' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 8:11 am
Cardiff City have to follow the Southampton model and introduce a new structure for players and managers
Friday 13 February 2015
By Scott Johnson
After two and a half years of following their team in red, Cardiff City fans know what it’s like to support a team that lacks the identity they covet.
Fortunately, they are back in blue and the Bluebirds can begin to build bridges with supporters once more, with pride returning in the club.
Yet on the pitch, Cardiff City have never looked so lacking in direction and purpose in the many years I’ve been watching them.
It is far easier to identify this Cardiff side’s weaknesses than their strengths. Statistically, they record some of the lowest possession stats in the league, while their pass completion percentage and shots per game numbers are not much better.
This is not a recipe for a successful campaign, but would at least be bearable if there were signs of progress they were working towards some sort of eventual goal. Sadly, that is also lacking.
But that is hardly surprising. They have gone from Malky Mackay to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Russell Slade in quick succession, each of have whom had radically different attitudes and approaches.
The squad reflects that and performances continue to be affected as a result.
I noted with interest last week how WalesOnline questions, put on behalf of the fans, were answered by chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo.
The responses were not exactly revelatory, but a few interesting insights did materialise.
It was interesting to learn that the transfer committee that has been established at the club “does not make footballing decisions.”
After so many transfer market mistakes in recent years, that strikes me as bizarre, but is hardly surprising with a lack of any football knowledge of real depth at boardroom level.
Also, when asked about whether Slade might benefit from any sort of coaching assistance, it was confirmed that would also be Slade’s call.
You therefore draw that the conclusion that the club are indulging their managers.
Solskjaer wanted “a large squad of players” and got it, while Slade wanted “a tighter group” and got that too. There is no continuity in choosing mangers or choosing players and it costing the club a fortune.
If the committee are tasked with the economic side of squad building, then getting shot of players they can no more afford, despite only signing some of them in the summer, is not very impressive either.
During the promotion campaign, Cardiff were said to be working with a very high wages to turnover ratio. They achieved their goal by securing promotion, but the club has accumulated debt and with Financial Fair Play regulations limiting acceptable levels of loss, the club needs to do more than just give players away to balance the books.
The question should not be why are the club no more spending at Harrods, it should be why were they shopping at Harrods in the first place?
Cost cutting was overdue, but if they are looking to slash expenses and still be competitive in a difficult division, it is clear that they need to establish an ethos and put a suitable structure in place.
The template every forward-thinking club should look to emulate is that of Southampton. Les Reed has complete control from the under-7’s through to the first-team and they play the same way at every level.
The coaches and managers they bring in have to fit their profile and not the other way round. They also monitor suitable candidates the whole year round, so if their manager is sacked or poached, the transition is seamless.
Also, the manager is left to manage while their network of scouts and analysts are tasked with identifying suitable transfer targets for the manager’s approval.
Their set-up is continental in its outlook and state of the art in its execution, but closer to home, there are other smaller clubs that are benefitting from establishing and sticking to a clearly defined structure.
Brentford are in the second tier for the first time in 21 years, but are thriving thanks to the ingenuity of owner Matthew Benham, sporting director Frank McParland and manager Mark Warburton, who may soon be back on the market, if recent rumours regarding his summer departure are to be believed.
Russell Slade is having a tough time at Cardiff City
They identify shrewd signings and aim to tap in to the huge number of youngsters discarded by academies every year.
Cardiff have so much in their favour, including a huge catchment area and a successful academy. Having produced the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Cameron Jerome, Chris Gunter and Adam Matthews in recent years, they are clearly doing some things right and need to maximise their strengths while addressing their weaknesses.
These things do not happen overnight, but a multitude of errors can be forgiven if there is evidence that the club are moving in the right direction.
They need to lighten the load on the manager and bring in someone at board level with the requisite football contacts and expertise to drive the club forward.
Until this happens, they will drift aimlessly while better run, forward thinking clubs deservedly overtake them.
Friday 13 February 2015
By Scott Johnson
After two and a half years of following their team in red, Cardiff City fans know what it’s like to support a team that lacks the identity they covet.
