindset must have been like as a player. Would he be going out there tomorrow as a player really thinking Barnsley are inferior opposition? If so, it's a good job we have a team of Malky's men, not a team of Nathan Blakes! Peterborough have shown anyone can beat anyone in this division.
I remember Blake in the build up to our playoff final against Blackpool saying how he didn't just think we would win, he expected us to win. Unfortunately, our squad of bottlers had Blake's attitude that day and we blew it (again)! Blake is being a complete idiot here, he's done Barnsley's team talk for their manager already, how foolish!
However, this is the first time I have disagreed with Blake 100%. It makes you wonder what his mindset must have been like as a player. Would he be going out there tomorrow as a player really thinking Barnsley are inferior opposition? If so, it's a good job we have a team of Malky's men, not a team of Nathan Blakes! Peterborough have shown anyone can beat anyone in this division.
I remember Blake in the build up to our playoff final against Blackpool saying how he didn't just think we would win, he expected us to win. Unfortunately, our squad of bottlers had Blake's attitude that day and we blew it (again)! Blake is being a complete idiot here, he's done Barnsley's team talk for their manager already, how foolish!
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:08 pm
Thanks Nath if they aint up for it thry will now !!
if they aint up for it thry will now !!
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:22 pm
Blakey, you're stupid making comments like that, you should know better being an ex professional footballer. It's as though you're trying to undermine all Malky's brilliant hard work and ethic. I hope none of the players have bothered to read your drivel and thank god you're not the manager tomorrow night as we would be turned over just like Dave Jones prima donnas, you would have fitted nicely into that regime. If Malky had inherited you then he would have off-loaded you with immediate effect as he only has workers in this squad. You should be ashamed, life isn't as simple as that.
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Mon Apr 08, 2013 7:03 pm
Agree with the majority here, every team in this League beat any one, yes we should win, but it will be down to hard work as usual
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Tue Apr 09, 2013 9:01 pm
Nathan Blake
" There’s nobody in the Barnsley team that really carries a threat or should do any damage to the Bluebirds."
No offence to Barnsley, but they operate on a small budget and I really can’t see them holding City back right now.
I believe the Bluebirds will win quite comfortably tomorrow, something like 2-0 or 3-1, to put the club on the brink of promotion.
Re: Nathan Blake " NO THREAT FROM BARNSLEY "
Tue Apr 09, 2013 9:03 pm
NJ73 wrote:Nathan Blake
" There’s nobody in the Barnsley team that really carries a threat or should do any damage to the Bluebirds."
No offence to Barnsley, but they operate on a small budget and I really can’t see them holding City back right now.
I believe the Bluebirds will win quite comfortably tomorrow, something like 2-0 or 3-1, to put the club on the brink of promotion.
He's not wrong about the brink of promotion. Scoreline out a tad though.