' Former Bluebirds player Nathan Blake says '

Monday 15th December 2014

By Nathan Blake

Cardiff City are overrun too much... but why were they playing in white? - Nathan Blake

Russell Slade must devise game plan to ensure his players keep hold of the ball more, says Bluebirds legend

We should be talking about the football, but instead the subject on the lips of many Cardiff City fans at Bournemouth was the kit colour.

‘Why the heck are we playing in white?’ were the chants that rang out from the away section.

Personally, I can scarcely believe the Bluebirds played in that colour down at Dean Court, white with a splash of red, rather than blue... making it a talking point yet again.

Russell Slade has done a decent enough job, stabilising things on and off the pitch and is trying to sort out the mess he inherited while building a team. But he is being hindered by the furore about kit colour.

On this occasion, it seems, it was down to FA rules with Bournemouth’s black stripes being determined their dominant colour, thus it was viewed as a possible clash with the blue.

But it would be great if Cardiff City could get back to a situation where football is the big subject, not the shirts the players wear.

So as for the football, my concern is the statistic which showed City had only 36 per cent possession. That tendency is becoming a problem and is happening too often.

It means the players are being put under more and more pressure. Somehow Slade must sort that out and ensure his team keep the ball more.

City seem to be standing still. The players are not giving themselves the chance to perform. The group are taking one step forward and one back.

Yes, Bournemouth are top of the Championship, unbeaten in 12 matches and look a strong team. Eddie Howe has had time and backing to build something and he has done a cracking job.

But Cardiff have spent an awful lot of money on their team, regardless of who brought them in. The fans want to see good performances, consistent performances and they aren’t getting that.

It’s Brentford up next at Cardiff City Stadium and suddenly that encountaer has grown in importance. Since winning at Watford, Slade’s men have battled to a goalless draw against Rotherham and lost against Bournemouth.

Brentford won 3-1 against Blackburn, are in the play-off places and are flying. There is also a gap starting to appear above Cardiff and that can’t be permitted to grow any more.

The Bluebirds must get back to winning ways and fast. There are three games left until the new year - Brentford (home), Charlton (away) and Watford (home). City need to be unbeaten in those to maintain their challenge, because their first Championship match of 2015 isn’t until January 10.

There is an FA Cup tie against Colchester to factor in, but City don’t want to go into that gap having struggled over the festive period.

The key factor for City is to play in a manner which ensures they have more possession than has been the case over recent matches. They are handing the upper-hand to opposing teams.

I think you will find that Cardiff have only had more possession than the opposition in about 3 games this season, Blackpool being the most dominant match possession wise. The others in Cardiff's favour were a lot closer, e.g. 51%-49%.

We don't seem to keep the ball because we cannot put 2 passes together or we play hoofball.

Slade is cluless & out of his depth

When you have KJ and FM up front offering no movement the only option is the pump.

Slade needs to get rid of all the forwards if he can, write off this season and blood Healey or get some pace into the team.

If an offer came in for Noone,Whitts, Gunnar, I would accept it. It looks like matts is going, get rid of kim to if he can.

Its a mess and needs rebuilding.

Malky basically had a blank canvas and it helped him, Slade has no chance with the players we have here.

When you have KJ and FM up front offering no movement the only option is the pump.

Slade needs to get rid of all the forwards if he can, write off this season and blood Healey or get some pace into the team.

If an offer came in for Noone,Whitts, Gunnar, I would accept it. It looks like matts is going, get rid of kim to if he can.

Its a mess and needs rebuilding.

Malky basically had a blank canvas and it helped him, Slade has no chance with the players we have here.

Good point about Malky and the blank canvass, took the pressure off him as expectations low, also the added bonus to bring the players he wanted that fitted his system

When you have KJ and FM up front offering no movement the only option is the pump.

Slade needs to get rid of all the forwards if he can, write off this season and blood Healey or get some pace into the team.

If an offer came in for Noone,Whitts, Gunnar, I would accept it. It looks like matts is going, get rid of kim to if he can.

Its a mess and needs rebuilding.

Malky basically had a blank canvas and it helped him, Slade has no chance with the players we have here.

Good point about Malky and the blank canvass, took the pressure off him as expectations low, also the added bonus to bring the players he wanted that fitted his system

Doesn't seem to matter on here Slade is tans man and is doomed whatever he does? In div 1 slade was apparently known for quike pass and go football! Obviously players we have don't Aline with that philosophy, yes we have skillful players but not quick ones, our forwards may flurish after jan if right players brought in, but we seem to have mismash of all sorts, Slade needs players who can play in his style like malky had his players! Jan transfer window should see a more balanced team hopefully when its finished!

Someone needs to tell Mr Blake to go and have a hearing test, "why the heck are we playing in white" is he having a laugh.
We sang loud and proud an numerous occasions, "why the fxxk, why the fxxk, why the fxxk are we in white, why the fxxk are we in white" work mates told me that radio wales where doing there best to talk over it as it was loud and clear on the radio.

Someone needs to tell Mr Blake to go and have a hearing test, "why the heck are we playing in white" is he having a laugh.
We sang loud and proud an numerous occasions, "why the fxxk, why the fxxk, why the fxxk are we in white, why the fxxk are we in white" work mates told me that radio wales where doing there best to talk over it as it was loud and clear on the radio.

I think he knows full well what the fans were chanting, it just couldn't be put in the Echo verbatim for obvious reasons

January will be the most important month in Slades Career.. he can ship out many players, if anyone will have them, and then bring in his own players with the pace and passing ability we have been hearing he likes.

If he gets it right and we push on he will consolidate himself as a Championship manager... get's it wrong and next season he'll be back in division one or two having missed his chance at a shot at the big time.

One only positive I have seen is his willingness to give Kadeem a new deal and blood him against Bournemouth.

Very big month coming up.