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Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier League

Fri Jun 21, 2013 6:59 am

Whats your thoughts? Is Mark Hudson right?





21st June 2013

Cardiff City captain Mark Hudson insists current Bluebirds squad good enough to make mark on Premier League



Bluebirds skipper Hudson does not believe drastic action in the transfer market is needed ahead of the big Premier League kick off


Cardiff City skipper Mark Hudson has declared Malky Mackay already has a squad of players capable of making their mark on the Premier League.

Bluebirds boss Mackay continues to be linked with a host of players, including Blackpool’s £8m-rated Tom Ince, as he seeks to strengthen the team in time for the big August 17 kick-off.

Mackay’s ambitious move to land France hitman Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyon could be scuppered by arch-rivals Swansea, with Michael Laudrup believed to be in pole position to land the much-wanted goal ace.

But, having had a first glimpse at the 2013-14 fixtures, captain Hudson is adamant the Bluebirds already possess a large nucleus of players capable of shining in what he dubs ‘the world’s greatest league.’

He says the players who won the Championship title can also hack it in the top flight... and insists they will be ready for the opening clash at West Ham, followed by a mouth-watering home game against Manchester City.

“Yes, there will be a few players coming in I’m sure, but nothing too drastic is needed,” said Hudson.

“We have a squad packed with talent and, We enjoyed winning the title, it’s back to business.

“Being captain of Cardiff City in their first Premier League season is going to make me so proud, the highlight of my career so far.

“The fixtures are out. Cardiff City are a Premier League club and that can sink in at last.

“But although we all enjoyed winning the title, now it’s back to business.

“Nobody knows what is going to happen in the new season, but I’m expecting it to be like a whirlwind when we report back for pre-season training.

“Every player will relish what’s ahead of us but we have such a challenge ahead – and our aim from day one is to secure our place at Premier League level for a second season. That’s the target – and one we believe we can achieve.”

Cardiff City skipper Hudson
Mackay’s preparations to meet that target will begin in earnest during a mid-July training trip Lausanne where players will be subjected to intense fitness sessions in their Swiss camp, the stop following a profile-raising trip to Malaysia involving both manager and captain as part of a travelling club party.

Pre-season fixtures – including a yet to be confirmed home clash with continental opposition – then make way for the eagerly-anticipated opener in east London before Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City head to Cardiff City Stadium.

But while games against former clubs Fulham and Crystal Palace and boyhood team Everton others have caught the eye for Hudson, he stressed Cardiff cannot afford to look past their early fixtures as they brace themselves to enter their stellar new surroundings.

“There are plenty of tough fixtures coming up fast for us – but nobody will be looking beyond those opening fixtures,” stressed Hudson.

“That first test at West Ham will be huge and there are plenty more to come.

“Manchester City, Everton, Newcastle, Spurs and Swansea in the first five home games; a fantastic list. Our job is to go into each and every one of those matches believing in ourselves and in each other, just as we did last season.

“The prospect of our new season is exciting for everybody, fans, players, staff, directors and more.

“We have earned our place in the best league in World football. We are in there to compete and that’s what we aim to do.

“We’ll be fully prepared for the test as always and our aim, as always, will be to win. Personally, I can’t wait for the season to start and I know all the other lads feel the same.”

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:18 am

I think to answer the question we must ask ourselves how many of the current squad are good enough to play in the Prem? The next question is then, of the players good enough for the Prem, how many do we have that can change a game. I have answered these questions and I am afraid that Mark is kidding himself.

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:21 am

Bluebird64 wrote:I think to answer the question we must ask ourselves how many of the current squad are good enough to play in the Prem? The next question is then, of the players good enough for the Prem, how many do we have that can change a game. I have answered these questions and I am afraid that Mark is kidding himself.


I agree, I still think we need 3-4 quality players, and 2-3 experienced players to help the younger players i.e mutch, through what will be a difficult season.

