Pressure now on Malky and his management team to deliver!

I’m sorry if some of this has already been posted.

Just back from Macclesfield and I must say a tad disappointed at the result and I think Malky has now increased pressure on himself and his management team! Unlike getting knocked out by Northampton in the Capital one cup, the FA cup is one of the biggest cup competitions in the world still. I remember driving to Azerbaijan in 2009 and stopping in a garage to buy some petrol in a back road in North Turkey, but couldn’t find anyone on the forecourt or in the garage. I eventually found them huddled around a tiny TV in a back room watching the FA Cup final in black and white.

I can understand the logic of resting some key players and introducing some of the younger players into a competitive game against lower league opposition for an FA Cup tie, but in my opinion to rest nearly all of the first team squad and play just 3 fringe players 2 0f whom are teenagers was the wrong decision. At the moment I can not see many positives to come out of this decision, and has only served to put pressure on malky and his management team to deliver premiership football.

I would like to stress I attach no blame to the development squad who were selected to play today, who ran their socks off with plenty of enthusiasm and endeavour. What was clearly lacking was the experienced professional first team player with game time to help nurture them through the fixture, and give them confidence to develop.

Many of the700 supporters who made the trip (many of whom had just shelled out money to watch 4 games in 10 days on top of Christmas) still believe in the glamour and romance of the FA Cup third round, and I am disappointed for those fans. Many of my fond memories supporting Cardiff city since 1968 have come in the FA Cup; Spurs Wrexham 1977, Leeds united, Middlesboro, FA cup Final 2008. We have been headline news all the way home on the radio stations and phone ins. No matter whatever they say about resting players this was a Cardiff city first team fixture who are top of the championship, and they were representing our club in one of the biggest cup competitions in the world, and we got beat by non league opposition. It’s embarrassing and it hurts!!!!

I know Much Kimbo, Smith are all injured and might have played a part, but why couldn't we play Cowie alongside Mc Phail? connelly alongside one of the young center halves? Both player have not played every game over the Christmas period. Conway on one wing with Harris on the other? Conway has only played during the last month. Gustede and mason up front both need more game time or at least have them on the bench. I don’t think this done the youngsters any good losing the game in that manner during the last 5 minutes, and remember what happened to Leeds United when they were top of the premiership and we knocked them out!

It sounds good only 2 games during January but I much prefer to be playing once a week keeps you battle hardened. The only positive I can draw from this is that we will not have a potential fixture pile up in February as Bristol City got knocked out also but now Malky,and the team needs to deliver. he has been fantastic to date and deserves all the plaudits lets hope this cup shock doesn't start a down turn in our form.

This result bares no relevance to the first team, it may as well have been the ladies team.

Malky earmarked this as a development team "go and show me" game, the first team squad had the day off.

It shows Rudy, Cowie, Mason they are first team squad and not even considered development fill in players unless recovering from injury. Malky has "the group", none of these were affected.....

Malky knows what he is doing

Vince best post of the night.yes very disappointed with the performance but what was Malky's remit from VT at the start of the season. Vince your right about pressure on the management team. Whats neded now is a few quite days reflection then put Ipswich to the sword.

One or two signings may help as well?

excellent post vince totally agree with everything you've written, really dissapointed and embarissed by todays result i love the fa cup for malky to show the competition no respect really surprised me and the comments of some supporters do as well modern football is really starting to piss me off

The pressure has been on Malky from day one!

As you say he has delivered brilliantly to date so is entitled to decide on this approach today - he will have learnt a lot about the fringe players from this match!

One of the best managers we have ever had I don't feel he as let any of us down.

We are already under immense pressure to deliver.We are one of the biggest spenders in the league. Millions in debt. We have already failed on a number of times, and are labeled bottlers. We are also top by seven points on new years day, which every team that has been top for the last seven years or something have been promoted.

I fail to see how the development team losing today adds more pressure!

I disagree Vince. It wasn't just about resting players it was also about avoiding injuries to key players. And the pressure on Malky to deliver was the reason why he played the team he did, not as a result of today.

Bottom line is it was a disappointing result but we were 5 mins away from pulling it off, even then it took a dubious penalty. I reckon the youngsters would have learned a lot today, even if just gives them the desire not to feel this way again

I’m sorry if some of this has already been posted.

