" A view of Cardiff City from the Press Box "
Sun Aug 27, 2017 4:56 am
Cardiff City are playing with pride, while making fans and Neil Warnock proud too — view from the press box
Football writer Dominic Booth reflects on yet another win for Warnock's men, who stay top of the league
Sunday 27th August 2017
The buzz word around the city of Cardiff this weekend has been 'pride'.
And though in most cases that has referred to the Pride Cymru festival, an outburst of colour, expression and emotions across the Welsh capital, it can be applied to the local football team as well.
Because in 90 minutes against Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City showed why pride has been restored in this famous old club.
It was evident every time Junior Hoilett burst down the wing, or when Sol Bamba made yet another crunching tackle. It was certainly evident after the final whistle when, with a fifth consecutive win safely secured, the Bluebirds fans stayed to applaud their players off the pitch.
Neil Warnock, beaming back doing the Ayatollah, must know he has made them proud of their team again.
This victory served to remind those fans how differently it could have been without Warnock, the former QPR manager who ensured his old side were always second best.
The Yorkshireman has only been here 10 months but he's now watching his team produce consistently stylish performances.
It was 2-1 in the end, but surely it should have been more.
That confidence - which has been bubbling under the surface for a few months now - dates back to the latter part of last season when a few optimistic fans touted Cardiff for an improbable play-off surge. It centred on Warnock and a belief within the club that the manager is a miracle-maker.
It wavered briefly in this game when Bamba and Neil Etheridge stood still and allowed Matt Smith to nod home on 15 minutes. But it was quickly alleviated through a piece of incredible hard work from QPR old boy (and Warnock favourite) Hoilett. The Canadian winger's desire to charge down Alex Smithies' kick epitomised everything that is making people proud of this Cardiff team; he raced towards the ball and earned the goal his performance deserve
Confidence and pride started flooding back.
And the jitters swiftly turned to joy on the brink of half time when the brilliant Bamba nodded home Joe Ralls' corner. The celebrations again, were of pride.
But Warnock wanted more, such is his footballing outlook. He mused after the game about the way in which Cardiff are sweeping opponents aside these days.
There were good looking goals chalked off by referee Simon Hooper: one for the colossal Kenneth Zohore in the first half, and what ought to have been a Hoilett second just after the break. So it might have been 4-1, and with the fast feet of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing it could have been more still, which is what made Warnock feel so content.
"We lost twice last year to them, " he recalled.
"But it was nice to get the result and records are there to be beaten. It's great to have five wins; it's never happened in my lifetime and I don't think there are many managers older than me.
"But it's not just winning, it's the way we're winning. It's how I dreamed of football when I was a kid at Bramall Lane. The oohs and the aahs, the shots, the saves, the refereeing decisions.
"People come here - I don't know how much they pay - but you can't tell me it's not worth every penny.
"It's a great place to be. And I hope it continues."
Pride? It's there in abundance isn't it
The refreshing thing for Cardiff fans too is that players are taking price in their own individual performances.
Sol Bamba admitted being disappointed to have conceded an early goal, ruining his plans for a clean sheet. Lee Peltier atoned for an error-strewn opening 20 minutes with a string of sensational second half challenges.
And Zohore was clearly heartbroken not to have made the scoresheet, despite another influential display up front. Even Mendez-Laing, five goals in six games before this one, was hungry for another and only denied by a sprawling Smithies. They all want to better themselves with each week that passes by. How exhilarating that must feel.
Massimo Luongo of Queens Park Rangers and Kenneth Zohore of Cardiff City compete for the ball
So into the international break and a chance for everyone to catch their breath.
Some Bluebirds might bemoan a sense of lost momentum over a fortnight's break, but the aching bodies will surely feel invigorated by the hiatus and return even stronger.
Warnock will micro-manage each player meticulously and ensure, when Cardiff do return to competitive action at Craven Cottage on September 9, Fulham feel the full force of their early season form.
It may be difficult, perhaps even impossible, to manage the fans' expectations over that time given the growing sense of pride overwhelming the city, but inside a close-knit dressing room Warnock will be mindful of the 41 games that remain.
