" IN MY EYES CARDIFF'S BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS "
Fri Oct 16, 2015 7:05 am
BEST MEDIA WALES REPORTER TERRY PHILLIPS 
Terry's Cardiff City Tales: My best, and worst, Bluebirds XIs from more than 20 years of covering the club
16 OCT 2015
BY TERRY PHILLIPS
Tom Heaton one of the friendliest I've known, but Willie Boland wouldn't speak to me after I gave him 2 out of 10 at Luton!
Media Wales football writer Terry Phillips, who is retiring, is presented with a South Wales Echo back page and a Cardiff City shirt by Bluebirds legends Nathan Blake, Scott Young and Peter Whittingham after 46 years in journalism
He used to travel on the team bus to games and wrote about the Bluebirds in the four divisions, reporting on promotions, relegations and four Wembley appearances in the FA Cup (twice), Championship play-off final and League Cup final.
Having been a sports journalist for almost 47 years, reporting on Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest as they won the First Division title and two European Cups, Terry has called it a day.
But as the man who has known the Cardiff players better than anybody down the years, we asked him to pick his favourite - and worst - Bluebirds XIs from the early 1990s onwards. These are his personal choices...
TERRY’S CARDIFF CITY FAVOURITES
Tom Heaton, left, Kevin McNaughton, top right, and Mark Hudson
Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton
One of the friendliest footballers I’ve known in my many years of covering the sport. Great guy, always willing to chat after matches and a key part of Bluebirds team who reached the League Cup final versus Liverpool. These days captain and goalkeeper at Burnley and in England squad.
Right-back: Kevin McNaughton
I still can’t understand why ‘Naughts' was signed on a one-year contract, then sent out on loan with no recall. Quality defender who had nine years with City and has a testimonial match this season. Plays for Wigan these days, but a Bluebirds legend for me.
Centre-half: Mark Hudson (capt)
Total professional who inspired those around him and is a leader. He would still be an asset to City this season and it’s a shame they permitted him to leave. Huddersfield captain, but could still be doing a job for the Bluebirds.
James Collins, left, Andy Legg, top right, and Jason Koumas
James Collins, left, Andy Legg, top right, and Jason Koumas
Centre-half: James Collins
Cardiff have had a lot of highly-capable defenders, but I particularly liked ‘Ginge’, who came through the youth system. I used to chat with those close to him at reserve games, home and away, and he has had a successful Premier League career with West Ham.
Left-back: Andy Legg
The guy is full of passion, drive, energy. A leader who took pride in the Cardiff City badge and showed it. Twice City player of the year, made more than 200 appearances for the Bluebirds and the last was in the 2003 Championship play-off final win against QPR. Went into management and media work when he stopped playing.
Right-midfield: Jason Koumas
At his best, Koumas was simply magical to watch, which is why he gets in for me. His hat-trick in a City win at Luton one year was particularly great to watch, he was player of the year in 2005-06 and was loved by the fans. Finished his playing career at Tranmere, announcing his retirement earlier this year.
Terry's Cardiff City Tales: My best, and worst, Bluebirds XIs from more than 20 years of covering the club
16 OCT 2015
BY TERRY PHILLIPS
Tom Heaton one of the friendliest I've known, but Willie Boland wouldn't speak to me after I gave him 2 out of 10 at Luton!
Media Wales football writer Terry Phillips, who is retiring, is presented with a South Wales Echo back page and a Cardiff City shirt by Bluebirds legends Nathan Blake, Scott Young and Peter Whittingham after 46 years in journalism
He used to travel on the team bus to games and wrote about the Bluebirds in the four divisions, reporting on promotions, relegations and four Wembley appearances in the FA Cup (twice), Championship play-off final and League Cup final.
Having been a sports journalist for almost 47 years, reporting on Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest as they won the First Division title and two European Cups, Terry has called it a day.
But as the man who has known the Cardiff players better than anybody down the years, we asked him to pick his favourite - and worst - Bluebirds XIs from the early 1990s onwards. These are his personal choices...
