' My opinion so far '

Seen as we've got to the international break, here's my opinion so far. Feel free to discuss


It's been a steady start for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Cardiff City. Many would have expected the team to be in the top six already, but there have been some tough fixtures.

Fulham, Wolves and Blackburn were all difficult away games on paper, despite Fulham's poor start - as Solskjaer awaits his 2nd away win since taking charge of the Bluebirds.

There's still a long, long way to go but here's what I've taken from the opening month of the season.

The positives

Kenwyne Jones' excellent start to the season was a surprise to us all. Last season he struggled after scoring on his debut. At times it seemed like he didn't want to be there. Many of us wanted him to leave this summer, but it didn't happen - partly perhaps due to his high wages. However, he has made an excellent start. If he keeps it up all season then he will prove to be an excellent piece of business.

Of Ole's signings, there have been a few who have already impressed. Tom Adeyemi was outstanding against Huddersfield and showed what huge potential he has. Kiko Macheda scored two goals on his debut, albeit against lower league opppsition. Javi Guerra and Sean Morrison have also impressed.

John Brayford. The forgotten man at Cardiff City has been brilliant. The best right-back City have had for a few years. He will be key this season if Cardiff are to achieve promotion. The fact that he was playing in League One last season is criminal.

The results. Home form has started well, with two wins with two. Getting a point at Blackburn was also very respectable. Still work to do, but a solid start. I'm also happy to see us in the 3rd round of the League Cup, always nice to have a cup run and visit lower league grounds.

The negatives

The tinkering. I like Ole, I think he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I do, however, get frustrated by his tinkering. His decision to drop Kenwyne Jones at Wolves was very odd. I understand he wants to keep players fresh, but that can only go up to a point. Maybe it's because Ferguson chopped and changed every week, but this is Cardiff City - we don't have the players that Man Utd did.

Peter Whittingam should be one of our best players week in, week out in this league but he hasn't got going yet. He's also mate mistakes which nearly led to crucial goals. I've been disappointed so far.

Fulham away. Ok, we got a point, but that first half was the worst I've seen us play in this division for a long time. It was awful. I was speaking to someone the other day about how bad Hull at home was last season, and this was almost as bad. We can not afford performances like that if we want to be top two.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

I really want Ole to do well. Like I said above, he is one of the good guys. I wasn't entirely sure about his appointment when he was given the job - especially when I heard one of his main targets was Kenwyne Jones.

However, after a poor show last season under difficult circumstances, he's doing OK so far. The performances haven't been good enough, but he's got some decent results so far.

The performances need to improve, and he'll know that. He has my backing, as every Cardiff manager will. But there will be pressure on him all season as he simply has to take us up.

It's a big season for him too. If he fails with us then he'll struggle to get his dream of consistently managing in the Premier League.



Here's hoping we get back to winning ways in our next three games

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=146938



Don't forget you will be able to vote for your MOTM after every match this season. There will also be a player of the month vote every month, the player with the most votes will win player of the season. THIS FORUM will be presenting a trophy to your player of the season

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=146911

Speak for yourself mate, Kenwyne Jones excellent start was of no surprise to me. Myself and most of my mates had no doubt that Kenwyne would be a handful in the Championship and have more than enough ability to be a quality striker at this level which he seems to be proving, long may it continue and with a quality striker playing up top with him week in week out I am sure it will.

Agree with the rest of your post though

I agree Ned, its been a steady start and there are plenty of positives to take from the likes of Kenwyne and Brayford. I personally had given up on on Kenwyne and it looked like he had himself last season but he has come out this season firing on all cylinders and so far has been my best player along with Brayford and Fabio

My worries are the tinkering by Olie and I would like to see a settled back 4

But over all plenty of positives as this squad is pure quality for the Championship

Seen as we've got to the international break, here's my opinion so far. Feel free to discuss


It's been a steady start for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Cardiff City. Many would have expected the team to be in the top six already, but there have been some tough fixtures.

Fulham, Wolves and Blackburn were all difficult away games on paper, despite Fulham's poor start - as Solskjaer awaits his 2nd away win since taking charge of the Bluebirds.

There's still a long, long way to go but here's what I've taken from the opening month of the season.

The positives

Kenwyne Jones' excellent start to the season was a surprise to us all. Last season he struggled after scoring on his debut. At times it seemed like he didn't want to be there. Many of us wanted him to leave this summer, but it didn't happen - partly perhaps due to his high wages. However, he has made an excellent start. If he keeps it up all season then he will prove to be an excellent piece of business.