Just back from Macclesfield and I must say a tad disappointed at the result and I think Malky has now increased pressure on himself and his management team! Unlike getting knocked out by Northampton in the Capital one cup, the FA cup is one of the biggest cup competitions in the world still. I remember driving to Azerbaijan in 2009 and stopping in a garage to buy some petrol in a back road in North Turkey, but couldn’t find anyone on the forecourt or in the garage. I eventually found them huddled around a tiny TV in a back room watching the FA Cup final in black and white.

I can understand the logic of resting some key players and introducing some of the younger players into a competitive game against lower league opposition for an FA Cup tie, but in my opinion to rest nearly all of the first team squad and play just 3 fringe players 2 0f whom are teenagers was the wrong decision. At the moment I can not see many positives to come out of this decision, and has only served to put pressure on malky and his management team to deliver premiership football.

I would like to stress I attach no blame to the development squad who were selected to play today, who ran their socks off with plenty of enthusiasm and endeavour. What was clearly lacking was the experienced professional first team player with game time to help nurture them through the fixture, and give them confidence to develop.

Many of the700 supporters who made the trip (many of whom had just shelled out money to watch 4 games in 10 days on top of Christmas) still believe in the glamour and romance of the FA Cup third round, and I am disappointed for those fans. Many of my fond memories supporting Cardiff city since 1968 have come in the FA Cup; Spurs Wrexham 1977, Leeds united, Middlesboro, FA cup Final 2008. We have been headline news all the way home on the radio stations and phone ins. No matter whatever they say about resting players this was a Cardiff city first team fixture who are top of the championship, and they were representing our club in one of the biggest cup competitions in the world, and we got beat by non league opposition. It’s embarrassing and it hurts!!!!

I know Much Kimbo, Smith are all injured and might have played a part, but why couldn't we play Cowie alongside Mc Phail? connelly alongside one of the young center halves? Both player have not played every game over the Christmas period. Conway on one wing with Harris on the other? Conway has only played during the last month. Gustede and mason up front both need more game time or at least have them on the bench. I don’t think this done the youngsters any good losing the game in that manner during the last 5 minutes, and remember what happened to Leeds United when they were top of the premiership and we knocked them out!

It sounds good only 2 games during January but I much prefer to be playing once a week keeps you battle hardened. The only positive I can draw from this is that we will not have a potential fixture pile up in February as Bristol City got knocked out also but now Malky,and the team needs to deliver. he has been fantastic to date and deserves all the plaudits lets hope this cup shock doesn't start a down turn in our form.

Totally agree with this Vince

Nail on the head with your comments

I tend to agree with most that is said. Cowie shouldn't be close to the first team and should have been included.

Should of least took Cowie, Mutch and Mason or Gestede up. That was carried us to a win being 1-0 up for 80 minutes.

I disagree Vince. It wasn't just about resting players it was also about avoiding injuries to key players. And the pressure on Malky to deliver was the reason why he played the team he did, not as a result of today.

Bottom line is it was a disappointing result but we were 5 mins away from pulling it off, even then it took a dubious penalty. I reckon the youngsters would have learned a lot today, even if just gives them the desire not to feel this way again

Spot on

Not sure how a bunch of kids losing to Maccelsfield adds extra pressure to Malky

I find it difficult to agree with anything from this post Malkey had an opportunity to gauge his young development team and which members could stand on their own two feet he was wise enough to use this game which will be invaluable in the long term and will pay dividends Malkey can still concerntrate on the Championship with an almost full squad of first teamers ( 20 cup ties far more important than the Maccesfield game ) .

You say the f a cup still has all the romance it has always had I say what a load of crap just look at some of the unfashionable teams who have made the quarter, semi and finals over the past decade and beyond it is no coincidence when the Premier teams are playing their youngsters and fringe players ( sounds familiar ?)whilst showing more concern for their Premiership status and taking paramount importance whilst showing absolutely no regards for the f a cup .

I am sorry but some of the teams who have played the cup final games over the last few years have just dulled my appetite never mind about somebody in the outer reaches of Mongolia where a few nomads and their goats get all excited watching a F A cup final game on a Baird 70's television fact is I would prefer to see the "Lost" symbol under the lost games tab under FA cup as opposed to npower Championship fixture .
We need to leave Malkey get on with his plan lets face it he has not done too bad so far!.

