' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:33 pm
Many City players told me Bothroyd was the most talented player they had ever seen at City, in training he was awsome and in my opinion on his day he was class. But not week in week out?
' JAY BOTHROYD THE UNTOUCHABLE '
Wed March 13, 2015
by football11
I remember reading Match magazine when I was a kid and seeing a feature of Jay Bothroyd. In it, he was sat on a big car, with gold chains around his neck, explaining his admiration for rappers and musicians. I remember thinking what an idiot this guy was; little did I know he would make a big impact at my very own club, Cardiff City, years later.
Bothroyd was playing at Charlton by then, already the fifth club of his young career. The former Arsenal youth player had never settled settled anywhere, despite showing immense potential. Bothroyd had an attitude problem, undoubtedly, and was sold by Arsenal before making a professional appearance for throwing his shirt at a youth team coach after he was substituted.
In truth, it was the story of Jay Bothroyd’s career. He always had immense potential, but never really settled anywhere; that was until he joined one club.
England trailed 2-1 to France at Wembley, thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena, when history was made. Jay Bothroyd came on for fellow debutant Andy Carroll to become the first player in Cardiff City’s 111 year history to play international football for England. It was a special moment for Bothroyd, who also became the first player outside the top flight to play for England since David Nugent in 2007. Bothroyd was 28 at the time, but his debut really should’ve come a lot earlier in his career.
Jay Bothroyd is one of the most talented players I have come across, who on his day was unplayable. The skill he possessed for such a big man was really unbelievable, but his work ethic and attitude was very often lacking.
The striker had played for Arsenal, Coventry, Perugia, Blackburn, Charlton, Wolves and Stoke before heading to South Wales. He’d never reached the height of his potential, with issues arising every time Bothroyd threatened to show any sort of form. He had scored 34 goals in 9 seasons before joining the Bluebirds; hardly a prolific record.
It always seemed like he was just waiting to settle, though. Bothroyd needed the right club, the right manager and the right set of fans. There’s never been doubting his potential, even Arsene Wenger stated in 2010 that Bothroyd was his biggest regret.
“Bothroyd is one of my regrets because he left Arsenal too early. But I also feel it is important that a guy makes a good career for himself, rather than possibly being stuck in the reserves at a club like ours.” – Arsene Wenge, 2010
In Cardiff, Bothroyd joined a side dreaming of the Premier League. Dave Jones, he former Wolves manager, had assembled a strong side and wanted Premiership football. The club had just lost Aaron Ramsey, Robbie Fowler, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, amongst others, so there was a lot of pressure on the soon-to-be England striker’s shoulders. Bothroyd joined Ross McCormack and former hero Michael Chopra as the club’s strike force and boy did they combine.
Bothroyd scored 12 goals in his first season at Cardiff, his highest league total ever, whilst Chopra scored 9 and McCormack 23. It was the club’s final season at Ninian Park, but they narrowly missed out on the play-offs by goals scored to Preston North End.
The following season saw Bothroyd impress further, with 13 goals in all competitions. Cardiff made the play-offs, where they beat Leicester on penalties to progress to the final. It was there where Bothroyd went missing; hobbling off early on after a questionable injury and with that mount Cardiff’s heads and faith dropped. They lost 3-2 to Blackpool.
Cardiff fans were convinced that after the club’s play off loss, and Bothroyd’s lack of commitment, that he would be off. He had lost interest and lost his head, as had happened everywhere else that he had player. In truth, it was the 2010-11 season in which Bothroyd really came to life. After finally having a settled and successful couple of season, he was at home in Cardiff. Dave Jones had assembled arguable the club’s best ever squad, with the team containing favourite such as David Marshall, Chris Burke, Mark Hudson, Kevin McNaughton, Michael Chopra, Joe Ledley and more, including Craig Bellamy.
Jay Bothroyd lit up that season; scoring 20 goals in all competitions, his best ever season. He was the club’s highest scorer and fired them to another 4th place and play-off appearance. After securing a 0-0 away draw in the first leg, it was a disaster for Cardiff when they lost 3-0 at home to Reading in the second leg. That was their season, their big money and they had blown it.
For Bothroyd, though, it was a success. He was called up for his England debut in the November, and made his only ever international appearance in the match against France.