Of Ole's signings, there have been a few who have already impressed. Tom Adeyemi was outstanding against Huddersfield and showed what huge potential he has. Kiko Macheda scored two goals on his debut, albeit against lower league opppsition. Javi Guerra and Sean Morrison have also impressed.

John Brayford. The forgotten man at Cardiff City has been brilliant. The best right-back City have had for a few years. He will be key this season if Cardiff are to achieve promotion. The fact that he was playing in League One last season is criminal.

The results. Home form has started well, with two wins with two. Getting a point at Blackburn was also very respectable. Still work to do, but a solid start. I'm also happy to see us in the 3rd round of the League Cup, always nice to have a cup run and visit lower league grounds.

The negatives

The tinkering. I like Ole, I think he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I do, however, get frustrated by his tinkering. His decision to drop Kenwyne Jones at Wolves was very odd. I understand he wants to keep players fresh, but that can only go up to a point. Maybe it's because Ferguson chopped and changed every week, but this is Cardiff City - we don't have the players that Man Utd did.

Peter Whittingam should be one of our best players week in, week out in this league but he hasn't got going yet. He's also mate mistakes which nearly led to crucial goals. I've been disappointed so far.

Fulham away. Ok, we got a point, but that first half was the worst I've seen us play in this division for a long time. It was awful. I was speaking to someone the other day about how bad Hull at home was last season, and this was almost as bad. We can not afford performances like that if we want to be top two.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

I really want Ole to do well. Like I said above, he is one of the good guys. I wasn't entirely sure about his appointment when he was given the job - especially when I heard one of his main targets was Kenwyne Jones.

However, after a poor show last season under difficult circumstances, he's doing OK so far. The performances haven't been good enough, but he's got some decent results so far.

The performances need to improve, and he'll know that. He has my backing, as every Cardiff manager will. But there will be pressure on him all season as he simply has to take us up.

It's a big season for him too. If he fails with us then he'll struggle to get his dream of consistently managing in the Premier League.



Here's hoping we get back to winning ways in our next three games

http://cardiffcityforum.co.uk/viewtopic ... 2&t=146938



Don't forget you will be able to vote for your MOTM after every match this season. There will also be a player of the month vote every month, the player with the most votes will win player of the season. THIS FORUM will be presenting a trophy to your player of the season

http://cardiffcityforum.co.uk/viewtopic ... 2&t=146911

Good write up ned

Good and fair write up,but I think after about 15 games we really will know where we are.It has been a bit of a slow start but that's not a big problem to me.
I still believe we will go up as we will be very strong at xmas time with the squad we have.

Good times ahead we hope

Cheers for the feedback

No point having a big squad if you don't use it.....

We need to rotate, keep player physically and mentally sharp. I believe his first 11 will continually develop as the season rolls on. I think he gave chances to players like Gunnar and Maynard to prove themselves, and desperately needs lefondre to bed in quickly. Jones worked hard in the summer and it shows, I think he was looking for a new premier contract, but a good season albeit a long season will help him.

I think the biggest development is Gabbidon back as a player/coach. Good business as it gest a defender on the coaching staff, but one who could (can) play a bit.

There is 123 point to play for and Ole has not played the big guns Noone, Macheda, Guerra yet. Lets hope in the last 5 games we win 2, draw 2 and only lose 1..........

No point having a big squad if you don't use it.....

We need to rotate, keep player physically and mentally sharp. I believe his first 11 will continually develop as the season rolls on. I think he gave chances to players like Gunnar and Maynard to prove themselves, and desperately needs lefondre to bed in quickly. Jones worked hard in the summer and it shows, I think he was looking for a new premier contract, but a good season albeit a long season will help him.

I think the biggest development is Gabbidon back as a player/coach. Good business as it gest a defender on the coaching staff, but one who could (can) play a bit.

There is 123 point to play for and Ole has not played the big guns Noone, Macheda, Guerra yet. Lets hope in the last 5 games we win 2, draw 2 and only lose 1..........

We need to rotate to keep our players match fit and a happy squad

Seen as we've got to the international break, here's my opinion so far. Feel free to discuss


It's been a steady start for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Cardiff City. Many would have expected the team to be in the top six already, but there have been some tough fixtures.

Fulham, Wolves and Blackburn were all difficult away games on paper, despite Fulham's poor start - as Solskjaer awaits his 2nd away win since taking charge of the Bluebirds.

