' ITS TIME FOR CHANGES '

It's time for Russell Slade to make changes if he wants to find winning formula on the road


Sat Nov 29, 2014


By Terry Phillips

The Bluebirds manager has stayed faithful to his 4-4-2 system in every match of his tenure but he must now consider something different, says Terry Phillips




It’s time for change. That is the reality Russell Slade must accept if he is to turn around Cardiff City’s dismal away form at Watford.

The Bluebirds manager has stayed faithful to his 4-4-2 system in every match of his tenure, albeit with a tweak or two along the way, but he must now consider something different if the Bluebirds are to step up their bid for the play-offs.

How about these three for starters at Vicarage Road?

Tom Adeyemi is keen to add his energy and athleticism in midfield and he is the only member of the current squad who appears capable of providing the midfield thrust that has been sadly lacking since the departure of Jordon Mutch.

Watford look certain to line up with five players across the middle and City surely have to match up and give Peter Whittingham the chance to create.

Adeyemi and Aron Gunnarsson have the tenacity and strength to play key roles in winning the midfield battle.

More: The incredible pictures that tell the inside story of the Cardiff City dressing room

Huw Evans Picture AgencyCardiff City's Tom Adeyemi and Bournemouth's Adam Smith compete for the ball
Playing five across the middle would mean dropping at least one of Federico Macheda and Adam Le Fondre, and I would take both of them out of the starting XI.

It seems clear Federico Macheda is ready for a rest, while Le Fondre’s lack of confidence in front of goal remains an issue.

Kenwyne Jones deserves his chance to lead the line and pick up the fine form he showed early in the season.

Macheda has netted five goals this season, but his form has dipped over the last few matches, while Le Fondre is playing well without adding the goals his performances have perhaps deserved.

Adding an extra man in midfield would also allow Slade to recall Fabio, whose attacking exploits can add an extra dimension. With five across the centre City would have extra protection for the back five and Fabio would have licence to dazzle.

Fabio
City are capable of winning against any opposition at Championship level, home or away, and Slade’s team have the chance to prove that at Vicarage Road.

The manager has been criticised, unfairly in most cases, for his approach, even though City have stabilised and improved under his leadership, collecting 13 points from a possible 20.

I genuinely believe Cardiff are not far away from really kicking on. With some slight adjustments, Slade can add a new dimension to his side that will allow the push for promotion to really begin over the next few months.

Agree, said it earlier in the week, we need to plat 4-5-1 away from home against the better teams otherwise we are like.y to get smashed.

Would like to see Jones up top with Ravel Morrison just behind. Firm up in the middle by Playing Noone but not Pilkington and bring in Adeyemi.

Sat Nov 29, 2014


By Terry Phillips


I genuinely believe Cardiff are not far away from really kicking on. With some slight adjustments, Slade can add a new dimension to his side that will allow the push for promotion to really begin over the next few months.

Let us hope he is right although the same can be said looking the other way.

The performances have been dire against weak opposition. We now have some difficult games coming up. It could quite easily go the other way.

After these next two away games , I think we will know more about slades abilities. If we lose both then we know he's not cut out to manage a championship side,on the other hand should we win both we will kick on. I hope it's the latter.

After these next two away games , I think we will know more about slades abilities. If we lose both then we know he's not cut out to manage a championship side,on the other hand should we win both we will kick on. I hope it's the latter.

About sums it up.