He had his head turned, though, and was off after Cardiff had failed to secure promotion. He joined Premier League side QPR, but never got going again and was soon shipped out after two seasons. Can you blame Bothroyd? Well, some would say no, but he was finally settled at Cardiff. He’d found his feet, realised his potential and was the man in the Welsh capital.
Bothroyd is now playing the Japanese second division, many would judge this as a failure. A silky big man, who could score some special goals, yet he’s disappeared at only 32. One more spell in England could be in store for Jay Bothroyd, but he really never did realise his undoubted potential.
' JAY BOTHROYD THE UNTOUCHABLE '
Wed March 13, 2015
by football11
I remember reading Match magazine when I was a kid and seeing a feature of Jay Bothroyd. In it, he was sat on a big car, with gold chains around his neck, explaining his admiration for rappers and musicians. I remember thinking what an idiot this guy was; little did I know he would make a big impact at my very own club, Cardiff City, years later.
Bothroyd was playing at Charlton by then, already the fifth club of his young career. The former Arsenal youth player had never settled settled anywhere, despite showing immense potential. Bothroyd had an attitude problem, undoubtedly, and was sold by Arsenal before making a professional appearance for throwing his shirt at a youth team coach after he was substituted.
In truth, it was the story of Jay Bothroyd’s career. He always had immense potential, but never really settled anywhere; that was until he joined one club.
England trailed 2-1 to France at Wembley, thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena, when history was made. Jay Bothroyd came on for fellow debutant Andy Carroll to become the first player in Cardiff City’s 111 year history to play international football for England. It was a special moment for Bothroyd, who also became the first player outside the top flight to play for England since David Nugent in 2007. Bothroyd was 28 at the time, but his debut really should’ve come a lot earlier in his career.
Jay Bothroyd is one of the most talented players I have come across, who on his day was unplayable. The skill he possessed for such a big man was really unbelievable, but his work ethic and attitude was very often lacking.
The striker had played for Arsenal, Coventry, Perugia, Blackburn, Charlton, Wolves and Stoke before heading to South Wales. He’d never reached the height of his potential, with issues arising every time Bothroyd threatened to show any sort of form. He had scored 34 goals in 9 seasons before joining the Bluebirds; hardly a prolific record.
It always seemed like he was just waiting to settle, though. Bothroyd needed the right club, the right manager and the right set of fans. There’s never been doubting his potential, even Arsene Wenger stated in 2010 that Bothroyd was his biggest regret.
“Bothroyd is one of my regrets because he left Arsenal too early. But I also feel it is important that a guy makes a good career for himself, rather than possibly being stuck in the reserves at a club like ours.” – Arsene Wenge, 2010
In Cardiff, Bothroyd joined a side dreaming of the Premier League. Dave Jones, he former Wolves manager, had assembled a strong side and wanted Premiership football. The club had just lost Aaron Ramsey, Robbie Fowler, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, amongst others, so there was a lot of pressure on the soon-to-be England striker’s shoulders. Bothroyd joined Ross McCormack and former hero Michael Chopra as the club’s strike force and boy did they combine.
Bothroyd scored 12 goals in his first season at Cardiff, his highest league total ever, whilst Chopra scored 9 and McCormack 23. It was the club’s final season at Ninian Park, but they narrowly missed out on the play-offs by goals scored to Preston North End.
The following season saw Bothroyd impress further, with 13 goals in all competitions. Cardiff made the play-offs, where they beat Leicester on penalties to progress to the final. It was there where Bothroyd went missing; hobbling off early on after a questionable injury and with that mount Cardiff’s heads and faith dropped. They lost 3-2 to Blackpool.
Cardiff fans were convinced that after the club’s play off loss, and Bothroyd’s lack of commitment, that he would be off. He had lost interest and lost his head, as had happened everywhere else that he had player. In truth, it was the 2010-11 season in which Bothroyd really came to life. After finally having a settled and successful couple of season, he was at home in Cardiff. Dave Jones had assembled arguable the club’s best ever squad, with the team containing favourite such as David Marshall, Chris Burke, Mark Hudson, Kevin McNaughton, Michael Chopra, Joe Ledley and more, including Craig Bellamy.
