" WHERE DO CARDIFF CITY GO FROM HERE? "

Where do Cardiff City go from here?

By Chris Wathan

Monday 2nd May 2016


It is a question plenty should be asking inside Cardiff City Stadium right at this moment given the dream destination of the Premier League is well and truly off the agenda – certainly for this campaign and, if the right answers aren’t found, next term too.

Russell Slade had described the season as a journey before making the trip to South Yorkshire where a directionless display saw hopes of the play-offs crash with a 3-0 capitulation to Sheffield Wednesday.

It had not been a straight road, he said, referring to the sale of players, transfer embargo and a few untimely injuries that ultimately helped undermine chances of a top-six finish that had been the minimum target from day one.

But, with next weekend’s final fixture of the 46-game Championship marathon an anti-climatic meaningless rubber against Birmingham because of this defeat to the side they had hoped to overtake, where Cardiff turn is the only thing that will be on the minds of those in the stands and in the directors’ box.



The main focus of such questions will surround manager Slade himself. Some have suggested there was a touch of emotion in the eyes and the voice of an often maligned manager in the build up to this day of destiny – and eventual disappointment – when he said that he could look in the mirror knowing he has done his best at this club, yet that “might not be good enough for some people”.

In truth, the only person whose opinion matters in that respect is owner Vincent Tan. In deciding where Cardiff go from here, Tan must firstly must decide whether Slade is given the chance to remain in charge.


Talks over the 55-year-old’s future are likely to take place after the Birmingham game. Slade will no doubt use any discussions to highlight the work he has done while at the helm in remaining somewhat competitive – certainly more so than last year – while still cutting costs.

It has to be agreed that, at the very least, he has steadied the ship and found a bit of unity where there had been little.

However, those who believe Slade does not have the ability to move the club and the team on will have only had their arguments strengthened in recent weeks. Cardiff lost their way just when they had teased belief out of the supporters that they could force themselves into the play-offs.

There were injuries before and during the Hillsborough clash that hardly helped his cause, but it had been clear early on against Wednesday that Slade's midfield selection were being outplayed and over-run by the hosts and giving a dangerous, pacey frontline far too much space, encouragement and momentum.

When Anthony Pilkington’s early withdrawal gave Slade the chance to change things – an opportunity to counter Wednesday and move to a five-man midfield by pushing Peter Whittingham inside and using the pace of Tom Lawrence from the bench – he simply turned to Sammy Ameobi as striker who has failed to make an impact the whole year.


Ameobi duly remained consistent on that front.

Cardiff had pot shots, Wednesday had purpose and patience and the surprise was not that they found a way through when Gary Hooper scored in the second-half, but that it had taken 64 minutes to do so.



There have been other decisions made recently too that have not helped Slade’s case when it comes to convincing those who need it.



Still, he perhaps expected better from those players he has turned to, men such as Kagisho Dikgacoi. He is among a fair few that have proven to be not good enough to take Cardiff forward and Wednesday’s riches up front also demonstrated Cardiff's paucity in the same position, although they had enough strikers on the books in the summer.

Which turns to the next question and how does Tan approach this summer’s fresh transfer window? Cardiff have began the slow process of stabilising financially and it remains to be seen whether money will be thrown at the team to bring in the quality missing if they are to go one better next term.

Less anyone forget, the parachute payments will reduce further next year.

Do Cardiff cash in on the players that have stood out?

David Marshall, perhaps, who may have been caught out by Hooper in the build-up to the second goal, but without whom they wouldn’t have been anywhere near this position in the first place.


And have Slade’s transfer dealings earned the trust to spend this summer given, out of the highest appearances in each position this season, only three have been signed under this manager – including the two full-backs that many would see as among the side’s weakest links?



Slade likes Peltier and Scott Malone. Fair to say there are lots of fans who prefer Fabio to the two of them.

Do Cardiff look to build slowly on the progress of this season, following the notion that Slade’s efforts have been under-estimated.

Or do they look for a larger rebuild? A new direction under a new manager, or the same path with a financial push?

Where do Cardiff go from here? The only we know for certain is, for this season at least, that it’s not to the play-offs.

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Thanks Slade but it's time to move on

Only tan will decide where we go from here. If it's another season of the same thing then slade will probably stay if he's going to push on then that all depends on a new manager and budget given.

i hate changing managers all the time but...the fans need someone who will they believe will take us to the next step
So i hate to say this but for me its Slade out
We need a fresh Bellamy who is Cardiff blood and want the same as the fans...
Will Tan listen.. he wants success and a club in the top league..so why doesnt he act on it..

Does Tan really want to invest in the kind of manager and players who will get us promoted? I doubt it.

