Russell - We Showed Togetherness.

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Two goals from Anthony Pilkington against Preston North End propelled the Bluebirds to within three points of the Sky Bet Championship play-off places.

Shortly after the final whistle, Cardiff City manager Russell Slade offered his thoughts to the assembled press and media.

“I thought we managed the game very well”, began Russell. “I was a tad disappointed that we conceded in the dying minutes but our attitude and approach to the game was very good.

“We’ve won via a couple of penalties today but there could have been been more goals, I thought we were by far the most creative of the two teams. We probably should have benefitted more from all the chances we made for ourselves.

“We’ve got twelve games to go, this is the business end of the season now and the result becomes more important than the performance. Sometimes you have to win games ugly and just find a way to win them, it’s the vital points that make the difference in the end.

“We have really good momentum at home and we need to keep that going but we’re going to need to pick up a few more wins away from home if we’re going to get over the line.

“We’ve picked up fifteen points from eight games now so we’re nearly at two points a game. That is the sort of form we need to be hitting in the last third of the season. We’ve got a strong attitude and a sense of togetherness and I think that showed. The fans were terrific today as well.”

Russell was full of praise for Republic of Ireland international Pilkington, the scorer of both goals, who continues to excel in his new role as a central striker: “People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position.

“He’s very bright, he’s athletic, he can stretch the opposition and he can finish. He’s loving playing up there, scoring the goals and the responsibility that comes with that. We’re so pleased with his contribution.“

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fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Don't understand what your getting at.

He thinks it's harsh because from what he has seen of Lillington he could have a career as a striker.

Saying it's bollocks is also a bit harsh.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Don't understand what your getting at.

He thinks it's harsh because from what he has seen of Lillington he could have a career as a striker.

Saying it's bollocks is also a bit harsh.

Ah but its Slade you see so he's fair game for any bollox.I'd like to point out you don't need any rational to slag Slade,just a closed mind.Slades main problem is he needs to work on his fist pump.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Don't understand what your getting at.

He thinks it's harsh because from what he has seen of Lillington he could have a career as a striker.

Saying it's bollocks is also a bit harsh.

what he's seen and what the fans see are two different things. In Slade's own words he thought it was harsh fans and journos described a 27 year old winger as a makeshift striker. Sorry, that's just a load of crap

I stand by my post, not harsh at all. He's very diplomatic when he wants to be, but not when addressing the fans who quite rightly initially described Pilks as makeshift.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

A masterstroke would have been to play him whilst Jones and Mason were here. This is just luck. Well done Vinny T for forcing this situation.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

Tonteg, I think he has been fantastic upfront. You say it in your post yourself though 'Pilks seems to be loving his new role'

So why is it a little bit harsh for fans to initially describe his change of position as 'makeshift' ??

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

A masterstroke would have been to play him whilst Jones and Mason were here. This is just luck. Well done Vinny T for forcing this situation.

Bloody hell, this has never been touched upon before. How many games wasted before he got the actual best out of what he's got. Steve Tucker can only dream of being that thought provoking.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

Agree, I always thought he would be suited as a number 10 when he played wide because of the way he would drift around and find space, didnt think he would be effective playing with his back to goal but he has shown great determination when holding the ball up and is decent in the air.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Don't understand what your getting at.

He thinks it's harsh because from what he has seen of Lillington he could have a career as a striker.

Saying it's bollocks is also a bit harsh.

In all honesty Wayne, after some thought, I will backtrack and agree with you. Words are easy to take out of context, look at the trouble Ronaldo got in for saying they are missing some injured players

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

Tonteg, I think he has been fantastic upfront. You say it in your post yourself though 'Pilks seems to be loving his new role'

So why is it a little bit harsh for fans to initially describe his change of position as 'makeshift' ??

Pilkington has played as a striker before when he was with Stockport. I said Pilkington is enjoying his new role with us, but he has played as a striker before.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

Tonteg, I think he has been fantastic upfront. You say it in your post yourself though 'Pilks seems to be loving his new role'

So why is it a little bit harsh for fans to initially describe his change of position as 'makeshift' ??

Pilkington has played as a striker before when he was with Stockport. I said Pilkington is enjoying his new role with us, but he has played as a striker before.

It's all topics never been discussed before, I had no idea he has played upfront at previous clubs
Maybe that would of been the best way for his manager to explain the change of position, no real need to say it was a little bit harsh if he made this known to the fanbase

C'mon, balls out of the bath. Was it a bit harsh for fans to describe Pilks as 'makeshift' or not?

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

Tonteg, I think he has been fantastic upfront. You say it in your post yourself though 'Pilks seems to be loving his new role'

So why is it a little bit harsh for fans to initially describe his change of position as 'makeshift' ??

Pilkington has played as a striker before when he was with Stockport. I said Pilkington is enjoying his new role with us, but he has played as a striker before.