A lot can go wrong in that time, but watching Hoilett and company romp past Queens Park Rangers, it was hard for some to hold back dreams of promotion.
Three points clear at the top of the Championship, a perfect record after five games, an irresistible forward line. That just makes people proud.
Football writer Dominic Booth reflects on yet another win for Warnock's men, who stay top of the league
Sunday 27th August 2017
The buzz word around the city of Cardiff this weekend has been 'pride'.
And though in most cases that has referred to the Pride Cymru festival, an outburst of colour, expression and emotions across the Welsh capital, it can be applied to the local football team as well.
Because in 90 minutes against Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City showed why pride has been restored in this famous old club.
It was evident every time Junior Hoilett burst down the wing, or when Sol Bamba made yet another crunching tackle. It was certainly evident after the final whistle when, with a fifth consecutive win safely secured, the Bluebirds fans stayed to applaud their players off the pitch.
Neil Warnock, beaming back doing the Ayatollah, must know he has made them proud of their team again.
This victory served to remind those fans how differently it could have been without Warnock, the former QPR manager who ensured his old side were always second best.
The Yorkshireman has only been here 10 months but he's now watching his team produce consistently stylish performances.
It was 2-1 in the end, but surely it should have been more.
That confidence - which has been bubbling under the surface for a few months now - dates back to the latter part of last season when a few optimistic fans touted Cardiff for an improbable play-off surge. It centred on Warnock and a belief within the club that the manager is a miracle-maker.
It wavered briefly in this game when Bamba and Neil Etheridge stood still and allowed Matt Smith to nod home on 15 minutes. But it was quickly alleviated through a piece of incredible hard work from QPR old boy (and Warnock favourite) Hoilett. The Canadian winger's desire to charge down Alex Smithies' kick epitomised everything that is making people proud of this Cardiff team; he raced towards the ball and earned the goal his performance deserve
Confidence and pride started flooding back.
And the jitters swiftly turned to joy on the brink of half time when the brilliant Bamba nodded home Joe Ralls' corner. The celebrations again, were of pride.
But Warnock wanted more, such is his footballing outlook. He mused after the game about the way in which Cardiff are sweeping opponents aside these days.
There were good looking goals chalked off by referee Simon Hooper: one for the colossal Kenneth Zohore in the first half, and what ought to have been a Hoilett second just after the break. So it might have been 4-1, and with the fast feet of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing it could have been more still, which is what made Warnock feel so content.
"We lost twice last year to them, " he recalled.
"But it was nice to get the result and records are there to be beaten. It's great to have five wins; it's never happened in my lifetime and I don't think there are many managers older than me.
"But it's not just winning, it's the way we're winning. It's how I dreamed of football when I was a kid at Bramall Lane. The oohs and the aahs, the shots, the saves, the refereeing decisions.
"People come here - I don't know how much they pay - but you can't tell me it's not worth every penny.
"It's a great place to be. And I hope it continues."
Pride? It's there in abundance isn't it
The refreshing thing for Cardiff fans too is that players are taking price in their own individual performances.
Sol Bamba admitted being disappointed to have conceded an early goal, ruining his plans for a clean sheet. Lee Peltier atoned for an error-strewn opening 20 minutes with a string of sensational second half challenges.
And Zohore was clearly heartbroken not to have made the scoresheet, despite another influential display up front. Even Mendez-Laing, five goals in six games before this one, was hungry for another and only denied by a sprawling Smithies. They all want to better themselves with each week that passes by. How exhilarating that must feel.
Massimo Luongo of Queens Park Rangers and Kenneth Zohore of Cardiff City compete for the ball
So into the international break and a chance for everyone to catch their breath.
Some Bluebirds might bemoan a sense of lost momentum over a fortnight's break, but the aching bodies will surely feel invigorated by the hiatus and return even stronger.
Warnock will micro-manage each player meticulously and ensure, when Cardiff do return to competitive action at Craven Cottage on September 9, Fulham feel the full force of their early season form.
It may be difficult, perhaps even impossible, to manage the fans' expectations over that time given the growing sense of pride overwhelming the city, but inside a close-knit dressing room Warnock will be mindful of the 41 games that remain.
