" MALKY PUT A BRAVE FACE ON "

Sunday 25th August 2013.

" We must start believing "



Malky Mackay put a brave face on Cardiff's opening day defeat at West Ham, arguing that Premier League survival is more likely to be achieved by results gained at home. The defender Matt Connolly struck a similar note in claiming the enthusiasm in Cardiff for the first top-flight fixtures in 51 years might take a few opponents by surprise. "The atmosphere will be tremendous," he said. "Our fans are very passionate, and with their help we can make our stadium a bit of a fortress."

So far so commendably positive, though some of those same fans have already noticed that the first top-flight visitors to the Welsh capital in 51 years are Manchester City, ominously efficient in taking Newcastle apart in their first home game, and have begun to wonder whether Cardiff's optimism will survive two straight defeats on their long-awaited return to the big time.

"Manchester City have players who have appeared in the big derbies in Spain and Argentina," one website commentator noted. "With all respect it might be a bit hopeful of us to expect them to be unnerved by a full house of 27,000."

It seems more likely to be Cardiff themselves who are daunted. Mackay declined to use that particular word when asked to consider the first home game, though he did admit he was up against one of the best squads in the country.

"We just have to make sure we are competitive," the Cardiff manager said. According to Connolly, whose place in the side is already under threat after the runaround he was given by Matt Jarvis last weekend, the players themselves are not daunted by the challenge ahead.

"Do we want to be preparing for Manchester City, or would we rather be playing in the Championship?" he asked. "Every one of us would take the first option every time. We believe we have enough quality to keep our place in the Premier League, but it is a step up. If we are going to play our football and show what we can do, we will have to start quicker than we did at Upton Park."

The last time Cardiff entertained Manchester City they actually won, a memorable goal from Nathan Blake settling an FA Cup fourth-round tie 19 years ago, though both clubs have been through significant takeovers and changes since then. New ownership in Manchester eventually resulted in untold wealth and a Premier League title, whereas the Welsh experience had more to do with winding-up orders, unpaid debts and unsettled players until the present owners steadied the ship and achieved promotion.

Now operating as a pundit in the South Wales media, Blake is pleased to see Cardiff on the rise but fears the gulf between the clubs might be bigger than ever. "There's a big gap between saying you are ready for the Premier League and actually believing it," the former Sheffield United, Bolton and Blackburn striker said. "There seemed to me to be a lack of confidence at West Ham.

The problem is many of our fans thought the hard work was getting promoted and are relishing how hard it is to stay in this league. One defeat and already the moaning has started.

If we win it will be a shock result alright [stating the obvious]
I m nervous ,just hope we don't get a bollocking ,just believe
C Mon cardiff

believe lads get behind the boys big time remember we deserve to be where we are bloobirds

The problem is many of our fans thought the hard work was getting promoted and are relishing how hard it is to stay in this league. One defeat and already the moaning has started.

In fairness as one of the 'many' getting promoted from the second tier was 'hard work' after all it took 10 years to achieve. However, most of us are fully aware that staying in the Premier League will also be hard work but a 2-0 win over Man City today should help

The hard work begins now and the fans need to stay behind Malky no matter what

The problem is many of our fans thought the hard work was getting promoted and are relishing how hard it is to stay in this league. One defeat and already the moaning has started.

I don't think fans are moaning tbh, many would have been surprised at how West Ham comfortably beat us last week and the pressing and hard working in your face approach was not evident in our play last week, that has been the basis of Malky's team so without that there is a cause for slight concern.

Hopefully today we will see a better performance to give the fans belief that we can compete

The fact i got us 7-1 to win says it all. As long as we play well ill be happy if not rich

The problem is many of our fans thought the hard work was getting promoted and are relishing how hard it is to stay in this league. One defeat and already the moaning has started.

I don't think fans are moaning tbh, many would have been surprised at how West Ham comfortably beat us last week and the pressing and hard working in your face approach was not evident in our play last week, that has been the basis of Malky's team so without that there is a cause for slight concern.

Hopefully today we will see a better performance to give the fans belief that we can compete

Swansea went what four games without a goal and one point? If we match that the fan base will be in uproar.

I loved last season because it was fantastic to win one of the hardest leagues in the world and see cardiff lift a fantastic trophy. But I wasn't kidding myself, the team was rushed over a year (Malky said himself it was a three year plan cut to a two year plan).

Malky's policy of aiming high in the transfer market is noble but I'd have liked to see him go for players from lower leagues like he did with Mason and see them take their chance.

We're not nailed on for relegation but at this moment there is a gap and a learning curve to go through if we're to stand a chance. Too many of our fans haven't realised that yet.

Hey just saw games in 3D Does that mean if we score 1 we get 3
I know I know sorry
Bluebirds bluebirds
Oh there s Mr tan bless him

Poker face it was
What a day what a win wish I d been there
And they brought on nasri and Milner they need to make some signings I reckon lol