' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 10:44 am
Cardiff should without doubt be reaching the play-off’s
20/12/15
by Jamie Kemble
http://insidecardiffcity.co.uk/cardiff- ... play-offs/?
Cardiff should without doubt be reaching the play-off’s
With one game to go until the half-way mark and as the new year approaches, Cardiff sit one point and two places outside the play-off’s. I’ll be taking a look at why the play-off’s should and could be a sure bet for the current Cardiff City squad.
The Bluebirds were defeated at St Andrews with Birmingham’s more than controversial penalty deciding the match but Slade’s men made their opposition look like a bottom half club throughout most of the clash.
Russell Slade has come under much criticism this season but if we take a look back at the results then we will see that Cardiff have had a good first half to the season, especially against the clubs around them.
Against the current top six, Cardiff have won one, drawn three and lost two, including a goalless draw away to Ipswich, a 1-1 draw against Brighton and a 1-0 win over table-toppers Middlesbrough.
From that you would perhaps say that Cardiff need to add a win to that record but those who watched the Hull City game will know that Cardiff completely dominated the game and were very unlucky on the night. The other loss arrived in the form of City’s worst performance of the season away at Derby.
Against the six teams below the Bluebirds and Birmingham one place above, Cardiff have just one loss to their name, winning three and drawing the other three, a record which wouldn’t look out of place for a team in the play-off’s.
It’s the bottom half where Cardiff need to improve, MK Dons are the only team Cardiff haven’t played but against the others, Cardiff have four wins, three draws and two losses. Looking at that, Cardiff will be a little disappointed with losses against the likes of Rotherham and Leeds.
Chasing the play-off’s, as Cardiff fans know all too well, is a tough job and Cardiff will need to be more ruthless against teams, especially away from home if they want to force away into the top six.
I would say Cardiff’s biggest rivals for that sixth place are Ipswich with their consistency and quality and perhaps Blackburn Rovers because of the run of games they often put together and that’s often down to the goalscoring form of Jordan Rhodes.
Cardiff have played both Blackburn and Ipswich away from home and both resulted in draws. The Bluebirds face Blackburn just after the turn of they year at home and they should be looking to take three points without doubt.
What do Cardiff need to do?
I’ll begin by saying ‘sign Tony Watt’ because the tricky forward has been a breath of fresh air to the Cardiff side. Watt has probably been a contender for man of the match in every game he’s played so far so whether it’s £1 Million or more, Cardiff need to make it happen.
One thing Cardiff probably do need is a leader in midfield, Gunnarsson is a dogged midfielder with a lot of passion but Cardiff need a ‘Craig Bellamy type’ who will demand standards from his team on the pitch. A nasty sort of midfielder who will get the team going and Kevin Nolan (if you can talk his wages down) would be a perfect option as a free agent.
Peter Whittingham has struggled in some of his performances this season but in my opinion, he has to start in front of Ralls. After watching Ralls struggle against Brentford and Birmingham, there’s no doubt Cardiff need the experience and composure back in midfield.
Perhaps you could argue that neither Whittingham or Joe Ralls are the correct option and in that case, Cardiff need to bring in a quality creative centre-midfielder to fill the void in January.Jordan Mutch (even if it’s a loan deal) would be top of my list.
Cardiff seem very strong in the back this year and it’s good to see, there are options in the full-back areas and the centres are in fine form. Lee Peltier has been Mr consistent for the Bluebirds alongside Matthew Connolly who’s been in similar form.
Sean Morrison looks like he will be out for around three weeks after suffering an injury against Birmingham but that’s no issue for Cardiff who have the luxury of bringing in the classy Bruno Manga to cover the former Reading captain’s absence.
Apart from the obvious (keeping home leads),the main improvement the Bluebirds need to make is that they need to be ruthless and they need to hurt teams on the break. City counter quite well but they don’t make teams pay the price when they need to.
The Bluebirds have aspects they need to improve on, which is perhaps a good thing because we know there’s more to come and we are not at the height of our potential.
Why do I feel so sure Cardiff can get into the play-off’s?
I understand that most people will disagree and polls and surveys we have run in the past have proven that most supporters think Cardiff will finish outside the play-off’s but I disagree.
As I’ve mentioned, there are a number of improvements needed but results aside, Cardiff have outplayed Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Brentford, Burnley, Hull City and even Middlesbrough so it’s clear we are good enough.
Granted, Cardiff haven’t won all or even enough of those games and that’s where the fault lies but we have seen Cardiff out-play their potential play-off rivals and if that’s what we’re up against then there shouldn’t be a problem in getting to where we want to be.
