' BLAKE QUESTIONS HUDSON CREDENTIALS '

Cardiff City legend Nathan Blake questions Mark Hudson captaincy credentials

Nov 7th 2012

CARDIFF CITY legend Nathan Blake has thrown a question mark over the leadership of Mark Hudson as the Bluebirds’ away day blues get worse.

Malky Mackay’s men crashed 5-4 at Charlton on Tuesday night, capitulating in horrendous fashion to lose their place at the top of the Championship.

The Bluebirds have won a magnificent seven out of seven at home this season, but their away form is in stark contrast.

Cardiff’s star-studded squad have managed just two wins in eight league games on their travels, conceding 18 goals. Only Burnley have a worse defensive record.

Speaking on our Blakey’s Bootroom online debate, the Wales international and former Bluebirds star said of the Valley debacle: “I’ve never seen defending like that from Cardiff.

Replay the latest edition of Blakey's Bootroom


“It seems to be a mental issue with them away from home at the moment and they didn’t have any confidence they could win the game.

“When they got to 2-0 up they seemed to go within themselves. I’m not saying they were scared, as such, but they clearly were not comfortable with Charlton running running at them.”

He continued: “I wasn’t initially convinced by Hudson, but I thought he had a good season last year.

“But for a me, the captain should be a stand-out figure in the team. I don’t think he is.

“Craig Bellamy and Peter Whittingham are, but apart from that I don’t see many candidates.

“The captain has to be the one the players turn to when things are not going right.

“At the moment I think the captain is chosen on position rather than personality and I believe a captain should be chosen on personality.”

Cardiff have dipped to third in the table, but have two home games looming against Hull and Middlesbrough to right the wrongs of their poor results on the road.

As well as letting in five at Charlton, the Bluebirds were battered away to Bristol City and let slip another two-goal lead to lose at Crystal Palace.

“I just think there is a major confidence issue. There is something going on, something I can’t quite put my finger on,” continued respected pundit Blake.

“If you asked the players whether they believe they can get promotion I have no doubt they would say yes immediately.

“Whether they actually believe that deep down, I’m not so sure.

“That Charlton result is the type of thing that can wreck confidence.

“But at the end of the day Malky will get to the bottom of what is going wrong away from home. That is why you get paid as manager.”

Blake believes the Bluebirds will return to winning ways when they tangle with fourth-placed Hull this weekend.

“Everyone will be apprehensive, but the way they have been playing at home should get them over the line,” said Blake.

“It is important the fans do not go there nervous on Saturday. They need to get what I call the “Ninian atmosphere” where everybody is behind the team.

“If the fans start getting on the players’ backs it will make it very difficult for the team.

“But despite everything that has happened in recent days I still believe Cardiff will put Hull to the sword. I’m going for a 3-1 win.”

The fans should not go to the Hull game nervous. Right, so lets blank out last night, think we are all going to need to be hypmotised.

I usually agree with Blakey, but that's rubbish. There's nothing wrong with Hudson as captain. For me he has been stand out this season, despite what Blake said. Seems that when something goes wrong people can't resist a moan

I agree with this though

“It is important the fans do not go there nervous on Saturday. They need to get what I call the “Ninian atmosphere” where everybody is behind the team."

Hudson blows hot and cold, in my view, consistancy is needed and Hudson has been guilty of errors.

Hudson is the best man for captain on and off the pitch in my opinion.

The same Hudson who got the 6-7 players for a 30 second talk after Watford got 2 men sent off?

I have said Hudson is not good enough for years and he shouldnt be captain and have never changed my mind he has his good moments but had to many bad moments .

He should not be captain his best games were when Bellamy was captain the last time he was here he played better when he was not captain.

Taylor is not good enough at left back either we havent had a good left back since Andy legg

I have said Hudson is not good enough for years and he shouldnt be captain and have never changed my mind he has his good moments but had to many bad moments .

He should not be captain his best games were when Bellamy was captain the last time he was here he played better when he was not captain.

Taylor is not good enough at left back either we havent had a good left back since Andy legg

Completely agree. Hudson isnt vocal enough for me to be captain. He wont get on players back or try and motivate them on the pitch. It also doesnt help when players are looking for someone to give them a kick up the arse when he's panicking as well

Hudson is the best man for captain on and off the pitch in my opinion.

Top professional. And one of our mist consistent performers. Not every captain shouts and swears. Some lead by example. I think Hudson has a good mix.

I was at Charlton and he was giving Taylor an absolute right bollocking, he was also giving Marshall a bollocking by the looks of it

The biggest load of shit I think I've ever read.

And to anyone who says that Bellamy should be captain instead: he hardly plays for us these days!

Massive pile of wank, Hudson is the perfect man to be captain!

I think we are still lacking leaders on the pitch. Bellamy is the only player who constantly barks orders. Our lack of leaders to organise and motivate on the pitch might be our downfall. My personal choice for captain however when he returns is Tommy Smith. The man is mr consistant and gives 100% every game leading by example. Over the long slog of a 46 games in the Championship, I'm positive we would walk the division if we had a team of Tommy Smith's.

How many games does Blake actually watch?

Witts aside Hudson has been out best player this and last season. He has been captain at his last three clubs and by two different managers at Cardiff. Maybe they know more than Mr Blake and his attention seeking pathetic paper column.

Strange to see a critic who's record of 5 relegations from the premier league are his formost Credential s shouting his mouth off .............Sorry Blakey but you were over rated as a player , and as a citic you rank even lower