Win Saturday and its soon forgotten.

Disappointing post vince. FA Cup is legendary ...Still, Malky has most certainly NOT set himself up for a fall!!!!!!
We all knew he was goin to deliver a youthful/fringe side. Yr only bitter cos u made the journey and we lost! Diff story if we held on. Tool!!

I disagree Vince. It wasn't just about resting players it was also about avoiding injuries to key players. And the pressure on Malky to deliver was the reason why he played the team he did, not as a result of today.

Bottom line is it was a disappointing result but we were 5 mins away from pulling it off, even then it took a dubious penalty. I reckon the youngsters would have learned a lot today, even if just gives them the desire not to feel this way again

Spot on

Spot on, except for the bit about it being a dubious penalty!

Win Saturday and its soon forgotten.

Exactly, as most if not all of the Championship teams left in the Fourth round, would swap their places in tomorrow's draw, for our position at the top of the Championship!

I disagree Vince. It wasn't just about resting players it was also about avoiding injuries to key players. And the pressure on Malky to deliver was the reason why he played the team he did, not as a result of today.

Bottom line is it was a disappointing result but we were 5 mins away from pulling it off, even then it took a dubious penalty. I reckon the youngsters would have learned a lot today, even if just gives them the desire not to feel this way again

Spot on

Spot on, except for the bit about it being a dubious penalty!

Yea same as for me I disagree Vince and the penalty was rightly given but how many do you see not given just like it.

I disagree Vince. It wasn't just about resting players it was also about avoiding injuries to key players. And the pressure on Malky to deliver was the reason why he played the team he did, not as a result of today.

Bottom line is it was a disappointing result but we were 5 mins away from pulling it off, even then it took a dubious penalty. I reckon the youngsters would have learned a lot today, even if just gives them the desire not to feel this way again

Spot on

Spot on, except for the bit about it being a dubious penalty!

Yea same as for me I disagree Vince and the penalty was rightly given but how many do you see not given just like it.

To be fair to the referee, Jarvis made it easy for him, as he wasn't even subtle.

The penalty area wasn't that congested, making it easy for the referee to see Jarvis, who ran quite a way with their forward, pulling his shirt all the way and giving him an easy reason to go to ground and further bring the offence to the referee's attention!

I'd have been quite miffed if a referee didn't give us the same penalty!

I disagree Vince. It wasn't just about resting players it was also about avoiding injuries to key players. And the pressure on Malky to deliver was the reason why he played the team he did, not as a result of today.

Bottom line is it was a disappointing result but we were 5 mins away from pulling it off, even then it took a dubious penalty. I reckon the youngsters would have learned a lot today, even if just gives them the desire not to feel this way again

Spot on

Spot on, except for the bit about it being a dubious penalty!

Yea same as for me I disagree Vince and the penalty was rightly given but how many do you see not given just like it.

To be fair to the referee, Jarvis made it easy for him, as he wasn't even subtle.

What can you say i agree but we must not as fans get to down and rub any gloom onto the first team we just have to move on now.
The penalty area wasn't that congested, making it easy for the referee to see Jarvis, who ran quite a way with their forward, pulling his shirt all the way and giving him an easy reason to go to ground and further bring the offence to the referee's attention!

I'd have been quite miffed if a referee didn't give us the same penalty!

Exactly, we just have to move on now and concentrate on the next League match!

I know that somebody posted in another thread that Leeds went downhill after they lost to us in 2002, but unlike Leeds, we didn't field our strongest possible team!

Exactly, we just have to move on now and concentrate on the next League match!

I know that somebody posted in another thread that Leeds went downhill after they lost to us in 2002, but unlike Leeds, we didn't field our strongest possible team!

exactly

The FA Cup may be the biggest domestic cup competition but it's also pretty poor these days and teams just use it as a development exercise like the League Cup.

We set our priority for promotion and now we can have no excuses of disractions or burn out from playing so many games so i'm pretty pleased we got knocked out of the Mickey Mouse Cup.

The team we out out should have been doing better, if they don't think they are good enough for this game or don't have te quality they should go find another club.

He's been delivering all season. He just lost a cup game whilst giving the youngsters a chance.