It’ll be a tough task and it will never be as easy as it is on paper, it may even go to the last day but with a couple of good signings in January and consistent good performances, Cardiff should be playing a play-off semi final in May.
20/12/15
by Jamie Kemble
http://insidecardiffcity.co.uk/cardiff- ... play-offs/?
Cardiff should without doubt be reaching the play-off’s
With one game to go until the half-way mark and as the new year approaches, Cardiff sit one point and two places outside the play-off’s. I’ll be taking a look at why the play-off’s should and could be a sure bet for the current Cardiff City squad.
The Bluebirds were defeated at St Andrews with Birmingham’s more than controversial penalty deciding the match but Slade’s men made their opposition look like a bottom half club throughout most of the clash.
Russell Slade has come under much criticism this season but if we take a look back at the results then we will see that Cardiff have had a good first half to the season, especially against the clubs around them.
Against the current top six, Cardiff have won one, drawn three and lost two, including a goalless draw away to Ipswich, a 1-1 draw against Brighton and a 1-0 win over table-toppers Middlesbrough.
From that you would perhaps say that Cardiff need to add a win to that record but those who watched the Hull City game will know that Cardiff completely dominated the game and were very unlucky on the night. The other loss arrived in the form of City’s worst performance of the season away at Derby.
Against the six teams below the Bluebirds and Birmingham one place above, Cardiff have just one loss to their name, winning three and drawing the other three, a record which wouldn’t look out of place for a team in the play-off’s.
It’s the bottom half where Cardiff need to improve, MK Dons are the only team Cardiff haven’t played but against the others, Cardiff have four wins, three draws and two losses. Looking at that, Cardiff will be a little disappointed with losses against the likes of Rotherham and Leeds.
Chasing the play-off’s, as Cardiff fans know all too well, is a tough job and Cardiff will need to be more ruthless against teams, especially away from home if they want to force away into the top six.
I would say Cardiff’s biggest rivals for that sixth place are Ipswich with their consistency and quality and perhaps Blackburn Rovers because of the run of games they often put together and that’s often down to the goalscoring form of Jordan Rhodes.
Cardiff have played both Blackburn and Ipswich away from home and both resulted in draws. The Bluebirds face Blackburn just after the turn of they year at home and they should be looking to take three points without doubt.
What do Cardiff need to do?
I’ll begin by saying ‘sign Tony Watt’ because the tricky forward has been a breath of fresh air to the Cardiff side. Watt has probably been a contender for man of the match in every game he’s played so far so whether it’s £1 Million or more, Cardiff need to make it happen.
One thing Cardiff probably do need is a leader in midfield, Gunnarsson is a dogged midfielder with a lot of passion but Cardiff need a ‘Craig Bellamy type’ who will demand standards from his team on the pitch. A nasty sort of midfielder who will get the team going and Kevin Nolan (if you can talk his wages down) would be a perfect option as a free agent.
Peter Whittingham has struggled in some of his performances this season but in my opinion, he has to start in front of Ralls. After watching Ralls struggle against Brentford and Birmingham, there’s no doubt Cardiff need the experience and composure back in midfield.
Perhaps you could argue that neither Whittingham or Joe Ralls are the correct option and in that case, Cardiff need to bring in a quality creative centre-midfielder to fill the void in January.Jordan Mutch (even if it’s a loan deal) would be top of my list.
Cardiff seem very strong in the back this year and it’s good to see, there are options in the full-back areas and the centres are in fine form. Lee Peltier has been Mr consistent for the Bluebirds alongside Matthew Connolly who’s been in similar form.
Sean Morrison looks like he will be out for around three weeks after suffering an injury against Birmingham but that’s no issue for Cardiff who have the luxury of bringing in the classy Bruno Manga to cover the former Reading captain’s absence.
Apart from the obvious (keeping home leads),the main improvement the Bluebirds need to make is that they need to be ruthless and they need to hurt teams on the break. City counter quite well but they don’t make teams pay the price when they need to.
The Bluebirds have aspects they need to improve on, which is perhaps a good thing because we know there’s more to come and we are not at the height of our potential.
Why do I feel so sure Cardiff can get into the play-off’s?
I understand that most people will disagree and polls and surveys we have run in the past have proven that most supporters think Cardiff will finish outside the play-off’s but I disagree.
As I’ve mentioned, there are a number of improvements needed but results aside, Cardiff have outplayed Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Brentford, Burnley, Hull City and even Middlesbrough so it’s clear we are good enough.