Only tan will decide where we go from here. If it's another season of the same thing then slade will probably stay if he's going to push on then that all depends on a new manager and budget given.

This is correct.
For me it's ... sod off Slade with your negativity and old fashioned tactics and advertise for a new younger manager with fresh ideas.

I have defended Slade most of the time, mainly I think due to the fact that I really wanted to see a working class 'journeyman' manager do well after the shambles of Oles reign. However the last couple of games have been awful. I travelled up Saturday in good spirits and if we lost and had a go then would have gone home happy and even then probably thought give him another season as he's done ok. However he blew it big time Saturday.

First in a game we had to win why on earth would you pick Dickachoi. He has some qualities and not as bad a player as some make out but he certainly ain't an athlete and looks like the kind of player who needs regular game time to keep fit. He isnt going to create anything or be particularly mobile. Surely moving whitts inside and playing another wideman or even Gunnarsson who does possess a goal threat would have been better. It smacks of trying to pinch a win rather than going for it, relying on set pieces so already the mindset in team is negative.

Secondly losing Pilks early, on top of Ralls and Immers was a huge blow as they all have played a major role when we played well around Brighton home period. But to replace him with Ameobi who has been awful all season was a massive mistake. We were being outplayed in midfield and Zahore was totally ineffective so we either needed an extra midfielder which although sounds negative at least could have given us to ball carrying wide players if we move whitts inside or Lawrence in the hole who at least show some desire would have helped. Again a decision that leaves Slade open for major criticism. Even playing Ameobi wide left and whitts inside would have made more sense. Lawrence was great playing right wing for us when Noone was injured and how he hasnt got back in the side I dont know as he was far more effective than Noone who has one good game every 5.

Finally and this pissed me off the most was he brings on Harris. Good move as was quick and effective last week winning penalty on the right wing. He then plays him left side so again cuts the option out of getting to byline and producing crosses. Last week against Bolton he produced a belter from that side so why play him left. Noone had been awful doing the same cut inside and shoot thing 90% of time or cut inside and produce a floaty lofted cross from midfield which is meat and drink for any defender. Why not try him on the left and Harris right?

It was always a big ask Saturday, but setting the team up so negatively and putting your faith in underperforming players while failing again to show any chance in tactics left Slade massively open for criticism and left even pretty moderate fans like me thinking that we need new ideas and a new manager next year. I wouldn't be against Bellers as he seemed to have a strong knowledge of the game in interviews but if not how about Justin Edingburgh who got Newport up so knows how to be promoted and played 5 at the back so tried different things. Slade would probably keep us midtable next year but can't see any better than that and fans need to at least believe we have a shout at doing something if we want bums on seats.

Only tan will decide where we go from here. If it's another season of the same thing then slade will probably stay if he's going to push on then that all depends on a new manager and budget given.

The odds have to be on another season like this one. As pointed out in other threads there are some high earners at the club so the wage bill has to be pruned some more.

Tan looks more like a man who wants out rather than someone who is still chasing a dream.

I have defended Slade most of the time, mainly I think due to the fact that I really wanted to see a working class 'journeyman' manager do well after the shambles of Oles reign. However the last couple of games have been awful. I travelled up Saturday in good spirits and if we lost and had a go then would have gone home happy and even then probably thought give him another season as he's done ok. However he blew it big time Saturday.

First in a game we had to win why on earth would you pick Dickachoi. He has some qualities and not as bad a player as some make out but he certainly ain't an athlete and looks like the kind of player who needs regular game time to keep fit. He isnt going to create anything or be particularly mobile. Surely moving whitts inside and playing another wideman or even Gunnarsson who does possess a goal threat would have been better. It smacks of trying to pinch a win rather than going for it, relying on set pieces so already the mindset in team is negative.

Secondly losing Pilks early, on top of Ralls and Immers was a huge blow as they all have played a major role when we played well around Brighton home period. But to replace him with Ameobi who has been awful all season was a massive mistake. We were being outplayed in midfield and Zahore was totally ineffective so we either needed an extra midfielder which although sounds negative at least could have given us to ball carrying wide players if we move whitts inside or Lawrence in the hole who at least show some desire would have helped. Again a decision that leaves Slade open for major criticism. Even playing Ameobi wide left and whitts inside would have made more sense. Lawrence was great playing right wing for us when Noone was injured and how he hasnt got back in the side I dont know as he was far more effective than Noone who has one good game every 5.

Finally and this pissed me off the most was he brings on Harris. Good move as was quick and effective last week winning penalty on the right wing. He then plays him left side so again cuts the option out of getting to byline and producing crosses. Last week against Bolton he produced a belter from that side so why play him left. Noone had been awful doing the same cut inside and shoot thing 90% of time or cut inside and produce a floaty lofted cross from midfield which is meat and drink for any defender. Why not try him on the left and Harris right?

