Ben Turner speaks out & Says the above were picking team

Ben Turner has lifted the lid on his time at Cardiff City and the difficulties former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced.


Thursday 25th November 2021


Central defender Turner, who made more than 100 appearances for the Bluebirds between 2011 and 2016, spoke on the ‘Undr The Cosh’ podcast about Solskjær’s reign after the Manchester United legend took over in early 2014 during Cardiff’s first Premier League season, which ultimately ended in relegation.


BEN TURNER:


“I just think that at that time, the people behind the scenes got too involved. After their relationship broke down with Malky [Mackay] then it seemed they were going to take more control with whoever came in next," said Turner.

"It got ridiculous, they were picking certain players to play and Ole had no choice. Sometimes we’d get called in and Ole would say ‘they want this player to play so one of you two can’t play. Last time this happened you didn’t play so this time you won’t play’ (to the other player)'.

“We played Villa on a Tuesday night in the league, at home and drew 0-0. I still think it’s the best I have ever played. We had Hull at home on the Saturday in a must-win game, if not must-win then must not lose if we wanted to stay in the relegation dogfight.

"We were called in and three of the back four had been changed, including myself, the only one who stayed was Steven Caulker. You’re annoyed because you think we played well as individuals and as a team, got a clean sheet and he’s changed it.

“He put Juan Cala in with Caulker at centre-half. Those two just didn’t get on together and we got beaten four something at home to Hull who were also in the relegation dogfight.

"Even in that situation when you were being told you’re not playing, you’re annoyed personally but there’s an element of you that just thinks ‘f*****g hell, can’t they just leave you alone to manage the team?'”

Turner spoke about some of his former team-mates, including Andreas Cornelius.

Cornelius’ time in the capital was unsuccessful and he returned home to his native Denmark after failing to score a goal in what turned out to be an £8m transfer disaster.

“I don’t know if it was just cultural or not but it was just bizarre," Turner said.

"He’d sit in the canteen at lunchtime with a parka coat on zipped right up to his chin eating his dinner.

"We were playing Arsenal away in the league, he gets on the bus from the hotel, he’s got bed hair, he hasn’t been in the shower. He sits down, he’s got the parka on over his tracksuit, as he sits down his trousers go up and he’s got odd socks on.

"We were just about to play Arsenal away in the Premier League, he’s got odd socks on, he hasn’t had a shower and he’s got his parka on!”

Finally, Turner spoke about his relationship with Brazilian full-back Fábio, who joined from Manchester United in January 2014.

Turner said: “Brilliant, brilliant guy. All you ask of someone who has worked hard to get into a higher league is for them to buy into everything and he was one of them who just bought in.

"He was great, he followed me in with a bet at Cheltenham one year. We went to Cheltenham and Betway had a stupid offer, deposit up to £15k and we’ll match it so you have £30k.

“I know my horse racing, it’s my favourite sport to be honest. I remember saying look this is what I am going to do because a few of the lads knew I cared about racing. I said obviously we can still lose, it’s horse racing but if we split the 30 grand on the Mullins four that were all approximately even money, if only one wins you’ve effectively got over seven grand on it which will give you your £15k back.

“Anyway, three out of the four won and only Fábio followed me with the bet. Fábio is only there for a good time. Anyway, the third one comes in and we’re guaranteed to be £20k up each.

"He’s absolutely bouncing, p****d off his head. He’s passing his phone around letting the staff take bets on his phone. When we’re walking out of the course he was saying to me, ‘I love you Ben, I f*****g love you Ben’."

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So it was true that the board were picking the team under Ole?

Ian,

I have been told this time and time again, yet Tans followers still won’t see it.

Ole was going to Spk out, but we paid him off, £3.5mill.





“I just think that at that time, the people behind the scenes got too involved. After their relationship broke down with Malky [Mackay] then it seemed they were going to take more control with whoever came in next," said Turner.

"It got ridiculous, they were picking certain players to play and Ole had no choice. Sometimes we’d get called in and Ole would say ‘they want this player to play so one of you two can’t play. Last time this happened you didn’t play so this time you won’t play’ (to the other player)'.

