" So unity? What unity? "

Cardiff City's apparent lack of unity means Russell Slade still has plenty to work on despite Blackpool win


So unity? What unity? Surely Slade should lead by example and should of applauded our fans at the end?

Tues 28 April 2015

Sian Matheson hits out at Slade's decision not to applaud the fans after the victory in the last home game of the season


By Sian Matheson
Never has the word ‘unity’ been uttered with such irony after Saturday’s victory over Blackpool.

Yet, unity – or rather a lack of it – was crystal clear after the final whistle and showed exactly how much work there is for Russell Slade to do if he is to win over the City faithful.

The final home game of the current campaign is traditionally ended with a parade of players, their families and staff of the club all taking a lap of honour to thank fans for their support over the season, whatever the conclusion.

Admittedly, after such a dismal campaign, it was a half-hearted effort by players in front of sparse support who had remained behind to clap their side who have produced little to get excited about this season.

Yet, there were those who were hugely inconspicuous by their absence on the pitch – Slade and his team of co-managers.

Yes, I appreciate there were chants from one end of the ground calling for Slade to be sacked, but the majority of the remaining crowd in the other three stands did not join in with those calls.

I’m not a fan of Slade by any means but, for me, he simply did himself no favours by not walking out onto that pitch and applauding supporters.

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All he had to do was just venture out onto the middle of the pitch at least to show a willing gratitude to those who had remained behind.

After all, I’m sure there were a fair few of those remaining fans who have backed him and will do so however long he remains in the job.

Yet Slade and his team – fellow coaches Scott Young, Paul Trollope and whoever else seems to stand in the technical area and bark orders – barely strayed away from the safety of the tunnel, ready for their quick escape upon the players’ return.

So unity? What unity?

Surely a manager is supposed to lead by example?

After all how could Slade not be sure his players would be subjected to any boos themselves?

They certainly appeared to traipse around the pitch defeated, deflated and leaderless while Aron Gunnarsson looked to be in tears.

I hope I’m wrong, but I couldn’t help but wonder if that was down to whether he’s played his last game in a Bluebirds shirt at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Only time will tell if Gunnars or any of those players will remain at the club for next season.

But I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the likes of the Iceman, Bruno Manga, David Marshall, Fabio and more will survive an impending summer cull.



As much as I was heartened to read of Manga’s desire to play a part in a promotion push with Cardiff next season, I’m not entirely sure he will have much say in his future.

After all the cost-cutting of late, it is hard to believe that the bigger wage-earners will remain, whether they want to or not.

And as for Vincent Tan’s reported desire to get the Bluebirds back into the top flight next season, as much as I would love to believe that, at this point in time I have no idea how the club will achieve that.

Money is available to be spent apparently but, it would have to be a summer of buying wisely ahead including a couple of big signings, which in itself would make little sense considering what we’ve witnessed the latter part of this season.

But, even if money is available, it begs the question, is Slade the man to assemble a squad for a promotion push and lead the Bluebirds back into the top flight?

I’m sorry but based on this season, I don’t think so.

And I’m clearly not alone in thinking that.

Will Cardiff City make it to the Premier League under Russell Slade?

YES
NO

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At this moment it makes me cringe to read of a top-six push next year, be it from a player (who may not even be at the club next season), the manager or owner, when, after this current dire season, promotion seems light years away.

Cardiff have been closer to relegation this season than the top six.

And Saturday’s game summed that up perfectly.

City were triumphant but, in truth, already-relegated Blackpool were certainly no worse than the Bluebirds.

If it wasn’t for a deflection on Joe Mason’s shot plus two penalty calls – one incredibly soft – the Tangerines would have won.

And with two beautifully-struck goals too.

At the end of the day, a win is a win but I am so glad this season is nearing completion.

Only time will tell what the summer brings, but, at present, I am fearful that unless the correct changes are made over the summer, the Bluebirds could well follow Blackpool into League One next season.

Why would anyone give Slade money he is useless and until he goes fan's will stay away.

Why would anyone give Slade money he is useless and until he goes fan's will stay away.

Exactly how I see it Jason with many of our fans

Sadly I cant help it,I will be at Forest and every game next season when I am in the Country(I mean not on hols with Fam)

Not a Slade fan but cannot criticise him one bit for applauding fans after Blackpool game, he would of got slaughtered, chants of Slade Out, bloke with slogan on card below directors box, he probably thought best to leave applause to players.

Not a Slade fan but cannot criticise him one bit for applauding fans after Blackpool game, he would of got slaughtered, chants of Slade Out, bloke with slogan on card below directors box, he probably thought best to leave applause to players.

sometimes you have to face the shyt to show you are the bigger person..... you cant just take praise..

Annis die hard fans will always be there but the club need more than that tan needs to eat his pride and do the right thing and sack Slade and bring in a new young hungry manager.

Not a Slade fan but cannot criticise him one bit for applauding fans after Blackpool game, he would of got slaughtered, chants of Slade Out, bloke with slogan on card below directors box, he probably thought best to leave applause to players.

sometimes you have to face the shyt to show you are the bigger person..... you cant just take praise..