Granted, Cardiff haven’t won all or even enough of those games and that’s where the fault lies but we have seen Cardiff out-play their potential play-off rivals and if that’s what we’re up against then there shouldn’t be a problem in getting to where we want to be.
It’ll be a tough task and it will never be as easy as it is on paper, it may even go to the last day but with a couple of good signings in January and consistent good performances, Cardiff should be playing a play-off semi final in May.
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 10:59 am
If Cardiff signed Nolan I would agree that we could be a good playoff contenders.
Cardiff have the right players but are lacking;
i) a manager who can change tactics mid game
ii) a player who can motivate and keep the players going on the pitch
I would love to see Nolan's reaction when KJ is in one of his 'I'll take it easy moods'
C'mon City make it exciting for the 2nd half of the season and go for Nolan!
Cardiff have the right players but are lacking;
i) a manager who can change tactics mid game
ii) a player who can motivate and keep the players going on the pitch
I would love to see Nolan's reaction when KJ is in one of his 'I'll take it easy moods'
C'mon City make it exciting for the 2nd half of the season and go for Nolan!
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 11:11 am
Whittingham for Ralls 
I wasn't aware Joe had bad performances against Brentford and Birmingham!
I wasn't aware Joe had bad performances against Brentford and Birmingham!
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 11:22 am
Excellent post! Bring in Nolan, sign Watt, Kennedy back In! We need zip, experience, Passion! Cmon City, go for it!!
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 1:57 pm
City Slicker wrote:Whittingham for Ralls
Even I wouldn't have written this.Joe needs to be the linchpin of our club for the next 10 seasons and we supplement the other players to suit his needs.
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 2:00 pm
If we dont make the playoffs this year i think we will be contenders for automatic promotion next.
We really have a good team for this level.
We really have a good team for this level.
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 2:00 pm
Very good post I think we can reach the play offs. 
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 2:04 pm
Depressed Blue wrote:If we dont make the playoffs this year i think we will be contenders for automatic promotion next.
We really have a good team for this level.
Agree.
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 2:17 pm
Slade OUT asap and we may have a glimmer of hope. Oh and we'll all come back then as well.
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 2:47 pm
Blazing Saddles wrote:Slade OUT asap and we may have a glimmer of hope. Oh and we'll all come back then as well.
I want Slade out just as much as the next guy but I'll ALWAYS go and support the team, so don't worry yourself mate, we're doing ok supporting Cardiff without you.
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 2:55 pm
The Championshp is a poor division this year and if we had a tactically aware manager we'd be in the top two.
StT.
StT.
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 6:02 pm
Blazing Saddles wrote:Slade OUT asap and we may have a glimmer of hope. Oh and we'll all come back then as well.
Like when we went back to blue.
Re: ' Cardiff City Without Doubt Should Be '
Sun Dec 20, 2015 7:33 pm
moonboots wrote:Blazing Saddles wrote:Slade OUT asap and we may have a glimmer of hope. Oh and we'll all come back then as well.
Like when we went back to blue.
It's pretty obvious to anyone who's ever seen City play over the past ten years that Vincent Tan employed Russell Slade as a "Yes Sir" "No Sir" " Three bags full Sir ?" type of manager.
The problem we have is that despite being a real gentleman Slade is not up to, and never will be up to, the level of manager we need at Cardiff City to make progress. and with respect, he just doesn't possess the tactical acumen of a winning manager. He has never won anything nor taken any team up in his entire career. After many years of following my team both home and away, I never thought I'd witness what I saw in the home game against Bristol City.
In 94 mins of play Cardiff City never registered a SINGLE SHOT on goal ! And this against a team near the bottom of the table ! This simply would never have happened with a capable management team on board.
I know of many long term "Bluebirds" who continued to watch us playing in that horrendous alien red " Mars Utd " kit who, even after we returned to our true colours, have since stopped going as a protest to the lack of ambition and the way the club is being ignored by Mr Tan. Returning to our true colours was only carried out under the threat of the Malaysian tourist board withdrawing the club's huge sponsorship deal despite Mr Tan's fairy tales about him being given instructions from his mother. A lot of fans I know feel that Mr Tan is deliberately ignoring the club as a form of punishment to the resentment shown to him by the anti red supporters.
I've been a season ticket holder in the Ninian stand from the beginning when 16 of us carefully chose our places in the new ground, much the same as we did in the old bob bank, all long term City fans. We are now down to 9, the other guys feeling that they've had enough for the time being.
The sad truth is that thousands of long term true City supporters have genuinely had enough of the complete and utter lack of interest, financial support, and ambition from the club's owner,and sadly, until that changes they won't be coming back.