So it was true that the board were picking the team under Ole?

And they tried with Malky, but Malky said NO.


The truth always comes out in the end.

Ian,

I have been told this time and time again, yet Tans followers still won’t see it.

Ole was going to Spk out, but we paid him off, £3.5mill.





“I just think that at that time, the people behind the scenes got too involved. After their relationship broke down with Malky [Mackay] then it seemed they were going to take more control with whoever came in next," said Turner.

"It got ridiculous, they were picking certain players to play and Ole had no choice. Sometimes we’d get called in and Ole would say ‘they want this player to play so one of you two can’t play. Last time this happened you didn’t play so this time you won’t play’ (to the other player)'.

Yes I do recall you saying it but it all fell on deaf ears. Its no wonder we came straight back down.

Shows how weak Ole was that he allowed this to happen as well

Shows how weak Ole was that he allowed this to happen as well

I remember that Aston Villa game where Turner was awesome. H was dropped to the bench for the next game and I recall a few of us questioning what was Ole doing. We blamed him for tinkering with the team but now we know why he had to do it.

Shows how weak Ole was that he allowed this to happen as well

My thoughts exactly. Can you imagine the respect the players lost for him. Then he gets the United job!

Shows how weak Ole was that he allowed this to happen as well

My thoughts exactly. Can you imagine the respect the players lost for him. Then he gets the United job!

I have to say regardless of Tan's interference, I agree with you both and I wouldn't be surprised if similar was happening at ManUre...

Grow a pair, Ole...!

Another player confirming Tan meddling with team selections in the PL season. Why didn't Ole just stand up to him I'll never know

One interesting snippet was a comment that Mick McCarthy would have walked instead of putting up with the crap from the owner and the board. I've wondered if McCarthy was told what to do from above and whether some of his team selections right at the end were due to the owners and it was his way of shoving two fingers up to the club's hierachy.

Ian,

I had e a very good friend who plays for Chase Town and knows Ben Turner very well, he actually told me this Summer exactly what went on, but of course some people will never listen No
Matter how truthful it is.

Sadly this is what many of us believed at the time.

Not a surprise, as Ole seemed scared of subbing off Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United this season - that shows that he is weak as a manager, no matter what calibre the player is.

Ole is a very good person but a very bad manager.

Sadly this is what many of us believed at the time.

Not a surprise, as Ole seemed scared of subbing off Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United this season - that shows that he is weak as a manager, no matter what calibre the player is.

Ole is a very good person but a very bad manager.

Sadly spot on, on all accounts Ned.

Watched the whole interview,Malky was good with Ben Turner but not so good with others.He reckoned that more faith should have been put in the squad that got us up and also said ACorn was weird.

This comes as no surprise whatsoever. Tan genuinely thinks he is director of football so is never going to recruit one.
Such a shame that we had two goes at PL and buggered it up both times.

So it was true that the board were picking the team under Ole?

And they tried with Malky, but Malky said NO.


The truth always comes out in the end.

So it was true that the board were picking the team under Ole?

And they tried with Malky, but Malky said NO.


The truth always comes out in the end.

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

If true ???
Cardiff promoted twice under Sam , left at the Top of the Championship and never ever relegated under Sam.

Wimbledon never ever relegated , 3 promotions and in the Top 10 of the Top league for many years under Sam, Won FACUP beat Liverpool.

Wimbledon 6,000-10,000 home crowds.

What do the Committee know about football


Dave Jones the nearly man and would not of listened to Sam anyway

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

If true ???
Cardiff promoted twice under Sam , left at the Top of the Championship and never ever relegated under Sam.

Wimbledon never ever relegated , 3 promotions and in the Top 10 of the Top league for many years under Sam, Won FACUP beat Liverpool.

Wimbledon 6,000-10,000 home crowds.