Fortunately, they are back in blue and the Bluebirds can begin to build bridges with supporters once more, with pride returning in the club.
Yet on the pitch, Cardiff City have never looked so lacking in direction and purpose in the many years I’ve been watching them.
It is far easier to identify this Cardiff side’s weaknesses than their strengths. Statistically, they record some of the lowest possession stats in the league, while their pass completion percentage and shots per game numbers are not much better.
This is not a recipe for a successful campaign, but would at least be bearable if there were signs of progress they were working towards some sort of eventual goal. Sadly, that is also lacking.
But that is hardly surprising. They have gone from Malky Mackay to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Russell Slade in quick succession, each of have whom had radically different attitudes and approaches.
The squad reflects that and performances continue to be affected as a result.
I noted with interest last week how WalesOnline questions, put on behalf of the fans, were answered by chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo.
The responses were not exactly revelatory, but a few interesting insights did materialise.
It was interesting to learn that the transfer committee that has been established at the club “does not make footballing decisions.”
After so many transfer market mistakes in recent years, that strikes me as bizarre, but is hardly surprising with a lack of any football knowledge of real depth at boardroom level.
Also, when asked about whether Slade might benefit from any sort of coaching assistance, it was confirmed that would also be Slade’s call.
You therefore draw that the conclusion that the club are indulging their managers.
Solskjaer wanted “a large squad of players” and got it, while Slade wanted “a tighter group” and got that too. There is no continuity in choosing mangers or choosing players and it costing the club a fortune.
If the committee are tasked with the economic side of squad building, then getting shot of players they can no more afford, despite only signing some of them in the summer, is not very impressive either.
During the promotion campaign, Cardiff were said to be working with a very high wages to turnover ratio. They achieved their goal by securing promotion, but the club has accumulated debt and with Financial Fair Play regulations limiting acceptable levels of loss, the club needs to do more than just give players away to balance the books.
The question should not be why are the club no more spending at Harrods, it should be why were they shopping at Harrods in the first place?
Cost cutting was overdue, but if they are looking to slash expenses and still be competitive in a difficult division, it is clear that they need to establish an ethos and put a suitable structure in place.
The template every forward-thinking club should look to emulate is that of Southampton. Les Reed has complete control from the under-7’s through to the first-team and they play the same way at every level.
The coaches and managers they bring in have to fit their profile and not the other way round. They also monitor suitable candidates the whole year round, so if their manager is sacked or poached, the transition is seamless.
Also, the manager is left to manage while their network of scouts and analysts are tasked with identifying suitable transfer targets for the manager’s approval.
Their set-up is continental in its outlook and state of the art in its execution, but closer to home, there are other smaller clubs that are benefitting from establishing and sticking to a clearly defined structure.
Brentford are in the second tier for the first time in 21 years, but are thriving thanks to the ingenuity of owner Matthew Benham, sporting director Frank McParland and manager Mark Warburton, who may soon be back on the market, if recent rumours regarding his summer departure are to be believed.
Russell Slade is having a tough time at Cardiff City
They identify shrewd signings and aim to tap in to the huge number of youngsters discarded by academies every year.
Cardiff have so much in their favour, including a huge catchment area and a successful academy. Having produced the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Cameron Jerome, Chris Gunter and Adam Matthews in recent years, they are clearly doing some things right and need to maximise their strengths while addressing their weaknesses.
These things do not happen overnight, but a multitude of errors can be forgiven if there is evidence that the club are moving in the right direction.
They need to lighten the load on the manager and bring in someone at board level with the requisite football contacts and expertise to drive the club forward.
Until this happens, they will drift aimlessly while better run, forward thinking clubs deservedly overtake them.
Re: ' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:04 am
its a shame most cardiff fans i know who have sons are actually choosing the Swansea academy as they are not impressed at all with cardiffs
Re: ' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:54 am
Forever Blue wrote:Cardiff City have to follow the Southampton model and introduce a new structure for players and managers
Friday 13 February 2015
By Scott Johnson
But that is hardly surprising. They have gone from Malky Mackay to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Russell Slade in quick succession, each of have whom had radically different attitudes and approaches.
