' Impressive Hudson and Connolly,but Solskjaer '

Cardiff City boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer determined to bring in new centre-back despite hailing Mark Hudson and Matt Connolly

Saturday Aug 09 2014


By Terry Phillips


The Bluebirds boss was impressed with his central defensive duo but still intends to make new signings before the transfer window shuts

Cardiff City boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed centre-backs Matt Connolly and Mark Hudson at Ewood Park – but insisted he remains in the market to sign a new defender in the coming weeks.

With Ben Turner injured and Juan Cala suspended, Hudson and Connolly forged a solid partnership in the centre of the City defence as the Bluebirds opened up the Championship season with a 1-1 draw at Blackburn.

Despite their eye-catching display, it won’t stop Solskjaer dipping into the transfer market to further bolster his back four.

“The two of them were outstanding,” said Solskjaer of Hudson and Connolly. “They are desperate to play football and I was delighted at the way we defended our box.

“The performance and attitude of the lads was first class, particularly when we were defending.

“Matt and Mark were fantastic heading the ball away and helping David Marshall keep the ball out of our net.

“They are both part of my squad and are going to play their part.

I thought they both did well tbh. Kept Rhodes and Rudy at bay. Both battled and got stuck in.

I thought they both did well tbh. Kept Rhodes and Rudy at bay. Both battled and got stuck in.

I thought the same

The centre back was our best players Maynard couldn't control fuk all and three in midfield didn't work so I'm not sure what game ole was watching hope last night isn't a sign of things to come,I expected more from oles team

Formation and tactics where what was wrong we couldn't keep hold of the ball. Looked like we started 4-3-3 then after the goal 4-5-1 with our strikers on the wings where they ended up having real quiet games and no impact there's a reason Lefondre and Maynard play up front and thats because thats their best position they looked really uncomfortable out wide we need a 4-4-2 with strikers up front in their natural position with midfielders in midfield it was horrific to see the ball lumped up to Jones who had no support after the goal so the ball kept coming back at us it reminded me of malkys tactics of score 1 then try to absorb pressure and hold onto a 1 goal lead when the formation and team where set up to be attacking like that you need to go out and try and get more than 1 goal the team didnt look comfortable and 1 man is to blame thats Ole and his tactics im not a Malky fan but Ole is a real let down aswell for me and we need someone experianced that knows the Championship and the prem Ole was a gamble by the board last season and it hasn't paid off and we are still suffering because of it

I thought the ref was really harsh with some of the fouls he gave against Hudson... Both defenders had a decent game... With Cala to come back and French Kev and Dec on the bench actually the midfield is more of a concern... I think with Noone back we will be looking good but would be great to have another Noone style player - I don't think Kim is up to it

Don't think we need another CB. With these 2 playing well yesterday and still Turner and Cala to come back I think we're safe, KTC can also play there as well. A winger should be the priority

Formation and tactics where what was wrong we couldn't keep hold of the ball. Looked like we started 4-3-3 then after the goal 4-5-1 with our strikers on the wings where they ended up having real quiet games and no impact there's a reason Lefondre and Maynard play up front and thats because thats their best position they looked really uncomfortable out wide we need a 4-4-2 with strikers up front in their natural position with midfielders in midfield it was horrific to see the ball lumped up to Jones who had no support after the goal so the ball kept coming back at us it reminded me of malkys tactics of score 1 then try to absorb pressure and hold onto a 1 goal lead when the formation and team where set up to be attacking like that you need to go out and try and get more than 1 goal the team didnt look comfortable and 1 man is to blame thats Ole and his tactics im not a Malky fan but Ole is a real let down aswell for me and we need someone experianced that knows the Championship and the prem Ole was a gamble by the board last season and it hasn't paid off and we are still suffering because of it

................ ,,,,,,,,,,,,, Now, go spread yourselves, hehe.

No, seriously, I don´t think the tactics were that bad considering a difficult first game away from home. The most important was not to lose, and we didn´t. Main goal seemed to be holding it tight at the back, and we achieved that. For the first time since Malky was sacked, there is no one complaining about our defense (oh, well, some of course). Something to build on, I would say.