What do the Committee know about football


Dave Jones the nearly man and would not of listened to Sam anyway

I am not downing the progress the club made under Sam Just pointing out that he tried to pick teams as well So it is not just Tan who done it at Cardiff Jones had more balls than Ole and ignored Sam You say if true but many reports he did and ex managers stating it Just as Turner has stated it So no real difference

Sounds like Corny was doing his best to be a Robin Friday Tribute Act, or a bit of Kevin and Perry

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

If true ???
Cardiff promoted twice under Sam , left at the Top of the Championship and never ever relegated under Sam.

Wimbledon never ever relegated , 3 promotions and in the Top 10 of the Top league for many years under Sam, Won FACUP beat Liverpool.

Wimbledon 6,000-10,000 home crowds.

What do the Committee know about football


Dave Jones the nearly man and would not of listened to Sam anyway

I am not downing the progress the club made under Sam Just pointing out that he tried to pick teams as well So it is not just Tan who done it at Cardiff Jones had more balls than Ole and ignored Sam You say if true but many reports he did and ex managers stating it Just as Turner has stated it So no real difference

Straight honest answer then please ?


Did we progress under Sam?

And have we progressed under Tan?

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

If true ???
Cardiff promoted twice under Sam , left at the Top of the Championship and never ever relegated under Sam.

Wimbledon never ever relegated , 3 promotions and in the Top 10 of the Top league for many years under Sam, Won FACUP beat Liverpool.

Wimbledon 6,000-10,000 home crowds.

What do the Committee know about football


Dave Jones the nearly man and would not of listened to Sam anyway

I am not downing the progress the club made under Sam Just pointing out that he tried to pick teams as well So it is not just Tan who done it at Cardiff Jones had more balls than Ole and ignored Sam You say if true but many reports he did and ex managers stating it Just as Turner has stated it So no real difference

Straight honest answer then please ?


Did we progress under Sam?

And have we progressed under Tan?

Honest answer is yes we progressed under Sam and yes we progress led under Tan
Since Sam left two cup finals and two years in the top league Having watched Cardiff since 74 i see that as a major step forward Yes we are having a difficult year When Sam left our total crowds we’re approx 350,000 and we have had total crowds over 550,000 under Tan
our last season when there were no restriction of any kind in Championship was over 420,000 So crowds have improved as well
The stadium is used by our national team for nearly every game as well
So many things are better with the club
- better stadium
- Better environment for families
- Hooligan element has influence on the club
However the Sam years were needed for us to move forward from where we were I am thankful to Sam for what he did Do i want him back no

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

If true ???
Cardiff promoted twice under Sam , left at the Top of the Championship and never ever relegated under Sam.

Wimbledon never ever relegated , 3 promotions and in the Top 10 of the Top league for many years under Sam, Won FACUP beat Liverpool.

Wimbledon 6,000-10,000 home crowds.

What do the Committee know about football








Dave Jones the nearly man and would not of listened to Sam anyway

I am not downing the progress the club made under Sam Just pointing out that he tried to pick teams as well So it is not just Tan who done it at Cardiff Jones had more balls than Ole and ignored Sam You say if true but many reports he did and ex managers stating it Just as Turner has stated it So no real difference

Straight honest answer then please ?


Did we progress under Sam?

And have we progressed under Tan?

Honest answer is yes we progressed under Sam and yes we progress led under Tan
Since Sam left two cup finals and two years in the top league Having watched Cardiff since 74 i see that as a major step forward Yes we are having a difficult year When Sam left our total crowds we’re approx 350,000 and we have had total crowds over 550,000 under Tan
our last season when there were no restriction of any kind in Championship was over 420,000 So crowds have improved as well
The stadium is used by our national team for nearly every game as well
So many things are better with the club
- better stadium
- Better environment for families
- Hooligan element has influence on the club
However the Sam years were needed for us to move forward from where we were I am thankful to Sam for what he did Do i want him back no

Sam left us after two promotions, No relegations and Top of the Championship and with a very healthy Accademy and squad of players .


At this moment we are by far worse in the Championship than when Tan arrived and a squad virtually nothing and crowds dwindling.