There's still a long, long way to go but here's what I've taken from the opening month of the season.

The positives

Kenwyne Jones' excellent start to the season was a surprise to us all. Last season he struggled after scoring on his debut. At times it seemed like he didn't want to be there. Many of us wanted him to leave this summer, but it didn't happen - partly perhaps due to his high wages. However, he has made an excellent start. If he keeps it up all season then he will prove to be an excellent piece of business.

Of Ole's signings, there have been a few who have already impressed. Tom Adeyemi was outstanding against Huddersfield and showed what huge potential he has. Kiko Macheda scored two goals on his debut, albeit against lower league opppsition. Javi Guerra and Sean Morrison have also impressed.

John Brayford. The forgotten man at Cardiff City has been brilliant. The best right-back City have had for a few years. He will be key this season if Cardiff are to achieve promotion. The fact that he was playing in League One last season is criminal.

The results. Home form has started well, with two wins with two. Getting a point at Blackburn was also very respectable. Still work to do, but a solid start. I'm also happy to see us in the 3rd round of the League Cup, always nice to have a cup run and visit lower league grounds.

The negatives

The tinkering. I like Ole, I think he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I do, however, get frustrated by his tinkering. His decision to drop Kenwyne Jones at Wolves was very odd. I understand he wants to keep players fresh, but that can only go up to a point. Maybe it's because Ferguson chopped and changed every week, but this is Cardiff City - we don't have the players that Man Utd did.

Peter Whittingam should be one of our best players week in, week out in this league but he hasn't got going yet. He's also mate mistakes which nearly led to crucial goals. I've been disappointed so far.

Fulham away. Ok, we got a point, but that first half was the worst I've seen us play in this division for a long time. It was awful. I was speaking to someone the other day about how bad Hull at home was last season, and this was almost as bad. We can not afford performances like that if we want to be top two.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

I really want Ole to do well. Like I said above, he is one of the good guys. I wasn't entirely sure about his appointment when he was given the job - especially when I heard one of his main targets was Kenwyne Jones.

However, after a poor show last season under difficult circumstances, he's doing OK so far. The performances haven't been good enough, but he's got some decent results so far.

The performances need to improve, and he'll know that. He has my backing, as every Cardiff manager will. But there will be pressure on him all season as he simply has to take us up.

It's a big season for him too. If he fails with us then he'll struggle to get his dream of consistently managing in the Premier League.



Here's hoping we get back to winning ways in our next three games

http://cardiffcityforum.co.uk/viewtopic ... 2&t=146938



Don't forget you will be able to vote for your MOTM after every match this season. There will also be a player of the month vote every month, the player with the most votes will win player of the season. THIS FORUM will be presenting a trophy to your player of the season

http://cardiffcityforum.co.uk/viewtopic ... 2&t=146911

great read

No point having a big squad if you don't use it.....

We need to rotate, keep player physically and mentally sharp. I believe his first 11 will continually develop as the season rolls on. I think he gave chances to players like Gunnar and Maynard to prove themselves, and desperately needs lefondre to bed in quickly. Jones worked hard in the summer and it shows, I think he was looking for a new premier contract, but a good season albeit a long season will help him.

I think the biggest development is Gabbidon back as a player/coach. Good business as it gest a defender on the coaching staff, but one who could (can) play a bit.

There is 123 point to play for and Ole has not played the big guns Noone, Macheda, Guerra yet. Lets hope in the last 5 games we win 2, draw 2 and only lose 1..........

We need to rotate to keep our players match fit and a happy squad

No we don't. We need to get a settled side that know what their doing & not play like a bunch of strangers like they have been.
We need to play a much more fluid game & keep possession & you don't achieve that by constantly swapping players especially the back 4.
You take a player out of the squad for a couple of games later in the season when they tire or lose a bit of form.
You don't swap to keep players happy ffs.

No point having a big squad if you don't use it.....

We need to rotate, keep player physically and mentally sharp. I believe his first 11 will continually develop as the season rolls on. I think he gave chances to players like Gunnar and Maynard to prove themselves, and desperately needs lefondre to bed in quickly. Jones worked hard in the summer and it shows, I think he was looking for a new premier contract, but a good season albeit a long season will help him.

I think the biggest development is Gabbidon back as a player/coach. Good business as it gest a defender on the coaching staff, but one who could (can) play a bit.