It was always a big ask Saturday, but setting the team up so negatively and putting your faith in underperforming players while failing again to show any chance in tactics left Slade massively open for criticism and left even pretty moderate fans like me thinking that we need new ideas and a new manager next year. I wouldn't be against Bellers as he seemed to have a strong knowledge of the game in interviews but if not how about Justin Edingburgh who got Newport up so knows how to be promoted and played 5 at the back so tried different things. Slade would probably keep us midtable next year but can't see any better than that and fans need to at least believe we have a shout at doing something if we want bums on seats.

If you read your thread completely it basically comes down to RS being unlucky with injuries on the run in. Also wouldn't Justin Edinburgh face the same slurs as RS in he has only managed at lower league level?

He might have a promotion on his CV but that was from non-league and via a play-off.

Personally I think it's a good shout but not sure he would be most people's first choice.

A New Manager is a must !!! I have watched all of our Home games this season and in all honesty i can only recall 2 games that i have walked away thinking we have played well. Hull even though we lost and Brighton who we really hammered, all of the rest we either played crap or after playing well ended up drawing after being 2 goals up, The Bolton game summed it up, against 10 men we just about nicked it, Slade is a decent guy but i believe he had a bit of luck on his side, using Pilkington up front worked for a while however every team with with any ambition needs an out and out Strker up front, not Pilkinson's fault either he did his best, he is an attacking midfielder not a CF. So let's start afresh, New Manager and a few new players and build for the future .

I have defended Slade most of the time, mainly I think due to the fact that I really wanted to see a working class 'journeyman' manager do well after the shambles of Oles reign. However the last couple of games have been awful. I travelled up Saturday in good spirits and if we lost and had a go then would have gone home happy and even then probably thought give him another season as he's done ok. However he blew it big time Saturday.

First in a game we had to win why on earth would you pick Dickachoi. He has some qualities and not as bad a player as some make out but he certainly ain't an athlete and looks like the kind of player who needs regular game time to keep fit. He isnt going to create anything or be particularly mobile. Surely moving whitts inside and playing another wideman or even Gunnarsson who does possess a goal threat would have been better. It smacks of trying to pinch a win rather than going for it, relying on set pieces so already the mindset in team is negative.

Secondly losing Pilks early, on top of Ralls and Immers was a huge blow as they all have played a major role when we played well around Brighton home period. But to replace him with Ameobi who has been awful all season was a massive mistake. We were being outplayed in midfield and Zahore was totally ineffective so we either needed an extra midfielder which although sounds negative at least could have given us to ball carrying wide players if we move whitts inside or Lawrence in the hole who at least show some desire would have helped. Again a decision that leaves Slade open for major criticism. Even playing Ameobi wide left and whitts inside would have made more sense. Lawrence was great playing right wing for us when Noone was injured and how he hasnt got back in the side I dont know as he was far more effective than Noone who has one good game every 5.

Finally and this pissed me off the most was he brings on Harris. Good move as was quick and effective last week winning penalty on the right wing. He then plays him left side so again cuts the option out of getting to byline and producing crosses. Last week against Bolton he produced a belter from that side so why play him left. Noone had been awful doing the same cut inside and shoot thing 90% of time or cut inside and produce a floaty lofted cross from midfield which is meat and drink for any defender. Why not try him on the left and Harris right?

It was always a big ask Saturday, but setting the team up so negatively and putting your faith in underperforming players while failing again to show any chance in tactics left Slade massively open for criticism and left even pretty moderate fans like me thinking that we need new ideas and a new manager next year. I wouldn't be against Bellers as he seemed to have a strong knowledge of the game in interviews but if not how about Justin Edingburgh who got Newport up so knows how to be promoted and played 5 at the back so tried different things. Slade would probably keep us midtable next year but can't see any better than that and fans need to at least believe we have a shout at doing something if we want bums on seats.

If you read your thread completely it basically comes down to RS being unlucky with injuries on the run in. Also wouldn't Justin Edinburgh face the same slurs as RS in he has only managed at lower league level?

He might have a promotion on his CV but that was from non-league and via a play-off.

Personally I think it's a good shout but not sure he would be most people's first choice.

There was certainly an element of bad luck about the injuries especially losing Pilks so early on Saturday but what really annoyed me was the team wasn't set up to go for the win that we needed. Even without Ralls/Immers I dont think playing an overweight defensive midfielder probably struggling for match fitness in a must win game sends out the right message to players and fans. Also injuries never contributed to Noone being constantly selected over Lawrence despite being poor bar a cameo against Leeds where he came on as a sub.

