"For once, the crisis club at Cardiff Stadium is not Cardiff
Sat Nov 01, 2014 8:44 am
" For once, the crisis club at Cardiff City Stadium is not Cardiff City. "
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=149736
Saturday 1st Nov 2014.
Indeed, as the Bluebirds prepare to welcome Leeds today, still lurching from one ugly headline to another as they appeared to have done since 2002, it’s a relative picture of serenity at the City.
It’s only two weeks since Russell Slade’s first game so it says much that a month without controversy, with signs of direction on the field, is being seen as a period of stability.
“You don’t hear me mention that very often as I’m not sure people like to hear that word,” said Slade with a smile.
“Don’t get me wrong, it is quite a nice word, but people want success now, they want to know what is happening, so it’s almost too safe a word.
“To get success, I think you need stability but it’s a word I’m careful not to use, people will say they’ve heard it all before. But any club going forward needs it, don’t they?”
Leeds fans would probably beg for it right now.
If Cardiff regulars thought there had been a bit too much chopping and changing here, then it is a safe bet that they would not want to change positions with the fallen giants of Elland Road.
Since Brian McDermott left in May under new Italian owner Massimo Cellino, a fourth appointment to the dug-out has been made, Neil Redfearn ‘enjoying’ a second spell in charge this season.
It’s why Slade would have perhaps paid more attention to United’s games under the former midfielder in August – when Leeds won three and drew one from four – than the three points from six games collected under the doomed Darko Milanic.
“It’s difficult to know their system, shape, personnel you’re up against because they have chopped and changed in terms of their management and playing staff,” said Slade. “At least from our point of view we have a little bit of continuity now.”
Even with Vincent Tan giving another airing of his always opinion-splitting views on top of buying into an American ‘soccer’ franchise alongside film producers, NBA stars and self-help gurus, Cardiff still does feel like a becalmed club at the moment.
As much as he was hesitant to accept it, perhaps Slade deserves some praise for keeping things steady and settled on the pitch. He clearly saw the selection lottery operated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as an issue and has made it clear to the group of players within a bloated Bluebirds squad of 31 whom he wants to work with.
If Cellino and Tan are considered hard-nosed as owners, Slade has had to lean on the same attribute himself.
“You can call it ruthless, I prefer to see it as being honest,” said Slade, perhaps not keen on the comparisons having struggled under an Italian owner of his own at the end of his time at Leyton Orient prior to Cardiff’s call.
“But you have to make decisions. If things need to be explained then I will explain them.
“At the same time I think they understand that the squad is of 31 and with all the will in the world, I am not going to be able to keep everybody happy, it is impossible.
“So you have to make decisions with the group you want to take forward and I have spoken to some of the players and their representatives and been up front and honest with them. There is no point sitting on the fence and having splinters where you don’t want them.”
Which means few changes should be expected from the side that disappointed away at Millwall but which will be expected to aim for a continuation of their better home form. Ben Turner might make the squad after injury and Kenwyne Jones faces a late fitness test but, by and large, it’s clear who Slade has his eyes on as he seeks to end the uncertainty about who is in his selection thoughts... and who isn’t.
Indeed, focus was a buzz-word for Slade facing the press before his fourth game as Bluebirds boss, something he admits Leeds players may well be lacking, such has been the rate of upheaval in Yorkshire.
Perhaps they are used to it by now, the fans whose return to South Wales will remind them of a night many have seen as the beginning of the end of their chasing of the dream. If the coaches’ turn into Sloper Road doesn’t do it, Scott Young’s presence in the dug-out might.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=149736
Saturday 1st Nov 2014.
Indeed, as the Bluebirds prepare to welcome Leeds today, still lurching from one ugly headline to another as they appeared to have done since 2002, it’s a relative picture of serenity at the City.
It’s only two weeks since Russell Slade’s first game so it says much that a month without controversy, with signs of direction on the field, is being seen as a period of stability.
“You don’t hear me mention that very often as I’m not sure people like to hear that word,” said Slade with a smile.
“Don’t get me wrong, it is quite a nice word, but people want success now, they want to know what is happening, so it’s almost too safe a word.
“To get success, I think you need stability but it’s a word I’m careful not to use, people will say they’ve heard it all before. But any club going forward needs it, don’t they?”
Leeds fans would probably beg for it right now.
If Cardiff regulars thought there had been a bit too much chopping and changing here, then it is a safe bet that they would not want to change positions with the fallen giants of Elland Road.
Since Brian McDermott left in May under new Italian owner Massimo Cellino, a fourth appointment to the dug-out has been made, Neil Redfearn ‘enjoying’ a second spell in charge this season.
It’s why Slade would have perhaps paid more attention to United’s games under the former midfielder in August – when Leeds won three and drew one from four – than the three points from six games collected under the doomed Darko Milanic.
“It’s difficult to know their system, shape, personnel you’re up against because they have chopped and changed in terms of their management and playing staff,” said Slade. “At least from our point of view we have a little bit of continuity now.”
Even with Vincent Tan giving another airing of his always opinion-splitting views on top of buying into an American ‘soccer’ franchise alongside film producers, NBA stars and self-help gurus, Cardiff still does feel like a becalmed club at the moment.
As much as he was hesitant to accept it, perhaps Slade deserves some praise for keeping things steady and settled on the pitch. He clearly saw the selection lottery operated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as an issue and has made it clear to the group of players within a bloated Bluebirds squad of 31 whom he wants to work with.
If Cellino and Tan are considered hard-nosed as owners, Slade has had to lean on the same attribute himself.
“You can call it ruthless, I prefer to see it as being honest,” said Slade, perhaps not keen on the comparisons having struggled under an Italian owner of his own at the end of his time at Leyton Orient prior to Cardiff’s call.
“But you have to make decisions. If things need to be explained then I will explain them.
“At the same time I think they understand that the squad is of 31 and with all the will in the world, I am not going to be able to keep everybody happy, it is impossible.
“So you have to make decisions with the group you want to take forward and I have spoken to some of the players and their representatives and been up front and honest with them. There is no point sitting on the fence and having splinters where you don’t want them.”
Which means few changes should be expected from the side that disappointed away at Millwall but which will be expected to aim for a continuation of their better home form. Ben Turner might make the squad after injury and Kenwyne Jones faces a late fitness test but, by and large, it’s clear who Slade has his eyes on as he seeks to end the uncertainty about who is in his selection thoughts... and who isn’t.
Indeed, focus was a buzz-word for Slade facing the press before his fourth game as Bluebirds boss, something he admits Leeds players may well be lacking, such has been the rate of upheaval in Yorkshire.
Perhaps they are used to it by now, the fans whose return to South Wales will remind them of a night many have seen as the beginning of the end of their chasing of the dream. If the coaches’ turn into Sloper Road doesn’t do it, Scott Young’s presence in the dug-out might.
Re: "For once, the crisis club at Cardiff Stadium is not Car
Sat Nov 01, 2014 2:18 pm