I cannot agree with this.

With the best will in the world, City have just gone through a gruelling Xmas period
picking up maximum points. It was not City that devalued the FA Cup, it was Man U.
Once upon a time, FA Cup Final day was the biggest day of the year. You'd be up at
10am and watch the whole build up, right through til 3pm.. millions of families did
the same. Times change. Since Man Utd pulled out, most Premier League sides play
skeleton squads, such is the desperation to get things right in the Premiership. Those
at the top dont want to risk getting key players injured. It was those very key players
(the Rooneys, Van Persies, Aguera etc) that those smaller Club supporters dreamed of
seeing play on their grounds. But even those at the bottom of the premiership are at
it, trying to protect their squads, trying to save their Premiership status.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't... If Malky had played four or five first-teamers
and lost one or two for weeks through injury he'd have been called naive, and that he
should have been protecting the squad for the Premiership push.

Its sad that the FA Cup has become a kind of second rate trophy now, but think about
it... IT HAS. Would I like to see us in a Cup Run?...Well I went yesterday knowing full
well it would be a 'development team'. I wanted to see the strength in depth... well we
obviously dont have as much as we perhaps thought. My only REAL disappointment was
Velikonja... We spent a lot of money on him and he looked little more than a pub player.

But Declan John was exciting to watch

As for extra pressure now?

There is absolutely no more pressure on Malky this morning having lost Saturday than there
would have been if we had won. Its ALL about promotion this season. nothing else matters
and in our heart of hearts... WE ALL KNOW THAT.

I cannot agree with this.

With the best will in the world, City have just gone through a gruelling Xmas period
picking up maximum points. It was not City that devalued the FA Cup, it was Man U.
Once upon a time, FA Cup Final day was the biggest day of the year. You'd be up at
10am and watch the whole build up, right through til 3pm.. millions of families did
the same. Times change. Since Man Utd pulled out, most Premier League sides play
skeleton squads, such is the desperation to get things right in the Premiership. Those
at the top dont want to risk getting key players injured. It was those very key players
(the Rooneys, Van Persies, Aguera etc) that those smaller Club supporters dreamed of
seeing play on their grounds. But even those at the bottom of the premiership are at
it, trying to protect their squads, trying to save their Premiership status.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't... If Malky had played four or five first-teamers
and lost one or two for weeks through injury he'd have been called naive, and that he
should have been protecting the squad for the Premiership push.

Its sad that the FA Cup has become a kind of second rate trophy now, but think about
it... IT HAS. Would I like to see us in a Cup Run?...Well I went yesterday knowing full
well it would be a 'development team'. I wanted to see the strength in depth... well we
obviously dont have as much as we perhaps thought. My only REAL disappointment was
Velikonja... We spent a lot of money on him and he looked little more than a pub player.

But Declan John was exciting to watch

As for extra pressure now?

There is absolutely no more pressure on Malky this morning having lost Saturday than there
would have been if we had won. Its ALL about promotion this season. nothing else matters
and in our heart of hearts... WE ALL KNOW THAT.

spot on hard to disagree with any of that.

Pressure on Malky LMFAO

Its a cup game that could de rail the ultimate goal

THE FA Cup is finished along with the carling cup & international football


The premier league is where the cash is & thats the ultimate goal

Taffyapple spot on mate.

I get Vinces point about maybe a few more fringe players being taken, however I am not in the slightest disappointed that we're out of both cups. Last seasons exploits had a huge impact.

Promotion is priority and let's face it, if we don't get it this year we're in the shit big time.

The pressure has been on Malky from day one and thus this defeat has no bearing whatsoever.

Malky was brought in to get us to the Premier, not fiddle and diddle with cup competitions, which quite frankly are a small side show compared to the main event.

I can understand Vince's dissapointment but disagree with most of his post.

Yesterday will fade into insignificance come May when we are STILL sitting top of the League.

This is our year, of that I have no doubt. The blues are going up......simples.

Spot on Vince.

It wasnt a case of playing the reserves, more so the youth team, players that are nowhere near the first team, that was poor form from Malky.

I dont think anyone is saying play our first xi but the first team bench ie cowie, mason, kim.etc should have been given some game time imo.

As for those saying about injuries, get a grip, that can happen in the 20 league games we have left.