A lot can go wrong in that time, but watching Hoilett and company romp past Queens Park Rangers, it was hard for some to hold back dreams of promotion.
Three points clear at the top of the Championship, a perfect record after five games, an irresistible forward line. That just makes people proud.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Re: " A view of Cardiff City from the Press Box "
Sun Aug 27, 2017 4:56 am
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Re: " A view of Cardiff City from the Press Box "
Sun Aug 27, 2017 11:21 am
Forever Blue wrote::bluebird:
While nobody expected 5 straight wins or the level of performance or type of performance we have been putting in, it's not a massive shock that we are doing well. Have said time and time again, yes you need to spend a little bit but it's about getting the right players, team and getting players to perform and believe in themselves.
Look no further than hoilett Morrison ralls and you can add to that list, decent players but now look irreplaceable. Without doubt confidence will dip and the championship will Throw some real obstacles but the side I am watching now is the best I have seen, granted they have to do it over a season and that's the main challenge but this team has power pace togetherness and balls.
Proud to watch my Cardiff again.
Re: " A view of Cardiff City from the Press Box "
Sun Aug 27, 2017 11:50 am
Stringfellow wrote:Forever Blue wrote::bluebird:
While nobody expected 5 straight wins or the level of performance or type of performance we have been putting in, it's not a massive shock that we are doing well. Have said time and time again, yes you need to spend a little bit but it's about getting the right players, team and getting players to perform and believe in themselves.
Look no further than hoilett Morrison ralls and you can add to that list, decent players but now look irreplaceable. Without doubt confidence will dip and the championship will Throw some real obstacles but the side I am watching now is the best I have seen, granted they have to do it over a season and that's the main challenge but this team has power pace togetherness and balls.
Proud to watch my Cardiff again.
Great post as you said Warnock is not a 'cheque book' manager who builds reputations on buying ready made players. He looks to work with what he has got and get the best out of them and only then add further quality with the undoubted bargains which are out there.
Re: " A view of Cardiff City from the Press Box "
Sun Aug 27, 2017 3:16 pm
Tony Blue Williams wrote:Stringfellow wrote:Forever Blue wrote::bluebird:
While nobody expected 5 straight wins or the level of performance or type of performance we have been putting in, it's not a massive shock that we are doing well. Have said time and time again, yes you need to spend a little bit but it's about getting the right players, team and getting players to perform and believe in themselves.
Look no further than hoilett Morrison ralls and you can add to that list, decent players but now look irreplaceable. Without doubt confidence will dip and the championship will Throw some real obstacles but the side I am watching now is the best I have seen, granted they have to do it over a season and that's the main challenge but this team has power pace togetherness and balls.
Proud to watch my Cardiff again.
Great post as you said Warnock is not a 'cheque book' manager who builds reputations on buying ready made players. He looks to work with what he has got and get the best out of them and only then add further quality with the undoubted bargains which are out there.
Funny really when you look at our starting 11 you have Etheridge (free) Peltier (500k) Morrison (3m) Bamba (free) Bennett (free) Gunnarsson (free) Ralls (Free) Hoilett (free) Damour (free) Mendez Laing (free) Zohore (300k). Insane when you look at those figures
Re: " A view of Cardiff City from the Press Box "
Sun Aug 27, 2017 5:41 pm
Bluebird Warrior wrote:Funny really when you look at our starting 11 you have Etheridge (free) Peltier (500k) Morrison (3m) Bamba (free) Bennett (free) Gunnarsson (free) Ralls (Free) Hoilett (free) Damour (free) Mendez Laing (free) Zohore (300k). Insane when you look at those figures
I wonder what they are worth at this moment in time?
All would have higher values as I cannot think of when ANY of them put in a less than great performance.
We've supposedly turned down large fees for Zohore, had Morrison and Bennett personally turn down moves with Morrison then signing and extension.
Looking at your figures the team cost us £3.8m as a group and bearing in mind what fees have been banded around for Zohore, Bennett and Morrison, we must be talking about a eight-fold return perhaps or is that too much.
Re: " A view of Cardiff City from the Press Box "
Sun Aug 27, 2017 8:45 pm
Got to love the work Neil Warnock has done from taking over last season