Solskjaer wanted “a large squad of players” and got it, while Slade wanted “a tighter group” and got that too. There is no continuity in choosing mangers or choosing players and it costing the club a fortune.
Slade wanted a 'tighter group'
Slade does what he's told end of
Re: ' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 10:05 am
its shocking how quickly the club has gone backwards but without some sort of philosophy then we will never start moving forward
Re: ' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:21 am
This is what I've been sayin. was there nobody at the club in the summer saying 'what about financial fair play!?' when he had 38 f*cking player?
Or maybe they just said 'yeah don't worry about that well get rid of them all mid season'
Makes perfect sense!
Or maybe they just said 'yeah don't worry about that well get rid of them all mid season'
Makes perfect sense!
Re: ' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:33 pm
Reza wrote:its shocking how quickly the club has gone backwards but without some sort of philosophy then we will never start moving forward
Agree!!
The fundamental issue is the Club has NO STRATEGY.
The Senior Leaderships just run around trying to give positive lip service, but there is nothing substantial.
I touched on this point in another post.
The PL TV deal starts in 2016-17, so if Cardiff City want a piece of the pie they need to pull their finger out of their arse and get a plan in place.
What other incentive do Mr.Choo and Mr. Dalman need to sort this mess out?
Looking at an Academy is not the priority, getting in the PL in 2016-17 is. After then with the money disparity is will be even harder to do so.
My Proposal to the Board is:
VISION
Sustainable Premier League Club from 2016-17 and beyond.
MISSION
The build a homogenous club with Supporter representation on the Board.
A Community Club which represents S.Wales and seeks to expand from this solid base, Globally
A Club which inspires loyalty, respect, courage and endeavours to perform to the highest level in all areas.
STRATEGY (3 year plan)
1- Avoid Relegation 2014-15
actions: a) replace RS asap b) Warnock or A.N.Other for 3 months with big bonus c) appoint long term proven manager in summer
2- Build team for promotion 2016-17
actions a) neutralise supporter discontent (BOARD member) b) total focus on team and results - failure not an option
3- Achieve promotion, remain in PL, invest in players. Commercial success will only come on a foundation of club unity and footballer success...Product is the Football First
To summarise we need:
- Defensive Strategy in 2014-15 to prevent relegation (defend our position, not play defensively!)
- Offensive Strategy in 2015-16 - get promotion and seek the Golden Prize of PL TV money for 2016-17 season!
There we are took 5 minutes...
Re: ' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:51 pm
Jupiter wrote:Reza wrote:its shocking how quickly the club has gone backwards but without some sort of philosophy then we will never start moving forward
Agree!!
The fundamental issue is the Club has NO STRATEGY.
The Senior Leaderships just run around trying to give positive lip service, but there is nothing substantial.
I touched on this point in another post.
The PL TV deal starts in 2016-17, so if Cardiff City want a piece of the pie they need to pull their finger out of their arse and get a plan in place.
What other incentive do Mr.Choo and Mr. Dalman need to sort this mess out?
Looking at an Academy is not the priority, getting in the PL in 2016-17 is. After then with the money disparity is will be even harder to do so.
My Proposal to the Board is:
VISION
Sustainable Premier League Club from 2016-17 and beyond.
MISSION
The build a homogenous club with Supporter representation on the Board.
A Community Club which represents S.Wales and seeks to expand from this solid base, Globally
A Club which inspires loyalty, respect, courage and endeavours to perform to the highest level in all areas.
STRATEGY (3 year plan)
1- Avoid Relegation 2014-15
actions: a) replace RS asap b) Warnock or A.N.Other for 3 months with big bonus c) appoint long term proven manager in summer
2- Build team for promotion 2016-17
actions a) neutralise supporter discontent (BOARD member) b) total focus on team and results - failure not an option
3- Achieve promotion, remain in PL, invest in players. Commercial success will only come on a foundation of club unity and footballer success...Product is the Football First
To summarise we need:
- Defensive Strategy in 2014-15 to prevent relegation (defend our position, not play defensively!)
- Offensive Strategy in 2015-16 - get promotion and seek the Golden Prize of PL TV money for 2016-17 season!