:ayatollah:

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:21 am

Bluebird64 wrote:I think to answer the question we must ask ourselves how many of the current squad are good enough to play in the Prem? The next question is then, of the players good enough for the Prem, how many do we have that can change a game. I have answered these questions and I am afraid that Mark is kidding himself.


I am with you on this, no way in my opinion is this squad good enough, thats why they were all in the Championship in the first place. I say 6 quality players at least.

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:33 am

Bluebird64 wrote:I think to answer the question we must ask ourselves how many of the current squad are good enough to play in the Prem? The next question is then, of the players good enough for the Prem, how many do we have that can change a game. I have answered these questions and I am afraid that Mark is kidding himself.


I've no doubt Hudson knows the reality but as captain he is simply remaining positive. I would be more worried if he was moaning how we were going to be stuffed every week as we weren't good enough. What effect would that have on our current squad?

You just have to take these kind of interviews with a pinch of salt.

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:34 am

No not good enough for the Prem with the current squad, we need at least 5 quality players to give us a fighting chance :ayatollah: :malky:

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 8:02 am

i can understand what u r all saying but look at other examples.....norwich had hoolahan holt Martin morison barnett Bennett etc. signed 3 mid table championship midfielders snodgrass howson and johnson but they have done pretty well. swansea players britton monk dyer graham all championship are doing ok, fair enough they strengthened a hit more last season but they were fine the season before. southampton had schneiderlin Lambert lallana fonte and many others and have done fine. you honestly don't know who is going to make the step up and thrive in the prem. could be some surprises

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 8:12 am

Forever Blue wrote:
Bluebird64 wrote:I think to answer the question we must ask ourselves how many of the current squad are good enough to play in the Prem? The next question is then, of the players good enough for the Prem, how many do we have that can change a game. I have answered these questions and I am afraid that Mark is kidding himself.


I am with you on this, no way in my opinion is this squad good enough, thats why they were all in the Championship in the first place. I say 6 quality players at least.


Can't argue with that, in fact I'm surprised we haven't off loaded a few!

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 8:27 am

Do we have enough now to survive. Difficult to say as our record is we go into the premier as runaway champions of the championship without for most of the season with a recognised striker.

All the pundits are saying if we add to the squad we will survive comfortable. I attend to agree with them. Without adding will be risky but it is possible we could survive. I would prefer to reduce the risk.

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 8:39 am

surely 5-6 needed

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 8:44 am

Yes we need a few players. I would love to see how this squad got off in the premier league with out adding anymore players.

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 9:09 am

Forever Blue wrote:
Bluebird64 wrote:I think to answer the question we must ask ourselves how many of the current squad are good enough to play in the Prem? The next question is then, of the players good enough for the Prem, how many do we have that can change a game. I have answered these questions and I am afraid that Mark is kidding himself.


I am with you on this, no way in my opinion is this squad good enough, thats why they were all in the Championship in the first place. I say 6 quality players at least.


these two say it all.

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 9:16 am

He's captain. What u want him to say? The whole team is rubbish and I wish to leave.....

He has to be optimistic to give the others belief.

Great leader. Churchill and Braveheart would be proud. 8-)

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 10:00 am

Hudson actually said :



“Yes, there will be a few players coming in I’m sure, but nothing too drastic is needed,” said Hudson.

But dont let that get in the way of a good headline eh

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 10:55 am

Seriously if We are to survive its evident we are going to need at least one Quality defender and also an attacking winger and a Striker, Minimum ........ The premiership is another level........ :ayatollah:

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:20 pm

Forever Blue wrote:
Bluebird64 wrote:I think to answer the question we must ask ourselves how many of the current squad are good enough to play in the Prem? The next question is then, of the players good enough for the Prem, how many do we have that can change a game. I have answered these questions and I am afraid that Mark is kidding himself.


I am with you on this, no way in my opinion is this squad good enough, thats why they were all in the Championship in the first place. I say 6 quality players at least.