TERRY’S CARDIFF CITY FAVOURITES
Tom Heaton, left, Kevin McNaughton, top right, and Mark Hudson
Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton
One of the friendliest footballers I’ve known in my many years of covering the sport. Great guy, always willing to chat after matches and a key part of Bluebirds team who reached the League Cup final versus Liverpool. These days captain and goalkeeper at Burnley and in England squad.
Right-back: Kevin McNaughton
I still can’t understand why ‘Naughts' was signed on a one-year contract, then sent out on loan with no recall. Quality defender who had nine years with City and has a testimonial match this season. Plays for Wigan these days, but a Bluebirds legend for me.
Centre-half: Mark Hudson (capt)
Total professional who inspired those around him and is a leader. He would still be an asset to City this season and it’s a shame they permitted him to leave. Huddersfield captain, but could still be doing a job for the Bluebirds.
James Collins, left, Andy Legg, top right, and Jason Koumas
James Collins, left, Andy Legg, top right, and Jason Koumas
Centre-half: James Collins
Cardiff have had a lot of highly-capable defenders, but I particularly liked ‘Ginge’, who came through the youth system. I used to chat with those close to him at reserve games, home and away, and he has had a successful Premier League career with West Ham.
Left-back: Andy Legg
The guy is full of passion, drive, energy. A leader who took pride in the Cardiff City badge and showed it. Twice City player of the year, made more than 200 appearances for the Bluebirds and the last was in the 2003 Championship play-off final win against QPR. Went into management and media work when he stopped playing.
Right-midfield: Jason Koumas
At his best, Koumas was simply magical to watch, which is why he gets in for me. His hat-trick in a City win at Luton one year was particularly great to watch, he was player of the year in 2005-06 and was loved by the fans. Finished his playing career at Tranmere, announcing his retirement earlier this year.
Re: " IN MY EYES CARDIFF'S BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS "
Fri Oct 16, 2015 7:09 am
Centre-midfield: Stephen McPhail
He copped a bit of flak from some people, but the simple quality of Macca’s game was a joy to watch. Made controlling a football and picking a pass look easy. A playmaker of the highest quality. Still in football, with League of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers.
Centre-midfield: Aaron Ramsey
Came through City’s youth system and looked sheer quality from the moment he started as a youngster who was still doing his studies at school. Drove a green mini with a black and white check roof at the time, but I suspect he has more expensive wheels these days. Made his league bow against Hull in 2007 when he became the youngest player to play for the club, aged 16 years and 124 days.
Left-midfield: Joe Ledley
Spent 14 years with his home city club and I hope he comes back one day and finishes his playing career with Cardiff. It’s not the right time at the moment because of his Crystal Palace commitments, but in a season or two it could happen. Cardiff through and through.
Nathan Blake, left, and Craig Bellamy
Nathan Blake, left, and Craig Bellamy
Striker: Nathan Blake
Versatile player who could perform with panache in defence, midfield or up front and make an impact. Ended his playing career at around the time I started reporting on Cardiff, but he became a friend because we often worked together on his hugely-popular Echo column. A top player who became a top media pundit.
Striker: Craig Bellamy
Mentally strong, uncompromising, a player able to make a difference at the highest levels. Loved playing for his home city club - and achieved his ambition of helping Cardiff acquire Premier League status. Had two spells with the Bluebirds, retiring in 2014, but still involved with the club’s youth academy.
Subs: David Marshall, Mark Delaney, Jason Perry, Riccy Scimeca, Graham Kavanagh, Leo Fortune-West, Robert Earnshaw.
He copped a bit of flak from some people, but the simple quality of Macca’s game was a joy to watch. Made controlling a football and picking a pass look easy. A playmaker of the highest quality. Still in football, with League of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers.
Centre-midfield: Aaron Ramsey
Came through City’s youth system and looked sheer quality from the moment he started as a youngster who was still doing his studies at school. Drove a green mini with a black and white check roof at the time, but I suspect he has more expensive wheels these days. Made his league bow against Hull in 2007 when he became the youngest player to play for the club, aged 16 years and 124 days.