There is 123 point to play for and Ole has not played the big guns Noone, Macheda, Guerra yet. Lets hope in the last 5 games we win 2, draw 2 and only lose 1..........

We need to rotate to keep our players match fit and a happy squad

No we don't. We need to get a settled side that know what their doing & not play like a bunch of strangers like they have been.
We need to play a much more fluid game & keep possession & you don't achieve that by constantly swapping players especially the back 4.
You take a player out of the squad for a couple of games later in the season when they tire or lose a bit of form.
You don't swap to keep players happy ffs.

Spot on

Ned, a good write up there.

Of the positives, you rightly say Kenwyne Jones has had a good start to the season but to be honest I always believed Jones would be a good buy for us and I wouldn't say his form has surprised me. I would say his form last season was disappointing.

The negatives,the first half performance against Wolves was as bad as our display under Malky against Norwich last season, that was followed by a worse first half performance against Fulham, this is a becoming a pattern of our play in games this season, hopefully Ole will get us firing from the first minute in upcoming games.

Overall I am pleased with our results thus far and if we are picking up wins at home and draws away, not playing particularly well, then I am optimistic we have a good base to kick on from for the remainder of the season.

No point having a big squad if you don't use it.....

We need to rotate, keep player physically and mentally sharp. I believe his first 11 will continually develop as the season rolls on. I think he gave chances to players like Gunnar and Maynard to prove themselves, and desperately needs lefondre to bed in quickly. Jones worked hard in the summer and it shows, I think he was looking for a new premier contract, but a good season albeit a long season will help him.

I think the biggest development is Gabbidon back as a player/coach. Good business as it gest a defender on the coaching staff, but one who could (can) play a bit.

There is 123 point to play for and Ole has not played the big guns Noone, Macheda, Guerra yet. Lets hope in the last 5 games we win 2, draw 2 and only lose 1..........

We need to rotate to keep our players match fit and a happy squad

No we don't. We need to get a settled side that know what their doing & not play like a bunch of strangers like they have been.
We need to play a much more fluid game & keep possession & you don't achieve that by constantly swapping players especially the back 4.
You take a player out of the squad for a couple of games later in the season when they tire or lose a bit of form.
You don't swap to keep players happy ffs.

These guys play with each other on the training field everyday. When you spend so much time together as these guys do it shouldn`t matter who you play with, it`s their job to know each other.

If you play as a wing you are doing something horribly wrong if you dont understand yourself that you should aim for Kenwynes head on the crosses and if ALF comes into the box you try to find him preferably 45 degrees out.
Whitts dont need to play with Kagisho to know that he will be the anchor behind him and he should be able to find Guerra,ALF,Maynard,Kenwyne infront of him even tho they rotate.

I would love to see the reactions if Whitts gave an interview on a bad performance and said: I played shit today because i haven`t played with Adeyemi for 3 matches so i didn`t know what to do.

Im not buying the shit about players not being able to do their job because they get rested one or two matches. If he started placing Kenwyne as CB and Marshall as playmaker i would understand but come on guys, im sure most of you know how to do your damn job even tho you get a new man besides you.

Ned, a good write up there.

Of the positives, you rightly say Kenwyne Jones has had a good start to the season but to be honest I always believed Jones would be a good buy for us and I wouldn't say his form has surprised me. I would say his form last season was disappointing.

The negatives,the first half performance against Wolves was as bad as our display under Malky against Norwich last season, that was followed by a worse first half performance against Fulham, this is a becoming a pattern of our play in games this season, hopefully Ole will get us firing from the first minute in upcoming games.

Overall I am pleased with our results thus far and if we are picking up wins at home and draws away, not playing particularly well, then I am optimistic we have a good base to kick on from for the remainder of the season.

I'll be after your job at the Echo next Carl

I have to admit I was wrong about Jones, I was told on New Year's Eve that he was joining and was dreading it. I thought he'd be a total failure.

http://www.cardiffcityforum.co.uk/viewt ... p?t=131482

Not trying to troll or anything but I haven't seen anything that suggests that Brayford is great, he just seems a bit anonymous to me, can anyone fill me in? Thanks!

Not trying to troll or anything but I haven't seen anything that suggests that Brayford is great, he just seems a bit anonymous to me, can anyone fill me in? Thanks!

I think he's solid at the back. IMO offers a lot more than the right-backs we've had in recent years - I include McNaughton in that.