But last season's squad was completely different to previous years in the championship

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:00 pm

Latest News wrote:Whats your thoughts? Is Mark Hudson right?





21st June 2013

Cardiff City captain Mark Hudson insists current Bluebirds squad good enough to make mark on Premier League



Bluebirds skipper Hudson does not believe drastic action in the transfer market is needed ahead of the big Premier League kick off
:lol: :roll: :roll: :lol:

Cardiff City skipper Mark Hudson has declared Malky Mackay already has a squad of players capable of making their mark on the Premier League.

Bluebirds boss Mackay continues to be linked with a host of players, including Blackpool’s £8m-rated Tom Ince, as he seeks to strengthen the team in time for the big August 17 kick-off.

Mackay’s ambitious move to land France hitman Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyon could be scuppered by arch-rivals Swansea, with Michael Laudrup believed to be in pole position to land the much-wanted goal ace.

But, having had a first glimpse at the 2013-14 fixtures, captain Hudson is adamant the Bluebirds already possess a large nucleus of players capable of shining in what he dubs ‘the world’s greatest league.’

He says the players who won the Championship title can also hack it in the top flight... and insists they will be ready for the opening clash at West Ham, followed by a mouth-watering home game against Manchester City.

“Yes, there will be a few players coming in I’m sure, but nothing too drastic is needed,” said Hudson.

“We have a squad packed with talent and, We enjoyed winning the title, it’s back to business.

“Being captain of Cardiff City in their first Premier League season is going to make me so proud, the highlight of my career so far.

“The fixtures are out. Cardiff City are a Premier League club and that can sink in at last.

“But although we all enjoyed winning the title, now it’s back to business.

“Nobody knows what is going to happen in the new season, but I’m expecting it to be like a whirlwind when we report back for pre-season training.

“Every player will relish what’s ahead of us but we have such a challenge ahead – and our aim from day one is to secure our place at Premier League level for a second season. That’s the target – and one we believe we can achieve.”

Cardiff City skipper Hudson
Mackay’s preparations to meet that target will begin in earnest during a mid-July training trip Lausanne where players will be subjected to intense fitness sessions in their Swiss camp, the stop following a profile-raising trip to Malaysia involving both manager and captain as part of a travelling club party.

Pre-season fixtures – including a yet to be confirmed home clash with continental opposition – then make way for the eagerly-anticipated opener in east London before Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City head to Cardiff City Stadium.

But while games against former clubs Fulham and Crystal Palace and boyhood team Everton others have caught the eye for Hudson, he stressed Cardiff cannot afford to look past their early fixtures as they brace themselves to enter their stellar new surroundings.

“There are plenty of tough fixtures coming up fast for us – but nobody will be looking beyond those opening fixtures,” stressed Hudson.

“That first test at West Ham will be huge and there are plenty more to come.

“Manchester City, Everton, Newcastle, Spurs and Swansea in the first five home games; a fantastic list. Our job is to go into each and every one of those matches believing in ourselves and in each other, just as we did last season.

“The prospect of our new season is exciting for everybody, fans, players, staff, directors and more.

“We have earned our place in the best league in World football. We are in there to compete and that’s what we aim to do.

“We’ll be fully prepared for the test as always and our aim, as always, will be to win. Personally, I can’t wait for the season to start and I know all the other lads feel the same.”

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 9:32 pm

the current squad are good enough. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: hudson himself . will be turned left right and centre in the prem. if i was malky i would get cover for him. just in case im right,

Re: Hudson INSISTS CCFC Squad is good enough for Premier Lea

Fri Jun 21, 2013 10:22 pm

ninianblue wrote:the current squad are good enough. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: hudson himself . will be turned left right and centre in the prem. if i was malky i would get cover for him. just in case im right,


Yeah like he was vs Liverpool in the cup or Stoke when we played them. Hudson bosses them easy. If Williams can make the step up then Hudson can blindfolded.