Stadium was set up and £60mill spent on out line planing by Sam, Tan inherited a very good stadium off the Riddler and con men PMG.

The stripping of our identity was the lowest thing ever.

Worst ever football record under Tan in our 122 history.

Just a very few facts


So are you happy with Tan?
Do you want him to stay?

Sam left us after two promotions, No relegations and Top of the Championship and with a very healthy Accademy and squad of players .


At this moment we are by far worse in the Championship than when Tan arrived and a squad virtually nothing and crowds dwindling.

Stadium was set up and £60mill spent on out line planing by Sam, Tan inherited a very good stadium off the Riddler and con men PMG.

The stripping of our identity was the lowest thing ever.

Worst ever football record under Tan in our 122 history.

Just a very few facts


So are you happy with Tan?
Do you want him to stay?

Sam left us in a great position. There's no doubt about that. The whole Langston situation has left a bitter taste in the mouth for many Cardiff fans, Yes I'd love to see Tan gone but I wouldn't want Sam back either!

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

If true ???
Cardiff promoted twice under Sam , left at the Top of the Championship and never ever relegated under Sam.

Wimbledon never ever relegated , 3 promotions and in the Top 10 of the Top league for many years under Sam, Won FACUP beat Liverpool.

Wimbledon 6,000-10,000 home crowds.

What do the Committee know about football








Dave Jones the nearly man and would not of listened to Sam anyway

I am not downing the progress the club made under Sam Just pointing out that he tried to pick teams as well So it is not just Tan who done it at Cardiff Jones had more balls than Ole and ignored Sam You say if true but many reports he did and ex managers stating it Just as Turner has stated it So no real difference

Straight honest answer then please ?


Did we progress under Sam?

And have we progressed under Tan?

Honest answer is yes we progressed under Sam and yes we progress led under Tan
Since Sam left two cup finals and two years in the top league Having watched Cardiff since 74 i see that as a major step forward Yes we are having a difficult year When Sam left our total crowds we’re approx 350,000 and we have had total crowds over 550,000 under Tan
our last season when there were no restriction of any kind in Championship was over 420,000 So crowds have improved as well
The stadium is used by our national team for nearly every game as well
So many things are better with the club
- better stadium
- Better environment for families
- Hooligan element has influence on the club
However the Sam years were needed for us to move forward from where we were I am thankful to Sam for what he did Do i want him back no

Sam left us after two promotions, No relegations and Top of the Championship and with a very healthy Accademy and squad of players .


At this moment we are by far worse in the Championship than when Tan arrived and a squad virtually nothing and crowds dwindling.

Stadium was set up and £60mill spent on out line planing by Sam, Tan inherited a very good stadium off the Riddler and con men PMG.

The stripping of our identity was the lowest thing ever.

Worst ever football record under Tan in our 122 history.

Just a very few facts


So are you happy with Tan?
Do you want him to stay?

Sam did not pay 60m on outline planning Nobody pays 60m on outline planning for a stadium The stadium build may have been 60 m
Also Sam left us we were in 13th position and if we finish below that this season that will be the first time we have finsished lower since he left some 15 years ago Sam planned to strip us of our identity as well as Cardiff Celts and play us in green , red and white Yes it did not go ahead but it was his plan He even tried to relocate Wimbledon to Dublin and left them without a stadium
Yes i would like to see a fresh face at the helm but unlike you i am thankful for the two years in the premiership even if it did not work out The victories against Man Utd and Man City will remain with me for the rest of my life
I am also not blinkered to the legacy of Sam You are a friend of his and seem to defend him all the time as if he was a saint The vast majority of city fans i talk to appreciate what Sam did but would not have him back at the club I would think more would trust Tan than Sam

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

If true ???
Cardiff promoted twice under Sam , left at the Top of the Championship and never ever relegated under Sam.

Wimbledon never ever relegated , 3 promotions and in the Top 10 of the Top league for many years under Sam, Won FACUP beat Liverpool.

Wimbledon 6,000-10,000 home crowds.