Jay Bothroyd lit up that season; scoring 20 goals in all competitions, his best ever season. He was the club’s highest scorer and fired them to another 4th place and play-off appearance. After securing a 0-0 away draw in the first leg, it was a disaster for Cardiff when they lost 3-0 at home to Reading in the second leg. That was their season, their big money and they had blown it.
For Bothroyd, though, it was a success. He was called up for his England debut in the November, and made his only ever international appearance in the match against France.
He had his head turned, though, and was off after Cardiff had failed to secure promotion. He joined Premier League side QPR, but never got going again and was soon shipped out after two seasons. Can you blame Bothroyd? Well, some would say no, but he was finally settled at Cardiff. He’d found his feet, realised his potential and was the man in the Welsh capital.
Bothroyd is now playing the Japanese second division, many would judge this as a failure. A silky big man, who could score some special goals, yet he’s disappeared at only 32. One more spell in England could be in store for Jay Bothroyd, but he really never did realise his undoubted potential.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:42 pm
Quality player! I doubt Russ could handle working with such a talent 
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:42 pm
He provided us with many moments of both magic and frustration.
Luckily the good memories stick better and for me will go down as a player I'm truly glad to have seen in our colours.
Which is unusual because most of my favourite players are the battlers.
Luckily the good memories stick better and for me will go down as a player I'm truly glad to have seen in our colours.
Which is unusual because most of my favourite players are the battlers.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:47 pm
From FB
Paul Mond Hammond ·
blow hot and cold but I do think Dave Jones got the best out of him , and of course he was part of a stunning team.
Nick Fisk Let's face it, we haven't had 1 striker who has consistently been able to bang in a lot of goals for a long time, Bothroyd included. Not having a team to give good enough supply to the front men must also be a factor though.
Paul Mond Hammond ·
blow hot and cold but I do think Dave Jones got the best out of him , and of course he was part of a stunning team.
Nick Fisk Let's face it, we haven't had 1 striker who has consistently been able to bang in a lot of goals for a long time, Bothroyd included. Not having a team to give good enough supply to the front men must also be a factor though.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:23 pm
Jay is banging them in for this club it seems 
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:32 pm
Bluebird1977 wrote:Jay is banging them in for this club it seems
Decent crowd too!
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:45 pm
ThomasC wrote:Bluebird1977 wrote:Jay is banging them in for this club it seems
Decent crowd too!
It looks full but the ground holds 15k it says online but still 2nd tier football not bad
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:49 pm
Forever Blue wrote:From FB
Paul Mond Hammond ·
blow hot and cold but I do think Dave Jones got the best out of him , and of course he was part of a stunning team.
Nick Fisk Let's face it, we haven't had 1 striker who has consistently been able to bang in a lot of goals for a long time, Bothroyd included. Not having a team to give good enough supply to the front men must also be a factor though.
Yes loved that team the football was amazing at times.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:56 pm
I have always been of the opinion that if JB had played the full 90 minutes of our CPF v Blackpool we would have won it.
If only!!!
If only!!!
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 10:10 pm
Fantastic player. Dave Jones had the best out of him.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 10:16 pm
Needed some back up for him, Dave Jones' biggest mistake... Other than maybe not signing enough decent midfielders.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Fri Mar 13, 2015 10:40 pm
One of my favourite City strikers, Deadly with Chops scored goals for fun! How times change 
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Sat Mar 14, 2015 8:05 am
On his day he was unplayable in the Championship and, for me, in that form, one of our top five best players since I began watching City in the 70's.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Sat Mar 14, 2015 1:24 pm
Great player and yes he went down easy sometimes but used to take his fair share of knocks too.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Sat Mar 14, 2015 3:15 pm
I thought he was class, people say he went missing, went down to easy etc but for me the rest of his play more than made up for it, I could never understand a lot of the stick he used to get.
Like someone mentioned above DJ got the best out of him but DJ never really got us back up for him and thats when we struggled.
Like someone mentioned above DJ got the best out of him but DJ never really got us back up for him and thats when we struggled.
Re: ' How good was he really? ' City players told me
Tue Mar 17, 2015 7:29 am
I wrote the article posted (originally here http://football11.co.uk/2015/03/13/jay-bothroyd-untouched-potential/) and it seems like Bothroyd didn't like it as he blocked me after tagging him in in. 