Very true, but I just think he wanted to leave it to the players to have their applause rather than spoil it for them by venturing onto the pitch, all that would of been heard then was ' Slade out and boo's', rather than applause for the players.

Not a Slade fan but cannot criticise him one bit for applauding fans after Blackpool game, he would of got slaughtered, chants of Slade Out, bloke with slogan on card below directors box, he probably thought best to leave applause to players.

sometimes you have to face the shyt to show you are the bigger person..... you cant just take praise..

Very true, but I just think he wanted to leave it to the players to have their applause rather than spoil it for them by venturing onto the pitch, all that would of been heard then was ' Slade out and boo's', rather than applause for the players.

If he feels like that he should do the right thing and resign.

Not a Slade fan but cannot criticise him one bit for applauding fans after Blackpool game, he would of got slaughtered, chants of Slade Out, bloke with slogan on card below directors box, he probably thought best to leave applause to players.

sometimes you have to face the shyt to show you are the bigger person..... you cant just take praise..

Very true, but I just think he wanted to leave it to the players to have their applause rather than spoil it for them by venturing onto the pitch, all that would of been heard then was ' Slade out and boo's', rather than applause for the players.

If he feels like that he should do the right thing and resign.

And what about the players would they want to stay at club wherb fans abuse manager ? Guess some fans don't care about such thngs? Just one agenda regardless!

Not a Slade fan but cannot criticise him one bit for applauding fans after Blackpool game, he would of got slaughtered, chants of Slade Out, bloke with slogan on card below directors box, he probably thought best to leave applause to players.

sometimes you have to face the shyt to show you are the bigger person..... you cant just take praise..

Very true, but I just think he wanted to leave it to the players to have their applause rather than spoil it for them by venturing onto the pitch, all that would of been heard then was ' Slade out and boo's', rather than applause for the players.

If he feels like that he should do the right thing and resign.

And what about the players would they want to stay at club wherb fans abuse manager ? Guess some fans don't care about such thngs? Just one agenda regardless!

They probably agree

I think Slade is a public relations disaster. I have heard a lot of odd comments from him this season, but for him to say that if we hit the ground running next season we can reach the play offs shows a complete lack of ambition as far as I am concerned. He is at a club that is at least on a par with Watford & Bournemouth, and in my opinion should be setting his sights on automatic promotion, not the play off lottery at the end of the season. I think his attitude is bound to spread down to the players, and with the right quality of player and the right person in charge, I think we should be setting our sights on more than just a top 6 place.

I think Slade is a public relations disaster. I have heard a lot of odd comments from him this season, but for him to say that if we hit the ground running next season we can reach the play offs shows a complete lack of ambition as far as I am concerned. He is at a club that is at least on a par with Watford & Bournemouth, and in my opinion should be setting his sights on automatic promotion, not the play off lottery at the end of the season. I think his attitude is bound to spread down to the players, and with the right quality of player and the right person in charge, I think we should be setting our sights on more than just a top 6 place.

I agree with you on all your comments, good post mate! I would say however that I'd put us above Watford and way above Bournmouth when it comes down to comparing these clubs to City!

I think Slade is a public relations disaster. I have heard a lot of odd comments from him this season, but for him to say that if we hit the ground running next season we can reach the play offs shows a complete lack of ambition as far as I am concerned. He is at a club that is at least on a par with Watford & Bournemouth, and in my opinion should be setting his sights on automatic promotion, not the play off lottery at the end of the season. I think his attitude is bound to spread down to the players, and with the right quality of player and the right person in charge, I think we should be setting our sights on more than just a top 6 place.

Spot on and your thoughts are what a lot of people think too if you ask me. That is exactly why he is the wrong man. I know it is an easy prediction to make but if Slade stays, we won't go up next season.

Not a Slade fan but cannot criticise him one bit for applauding fans after Blackpool game, he would of got slaughtered, chants of Slade Out, bloke with slogan on card below directors box, he probably thought best to leave applause to players.

sometimes you have to face the shyt to show you are the bigger person..... you cant just take praise..

Very true, but I just think he wanted to leave it to the players to have their applause rather than spoil it for them by venturing onto the pitch, all that would of been heard then was ' Slade out and boo's', rather than applause for the players.

If he feels like that he should do the right thing and resign.

And what about the players would they want to stay at club wherb fans abuse manager ? Guess some fans don't care about such thngs? Just one agenda regardless!

abuse?! what abuse, is calling for a manager to leave 'abuse' ?? players would prefer to play at passionate clubs I would imagine Allan

Gunnar will be here next season, the tears were because he heard Dalman say Slade is staying......

I think Slade is a public relations disaster. I have heard a lot of odd comments from him this season, but for him to say that if we hit the ground running next season we can reach the play offs shows a complete lack of ambition as far as I am concerned. He is at a club that is at least on a par with Watford & Bournemouth, and in my opinion should be setting his sights on automatic promotion, not the play off lottery at the end of the season. I think his attitude is bound to spread down to the players, and with the right quality of player and the right person in charge, I think we should be setting our sights on more than just a top 6 place.

that is a quality post!