What do the Committee know about football








Dave Jones the nearly man and would not of listened to Sam anyway

I am not downing the progress the club made under Sam Just pointing out that he tried to pick teams as well So it is not just Tan who done it at Cardiff Jones had more balls than Ole and ignored Sam You say if true but many reports he did and ex managers stating it Just as Turner has stated it So no real difference

Straight honest answer then please ?


Did we progress under Sam?

And have we progressed under Tan?

Honest answer is yes we progressed under Sam and yes we progress led under Tan
Since Sam left two cup finals and two years in the top league Having watched Cardiff since 74 i see that as a major step forward Yes we are having a difficult year When Sam left our total crowds we’re approx 350,000 and we have had total crowds over 550,000 under Tan
our last season when there were no restriction of any kind in Championship was over 420,000 So crowds have improved as well
The stadium is used by our national team for nearly every game as well
So many things are better with the club
- better stadium
- Better environment for families
- Hooligan element has influence on the club
However the Sam years were needed for us to move forward from where we were I am thankful to Sam for what he did Do i want him back no

Sam left us after two promotions, No relegations and Top of the Championship and with a very healthy Accademy and squad of players .


At this moment we are by far worse in the Championship than when Tan arrived and a squad virtually nothing and crowds dwindling.

Stadium was set up and £60mill spent on out line planing by Sam, Tan inherited a very good stadium off the Riddler and con men PMG.

The stripping of our identity was the lowest thing ever.

Worst ever football record under Tan in our 122 history.

Just a very few facts


So are you happy with Tan?
Do you want him to stay?

Sam did not pay 60m on outline planning Nobody pays 60m on outline planning for a stadium The stadium build may have been 60 m
Also Sam left us we were in 13th position and if we finish below that this season that will be the first time we have finsished lower since he left some 15 years ago Sam planned to strip us of our identity as well as Cardiff Celts and play us in green , red and white Yes it did not go ahead but it was his plan He even tried to relocate Wimbledon to Dublin and left them without a stadium
Yes i would like to see a fresh face at the helm but unlike you i am thankful for the two years in the premiership even if it did not work out The victories against Man Utd and Man City will remain with me for the rest of my life
I am also not blinkered to the legacy of Sam You are a friend of his and seem to defend him all the time as if he was a saint The vast majority of city fans i talk to appreciate what Sam did but would not have him back at the club I would think more would trust Tan than Sam

Sam spent 5 years fighting the Council for it after they in 2002-2003 gave him permission.
Sam had architects , searching for a site originally, then did all the plans for hotel, shops, ground, roads near-bye etc this went on for 5yrs. Their was case after case, lawyers involved etc etc
But what Sam originally did not know his own club sect and Riddler and PMG were stabbing him in the back.


Funny once again a Tan lover has changed this topic which was solely about an ex Cardiff player and Tan, you could not make it up.

let’s not forget Both Dave Jones and Lennie Lawerence had issues with Sam trying to pick the team Same happened when he was at Wimbledon as well

If true ???
Cardiff promoted twice under Sam , left at the Top of the Championship and never ever relegated under Sam.

Wimbledon never ever relegated , 3 promotions and in the Top 10 of the Top league for many years under Sam, Won FACUP beat Liverpool.

Wimbledon 6,000-10,000 home crowds.

What do the Committee know about football


Dave Jones the nearly man and would not of listened to Sam anyway

I am not downing the progress the club made under Sam Just pointing out that he tried to pick teams as well So it is not just Tan who done it at Cardiff Jones had more balls than Ole and ignored Sam You say if true but many reports he did and ex managers stating it Just as Turner has stated it So no real difference

Straight honest answer then please ?


Did we progress under Sam?

And have we progressed under Tan?

Only an absolute clown would say we didn’t progress under Sam. Changed the whole dynamics of our club.

But, only an absolute clown would say that we haven’t progressed under Tan.

And only an absolute clown would fail to note tan replaced Cardiff city AFC the bluebirds with Cardiff red dragons for 2 and a half.years.