It's all topics never been discussed before, I had no idea he has played upfront at previous clubs
Maybe that would of been the best way for his manager to explain the change of position, no real need to say it was a little bit harsh if he made this known to the fanbase

What,you make a rash statement having not done your homework first and its still the managers fault.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

Tonteg, I think he has been fantastic upfront. You say it in your post yourself though 'Pilks seems to be loving his new role'

So why is it a little bit harsh for fans to initially describe his change of position as 'makeshift' ??

Pilkington has played as a striker before when he was with Stockport. I said Pilkington is enjoying his new role with us, but he has played as a striker before.

It's all topics never been discussed before, I had no idea he has played upfront at previous clubs
Maybe that would of been the best way for his manager to explain the change of position, no real need to say it was a little bit harsh if he made this known to the fanbase

What,you make a rash statement having not done your homework first and its still the managers fault.

I don't need to do homework, I'm a casual supporter of the club that requires no end of year exams or coursework requirements

Club sells 2 strikers and then a player Slade has played as winger for umpteen games is played striker. No apologies for branding this positional change makeshift from me. I rely on the manager to explain his thinking, truth be told, Slade was just making it up out of desperation

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

Tonteg, I think he has been fantastic upfront. You say it in your post yourself though 'Pilks seems to be loving his new role'

So why is it a little bit harsh for fans to initially describe his change of position as 'makeshift' ??

Pilkington has played as a striker before when he was with Stockport. I said Pilkington is enjoying his new role with us, but he has played as a striker before.

It's all topics never been discussed before, I had no idea he has played upfront at previous clubs
Maybe that would of been the best way for his manager to explain the change of position, no real need to say it was a little bit harsh if he made this known to the fanbase

What,you make a rash statement having not done your homework first and its still the managers fault.

I don't need to do homework, I'm a casual supporter of the club that requires no end of year exams or coursework requirements

Club sells 2 strikers and then a player Slade has played as winger for umpteen games is played striker. No apologies for branding this positional change makeshift from me. I rely on the manager to explain his thinking, truth be told, Slade was just making it up out of desperation

Fair enough,I just like putting my brain in gear before I open my mouth and don't rely on anyone to explain anything, and for me the saying"truth be told" trips off the tongue too easily by many on here when in fact its anything but.

fair-do's Slade, even when winning game you manager to spoil it by talking bollocks.

“People initially called him a makeshift centre forward but I thought that was a little bit harsh. I really believe he could make a very successful career for himself in that position."

umm, how else are fans to describe a 27yo winger playing upfront for prob the first time in his career?!?!

Is that really the best you can do to have a pop at Slade?

Pilkington's first couple of games up front against Wolves and Rotherham showed he's a natural in that position. Pilkington has been a breath of fresh air up front, Kenwyne Jones or Joe Mason would never have won that penalty, Pilkington gives us so much more up front than anyone else.

He stretches the defenders with his runs, is decent enough in the air, is strong enough to hold the ball up, can drift wide and put dangerous balls in the box, can drop deep to link the play, can run at defenders and beat them, wins penalties with his direct style of play, and he's an excellent finisher.

Pilkington seems to be loving his new role, he's proving to be ten times the striker Kenwyne Jones ever was for us, his work rate alone puts Jones to shame, but there isn't really a weakness in Pilkington's game as a striker at this level. Of course, there will be games where it doesn't quite come off for Pilkington, but that can be said for any good player.

It was a masterstroke from Slade to play Pilkington up front and I completely agree with Slade that Pilkington can make a very successful career for himself as a striker.

Tonteg, I think he has been fantastic upfront. You say it in your post yourself though 'Pilks seems to be loving his new role'

So why is it a little bit harsh for fans to initially describe his change of position as 'makeshift' ??

Pilkington has played as a striker before when he was with Stockport. I said Pilkington is enjoying his new role with us, but he has played as a striker before.

It's all topics never been discussed before, I had no idea he has played upfront at previous clubs
Maybe that would of been the best way for his manager to explain the change of position, no real need to say it was a little bit harsh if he made this known to the fanbase

What,you make a rash statement having not done your homework first and its still the managers fault.

I don't need to do homework, I'm a casual supporter of the club that requires no end of year exams or coursework requirements

Club sells 2 strikers and then a player Slade has played as winger for umpteen games is played striker. No apologies for branding this positional change makeshift from me. I rely on the manager to explain his thinking, truth be told, Slade was just making it up out of desperation

Fair enough,I just like putting my brain in gear before I open my mouth and don't rely on anyone to explain anything, and for me the saying"truth be told" trips off the tongue too easily by many on here when in fact its anything but.

I totally agree, 'truth be told' is defo just an expression, not a representation of anything known to be a fact. I'm prob right though he should of played Pilks as striker yonks ago if Slade felt so strongly about him being able to forge a career there.