Left-midfield: Joe Ledley
Spent 14 years with his home city club and I hope he comes back one day and finishes his playing career with Cardiff. It’s not the right time at the moment because of his Crystal Palace commitments, but in a season or two it could happen. Cardiff through and through.
Nathan Blake, left, and Craig Bellamy
Nathan Blake, left, and Craig Bellamy
Striker: Nathan Blake
Versatile player who could perform with panache in defence, midfield or up front and make an impact. Ended his playing career at around the time I started reporting on Cardiff, but he became a friend because we often worked together on his hugely-popular Echo column. A top player who became a top media pundit.
Striker: Craig Bellamy
Mentally strong, uncompromising, a player able to make a difference at the highest levels. Loved playing for his home city club - and achieved his ambition of helping Cardiff acquire Premier League status. Had two spells with the Bluebirds, retiring in 2014, but still involved with the club’s youth academy.
Subs: David Marshall, Mark Delaney, Jason Perry, Riccy Scimeca, Graham Kavanagh, Leo Fortune-West, Robert Earnshaw.
Re: " IN MY EYES CARDIFF'S BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS "
Fri Oct 16, 2015 7:12 am
Manager: Frank Burrows
Keele University was the headquarters for my first pre-season tour with Cardiff City. Burrows was manager with players and coaching staff staying in students’ accommodation.
I would sit with the manager each evening as he worked his way through a bottle of sauvignon blanc wine, buying it on the first night and finishing it on the night before the trip ended.
Keele University was the headquarters for my first pre-season tour with Cardiff City. Burrows was manager with players and coaching staff staying in students’ accommodation.
I would sit with the manager each evening as he worked his way through a bottle of sauvignon blanc wine, buying it on the first night and finishing it on the night before the trip ended.
Re: " IN MY EYES CARDIFF'S BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS "
Fri Oct 16, 2015 9:57 am
Forever Blue wrote:Manager: Frank Burrows
Keele University was the headquarters for my first pre-season tour with Cardiff City. Burrows was manager with players and coaching staff staying in students’ accommodation.
I would sit with the manager each evening as he worked his way through a bottle of sauvignon blanc wine, buying it on the first night and finishing it on the night before the trip ended.
Earnie on bench? Cardiff's greatest goalscorer - the man got rocks in his head!! and where's Eddie Newton??
Re: " IN MY EYES CARDIFF'S BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS "
Fri Oct 16, 2015 9:59 am
BEEP AHM wrote:Forever Blue wrote:Manager: Frank Burrows
Keele University was the headquarters for my first pre-season tour with Cardiff City. Burrows was manager with players and coaching staff staying in students’ accommodation.
I would sit with the manager each evening as he worked his way through a bottle of sauvignon blanc wine, buying it on the first night and finishing it on the night before the trip ended.
Earnie on bench? Cardiff's greatest goalscorer - the man got rocks in his head!! and where's Eddie Newton??
I take it back about Eddie Newton, my bad, he is on about last 20 years.......
Re: " IN MY EYES CARDIFF'S BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS "
Fri Oct 16, 2015 11:38 am
What about Tarki Micellef?
Edit
Ah...20 years, as you were
Edit
Ah...20 years, as you were
Re: " IN MY EYES CARDIFF'S BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS "
Fri Oct 16, 2015 12:26 pm
whiterock wrote:What about Tarki Micellef?
Edit
Ah...20 years, as you were
how about the legend that is Andy 'Cardiff is and always will be my team' Legg
seen the light that lad did 
Re: " IN MY EYES CARDIFF'S BEST IN THE LAST 20 YEARS "
Fri Oct 16, 2015 5:25 pm
Willie Boland in the worst team 
we have not had a midfield battering ram like him since, terry Phillips you are a real whopper
we have not had a midfield battering ram like him since, terry Phillips you are a real whopper