Slade certainly isn't an awful manager and has steadied the ship for which he deserves thanks and praise and will probably land himself another job at lower championship level. To progress though I feel we need somebody younger, fresher and more willing to experiment with tactics. Which is why Justin Edinburgh came up as he is younger, known and experienced success albeit at a lower level. I'm sure people with greater football knowledge will have other names along the same lines. Some fans will never be happy with who is chosen unless its an ex premier name costing millions which worked out brilliantly last time!!!

I have defended Slade most of the time, mainly I think due to the fact that I really wanted to see a working class 'journeyman' manager do well after the shambles of Oles reign. However the last couple of games have been awful. I travelled up Saturday in good spirits and if we lost and had a go then would have gone home happy and even then probably thought give him another season as he's done ok. However he blew it big time Saturday.

First in a game we had to win why on earth would you pick Dickachoi. He has some qualities and not as bad a player as some make out but he certainly ain't an athlete and looks like the kind of player who needs regular game time to keep fit. He isnt going to create anything or be particularly mobile. Surely moving whitts inside and playing another wideman or even Gunnarsson who does possess a goal threat would have been better. It smacks of trying to pinch a win rather than going for it, relying on set pieces so already the mindset in team is negative.

Secondly losing Pilks early, on top of Ralls and Immers was a huge blow as they all have played a major role when we played well around Brighton home period. But to replace him with Ameobi who has been awful all season was a massive mistake. We were being outplayed in midfield and Zahore was totally ineffective so we either needed an extra midfielder which although sounds negative at least could have given us to ball carrying wide players if we move whitts inside or Lawrence in the hole who at least show some desire would have helped. Again a decision that leaves Slade open for major criticism. Even playing Ameobi wide left and whitts inside would have made more sense. Lawrence was great playing right wing for us when Noone was injured and how he hasnt got back in the side I dont know as he was far more effective than Noone who has one good game every 5.

Finally and this pissed me off the most was he brings on Harris. Good move as was quick and effective last week winning penalty on the right wing. He then plays him left side so again cuts the option out of getting to byline and producing crosses. Last week against Bolton he produced a belter from that side so why play him left. Noone had been awful doing the same cut inside and shoot thing 90% of time or cut inside and produce a floaty lofted cross from midfield which is meat and drink for any defender. Why not try him on the left and Harris right?

It was always a big ask Saturday, but setting the team up so negatively and putting your faith in underperforming players while failing again to show any chance in tactics left Slade massively open for criticism and left even pretty moderate fans like me thinking that we need new ideas and a new manager next year. I wouldn't be against Bellers as he seemed to have a strong knowledge of the game in interviews but if not how about Justin Edingburgh who got Newport up so knows how to be promoted and played 5 at the back so tried different things. Slade would probably keep us midtable next year but can't see any better than that and fans need to at least believe we have a shout at doing something if we want bums on seats.

If you read your thread completely it basically comes down to RS being unlucky with injuries on the run in. Also wouldn't Justin Edinburgh face the same slurs as RS in he has only managed at lower league level?

He might have a promotion on his CV but that was from non-league and via a play-off.

Personally I think it's a good shout but not sure he would be most people's first choice.

There was certainly an element of bad luck about the injuries especially losing Pilks so early on Saturday but what really annoyed me was the team wasn't set up to go for the win that we needed. Even without Ralls/Immers I dont think playing an overweight defensive midfielder probably struggling for match fitness in a must win game sends out the right message to players and fans. Also injuries never contributed to Noone being constantly selected over Lawrence despite being poor bar a cameo against Leeds where he came on as a sub.

Slade certainly isn't an awful manager and has steadied the ship for which he deserves thanks and praise and will probably land himself another job at lower championship level. To progress though I feel we need somebody younger, fresher and more willing to experiment with tactics. Which is why Justin Edinburgh came up as he is younger, known and experienced success albeit at a lower level. I'm sure people with greater football knowledge will have other names along the same lines. Some fans will never be happy with who is chosen unless its an ex premier name costing millions which worked out brilliantly last time!!!

Fair points (certainly on Saturday's team selection) but whoever the is manager he will struggle to control luck. We all forget that (including myself).

We are not out of the woods yet and much more cost cutting needs to be done. Can Justin E come in trim the wage bill by another 50% and keep us competitive? Not sure he can, but I'm also not sure anyone can if I'm honest.

Tan's decision will go either way.

I think Tan will be happy if we stay as a competertive Championship club each season, with the odd cup run, he wants out, he's not chasing the PL dream