There we are took 5 minutes...
Your speaking alot of sense there mate, too much for tan to handle i Fear.
Re: ' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:55 pm
nubbsy wrote:Jupiter wrote:Reza wrote:its shocking how quickly the club has gone backwards but without some sort of philosophy then we will never start moving forward
Agree!!
The fundamental issue is the Club has NO STRATEGY.
The Senior Leaderships just run around trying to give positive lip service, but there is nothing substantial.
I touched on this point in another post.
The PL TV deal starts in 2016-17, so if Cardiff City want a piece of the pie they need to pull their finger out of their arse and get a plan in place.
What other incentive do Mr.Choo and Mr. Dalman need to sort this mess out?
Looking at an Academy is not the priority, getting in the PL in 2016-17 is. After then with the money disparity is will be even harder to do so.
My Proposal to the Board is:
VISION
Sustainable Premier League Club from 2016-17 and beyond.
MISSION
The build a homogenous club with Supporter representation on the Board.
A Community Club which represents S.Wales and seeks to expand from this solid base, Globally
A Club which inspires loyalty, respect, courage and endeavours to perform to the highest level in all areas.
STRATEGY (3 year plan)
1- Avoid Relegation 2014-15
actions: a) replace RS asap b) Warnock or A.N.Other for 3 months with big bonus c) appoint long term proven manager in summer
2- Build team for promotion 2016-17
actions a) neutralise supporter discontent (BOARD member) b) total focus on team and results - failure not an option
3- Achieve promotion, remain in PL, invest in players. Commercial success will only come on a foundation of club unity and footballer success...Product is the Football First
To summarise we need:
- Defensive Strategy in 2014-15 to prevent relegation (defend our position, not play defensively!)
- Offensive Strategy in 2015-16 - get promotion and seek the Golden Prize of PL TV money for 2016-17 season!
There we are took 5 minutes...
Your speaking alot of sense there mate, too much for tan to handle i Fear.
I would go as far as implementing a playing style 4-3-3 from the youth system to 1st team. Only 4-3-3 managers need apply. Consistency. I wrote this without mentioning you know who
as we are witnessing with dinosaur Slade, bad football is bad business. The product has to be good to grow the club into a prosperous one.
Re: ' Cardiff City have to introduce a new structure '
Fri Feb 13, 2015 5:49 pm
Jupiter wrote:Reza wrote:its shocking how quickly the club has gone backwards but without some sort of philosophy then we will never start moving forward
Agree!!
The fundamental issue is the Club has NO STRATEGY.
The Senior Leaderships just run around trying to give positive lip service, but there is nothing substantial.
I touched on this point in another post.
The PL TV deal starts in 2016-17, so if Cardiff City want a piece of the pie they need to pull their finger out of their arse and get a plan in place.
What other incentive do Mr.Choo and Mr. Dalman need to sort this mess out?
Looking at an Academy is not the priority, getting in the PL in 2016-17 is. After then with the money disparity is will be even harder to do so.
My Proposal to the Board is:
VISION
Sustainable Premier League Club from 2016-17 and beyond.
MISSION
The build a homogenous club with Supporter representation on the Board.
A Community Club which represents S.Wales and seeks to expand from this solid base, Globally
A Club which inspires loyalty, respect, courage and endeavours to perform to the highest level in all areas.
STRATEGY (3 year plan)
1- Avoid Relegation 2014-15
actions: a) replace RS asap b) Warnock or A.N.Other for 3 months with big bonus c) appoint long term proven manager in summer
2- Build team for promotion 2016-17
actions a) neutralise supporter discontent (BOARD member) b) total focus on team and results - failure not an option
3- Achieve promotion, remain in PL, invest in players. Commercial success will only come on a foundation of club unity and footballer success...Product is the Football First
To summarise we need:
- Defensive Strategy in 2014-15 to prevent relegation (defend our position, not play defensively!)
- Offensive Strategy in 2015-16 - get promotion and seek the Golden Prize of PL TV money for 2016-17 season!
There we are took 5 minutes...
Spot on and I'd this was achieved tan would have made his money back and can walk away amicably