He also backs up the wingers well, but tracks back quickly if we lose the ball.

Not many players will go past Brayford easily.

No point having a big squad if you don't use it.....

We need to rotate, keep player physically and mentally sharp. I believe his first 11 will continually develop as the season rolls on. I think he gave chances to players like Gunnar and Maynard to prove themselves, and desperately needs lefondre to bed in quickly. Jones worked hard in the summer and it shows, I think he was looking for a new premier contract, but a good season albeit a long season will help him.

I think the biggest development is Gabbidon back as a player/coach. Good business as it gest a defender on the coaching staff, but one who could (can) play a bit.

There is 123 point to play for and Ole has not played the big guns Noone, Macheda, Guerra yet. Lets hope in the last 5 games we win 2, draw 2 and only lose 1..........

We need to rotate to keep our players match fit and a happy squad

Can macheda really be described as a big gun?

Ned, Ive read it for the 2nd time, a very good write up and honest, keep them coming during the season

Ned, Ive read it for the 2nd time, a very good write up and honest, keep them coming during the season

Thanks Annis, I appreciate that

Will do

Ned, Ive read it for the 2nd time, a very good write up and honest, keep them coming during the season

Thanks Annis, I appreciate that

Will do

You write a good article, fair play!

From now, you are The Worcester Source!!

Ned, Ive read it for the 2nd time, a very good write up and honest, keep them coming during the season

Thanks Annis, I appreciate that

Will do

You write a good article, fair play!

From now, you are The Worcester Source!!

Cheers for the feedback mate

Really enjoyed this article!
I'm so glad that you highlighted Whitts' performances so far this season. With all the comings and goings I'd hoped for the Whitts of old to step up and hold this team together. I've not been impressed so far to say the least. I'll cut him some slack and offer that he's still not played in his best position.... He's not a deep play maker IMO, nor does he have the defensive merits he's often forced to attempt. Rather I'd like to see him pushed forward behind front two.

On the matter of tinkering. I'd like to see a solid back four, however to develop young Declan I'd concede swapping him for Fabio occasionally. The front line has so much to offer that rotation will be inevitable I feel, having said that dropping a fit Jones after scoring 3 goals in two games was a disastrous move by Ole? Keep the in form lad and interchange the second striker if the formation allows.... Again in my opinion our and Ollie's' biggest headache will be the middle of the park. Personally I've vented frustration towards Whitts but also I have to say Gunnarson lets us down. Ole has to be different to past managers, drop the blue eyed favouratism of old. Ole has to built a good squad. Hopefully he makes the most of our new wide acquisitions to complement a near fit Noone .

As for the center of the park - Daehli, Adeyemi and Dikagoi have to be bedded in ASAP. Gunnar's for me will be a useful bench player, Whitts can rotate in middle for Daehli if necessary, but not a starter of every game IMO - costs us defensively when forced to play out of his preferred role.

I'm happy with results so far against a tough run. Can't wait for international break to be over and we get going again!!!

Cheers again for the good read!

Really enjoyed this article!
I'm so glad that you highlighted Whitts' performances so far this season. With all the comings and goings I'd hoped for the Whitts of old to step up and hold this team together. I've not been impressed so far to say the least. I'll cut him some slack and offer that he's still not played in his best position.... He's not a deep play maker IMO, nor does he have the defensive merits he's often forced to attempt. Rather I'd like to see him pushed forward behind front two.

On the matter of tinkering. I'd like to see a solid back four, however to develop young Declan I'd concede swapping him for Fabio occasionally. The front line has so much to offer that rotation will be inevitable I feel, having said that dropping a fit Jones after scoring 3 goals in two games was a disastrous move by Ole? Keep the in form lad and interchange the second striker if the formation allows.... Again in my opinion our and Ollie's' biggest headache will be the middle of the park. Personally I've vented frustration towards Whitts but also I have to say Gunnarson lets us down. Ole has to be different to past managers, drop the blue eyed favouratism of old. Ole has to built a good squad. Hopefully he makes the most of our new wide acquisitions to complement a near fit Noone .

As for the center of the park - Daehli, Adeyemi and Dikagoi have to be bedded in ASAP. Gunnar's for me will be a useful bench player, Whitts can rotate in middle for Daehli if necessary, but not a starter of every game IMO - costs us defensively when forced to play out of his preferred role.

I'm happy with results so far against a tough run. Can't wait for international break to be over and we get going again!!!

Cheers again for the good read!