Tough Task for Slade to deliver return to Premier League

Tough ask for new manager Russell Slade even tougher after Blackpool defeat

There is undoubted pressure on Slade to deliver a return to the Premier League, but, at present, City don’t look like a mid-table team, let alone a promotion-challenging outfit.

Tuesday Oct 07, 2014

By Sian Matheson

Matheson wasn't impressed by the 1-0 loss at Bloomfield Road and knows Slade faces a big ask to turn things around


If Russell Slade didn’t realise what a big challenge he has on his hands, he surely does now after that woeful showing at Blackpool on Friday night.

Although always tough, the Championship can be a great league at times but, for me, the Bloomfield Road encounter showed the league at its ugly worst.

Bottom of the league and barely able to put out a decent starting 11, Blackpool earned their first win of the current campaign against the Bluebirds.

But, if truth be told, it was tough to tell exactly which side was propping up the league during the televised performance.

Bloomfield Road is always a tough ground to go to but shapeless Cardiff were just woeful. Pure and simple.

The Bluebirds were slow, sloppy and could barely string two passes together at times.

There’s no doubting it, the Tangerines won through sheer grit and determination. And, crucially, they worked as a team to chase down every ball whereas Cardiff seemed to be the complete opposite.

The referee’s many questionable decisions didn’t help the Bluebirds’ cause, either.

Defeat always hurts but if the Bluebirds go down fighting it is always far easier to take.

But on Friday, there was a distinct lack of passion, determination and team spirit which is why I found the entire 90 minutes so frustrating.

At the end of the day, Blackpool just wanted the win more. Their solidarity and refusal to give up outshone the Bluebirds’ far superior squad to clinch the game.

On the pitch, the scoreline could have been worse if it wasn’t for a world class save from David Marshall with his right foot.

And I was disappointed with sub Adam Le Fondre who I felt should have done better with the two chances which fell to him.

But I guess I can’t be too harsh as he has barely played so far this season.


After watching the side over the last few weeks in a ‘consultancy’ role, I certainly hope the new Cardiff boss is finally ready to start his challenge.



There is undoubted pressure on Slade to deliver a return to the Premier League, but, at present, City don’t look like a mid-table team, let alone a promotion-challenging outfit.

As a result, I think the international break arrives at a perfect time for the former Leyton Orient gaffer to start his Bluebirds career and put his managerial marker on his team.

As I’ve said previously, he was not my preferred choice for manager but he is the man in the Cardiff hotseat and he needs to be given a chance by both players and fans.

And I sincerely hope Slade also finds a role for both Scott Young and Danny Gabbidon on the coaching front. The duo were thrown in at the deep end, taking on the poison chalice after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure but they did better than I could ever have expected considering their management inexperience.

They are Cardiff City through and through, both were legends on the pitch and their pride, passion and knowledge of the club can only be beneficial should Slade decide to tap into it.

Equally, I’m sure Young and Gabbidon would relish the opportunity to work alongside Slade and, hopefully, play a part in taking their beloved Bluebirds back into the top flight.

Regarding the latter...I sincerely hope not in the case of Young.... his distinct lack of man management skills with Guerra and Kiim can only have damaged an already fractured squad.

He cited "Lack of Confidence" after the Blackpool game... they should have been a little more confident after draws at Derby and Brighton and beating Sheffield Wednesday... rubbish it was a lack of effort...no closing down ..no pace ..and as far as Young is concerned he showed his credentials for his failed welsh league management experience. If he could nt incite some effort and passion at Blackpool... then I don't think he is the coach we need right now.

I reckon we wl be rebuilding for a push in about 5 seasons time if all goes well

Why do people keep saying Cardiff through and through when referring to Gabbidon ?. he spent 5 years here prior two years in the Midlands and NINE years in London!?, P Dwyer, P KIng, D Murray, F Keenor, etc define Cardiff through and through, I find it irksome that spending a few seasons with a club now constitutes loyalty status.

First task for Russell Slade is to steady the ship, get a few points, and steer clear from the relegation area. See where we are by Christmas.

I reckon we wl be rebuilding for a push in about 5 seasons time if all goes well

fecking great fifteen new managers to look forward to.

I reckon we wl be rebuilding for a push in about 5 seasons time if all goes well

ffs we have a new bread of pessimist/optimist on this board

I reckon we wl be rebuilding for a push in about 5 seasons time if all goes well

ffs we have a new bread of pessimist/optimist on this board

Realistic goal tbf. If we go up this season, we will come straight back down I think. 3-5 seasons in the championship with a continuous manager and consistent improvement will see us go up.

Why do people keep saying Cardiff through and through when referring to Gabbidon ?. he spent 5 years here prior two years in the Midlands and NINE years in London!?, P Dwyer, P KIng, D Murray, F Keenor, etc define Cardiff through and through, I find it irksome that spending a few seasons with a club now constitutes loyalty status.

Couldn't agree more.
The words - legend, Cardiff through & through, Cardiff runs through his blood etc. etc. all overused.
Very good player who moved on & now has nowhere much else to go.
Good luck to him but get a grip.

If he gets us into the top 6 this season it will deemed as a successful season after Ole's cock up.
However, I believe mid table is where we'll probably finish.

Annis I've got a good feeling about this guy he was not my choice I wanted pulis but we must back this guy all the way