' MALKY MACKAYS CHAMPIONS or NEIL WARNOCKS CHALLENGERS? '

Malky Mackay's Cardiff City title-winners versus Neil Warnock's table-toppers - how do the two teams compare?


By Paul Abbadanato

Friday 8th September 2017


Which side is better? Mackay's league winners or Warnock's challengers?




Malky Mackay and Neil Warnock... but how do their teams compare?

Already they have swatted aside Burton, Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Wolves and QPR, leading to Holloway's 'best Bluebirds' assertion. But is he correct?

It could be viewed as stretching it a little, particularly as Dave Jones' star-studded team of a decade ago contained the likes of Craig Bellamy in his pomp, Jay Bothroyd, Michael Chopra, David Marshall and, briefly at least, a certain Aaron Ramsey.

However, the barometer for any recent Cardiff side has to be Malky Mackay's 2012-13 Championship title winners, who achieved something the stardust Jones gathered around him in the dressing room couldn't.

They won three, drew one and lost to Bristol City in their opening five matches of that season, whereas Warnock's men have a perfect record.

For the first time since that historic promotion, there are genuine hopes amongst Cardiff fans of their team going up into the Premier League again.

It's early days at the moment, but just how do the two teams measure up? As a bit of fun, given Holloway's claim, we compare Malky's Marvels to Warny's Wonders by marking them out of 10.

DAVID MARSHALL v NEIL ETHERIDGE

It's no slight on Etheridge to say goalkeeper is one area where Malky's Marvels had a clear edge. Warnock's number one hasn't done too much wrong thus far, but for a couple of seasons Marshall's form was so good he will perhaps be remembered as Cardiff's greatest goalkeeper in history. Some of the stops he made were out of the ordinary.

Marshall 9 (out of 10), Etheridge 7

MATT CONNOLLY/KEVIN McNAUGHTON v LEE PELTIER

Super Kev began the title season in his customary right-back position, before Connolly took over the role and made it his own. Each were solid, dependable and carried out Mackay's orders to a tee. Peltier is a rugged tackler, but sometimes gives the ball away too easily.

Jazz Richards could yet prove a better bet as the season goes on, while Callum Paterson will come into the equation when fit.

Connolly/McNaughton 7, Peltier 6

MARK HUDSON v SEAN MORRISON

The two Cardiff captain marvels, so to speak. Very similar, too. Like his predecessor, Morrison wears the armband and plays centre-half. Like Hudson he looks as if there is an occasional error in him, but in the main, again like Hudson, Warnock's skipper is reliable and one of the rocks upon which the current team is built.

Hudson was a threat in the air at set-pieces under Mackay, Morrison even more so.

Hudson 7, Morrison 7

BEN TURNER v SOL BAMBA

The battle of the big men. Hard to believe today, but Turner was actually being mentioned as a possible England centre-half during his Bluebirds' tenure. Mobile enough, he had a knack of sticking out a leg to put in a last-ditch tackle and scored goals from set-pieces.

Bamba has similar qualities, only does it better. A man mountain and organiser at the back and real fans' favourite. Nathan Blake reckons he's a real leader, other than in name.

Turner 7, Bamba 8

ANDREW TAYLOR v JOE BENNETT

Many fans weren't convinced by Taylor, but Mackay stuck by his left-back who played 43 games in that title-winning team. Bennett oozes more class and you sense his best is yet to come in a Bluebirds shirt - provided he remains fit.

Avoiding injury is the key because a rampaging Bennett up and down that left flank does give Cardiff an extra dimension, particularly as Peltier is more defensive minded on the right.

Taylor 6, Bennett 7

ARON GUNNARSSON (2012) v ARON GUNNARSSON (2017)

Cardiff City star Aron Gunnarsson remains an integral cog for the Bluebirds
Five years older, Gunnarsson himself would probably be the first to admit the current version is better than the dynamo who drove the midfield under Mackay. He still has the energy to charge from box to box, but wiser and more experienced, he picks his moments these days.

Has developed into another real leader and kingpin under Warnock. One of the first names on the team-sheet.

Gunnarsson (2012) 7, Gunnarsson (2017) 8

PETER WHITTINGHAM v JOE RALLS

If Gunnarsson provided the energy and drive, Whittingham was class personified. His lethal set-piece delivery was a crucial component for a 2012-13 team who scored lots of goals from corners and free-kicks.

Lost his place in the side towards the end, mind, as the Bluebirds needed more tempo and impetus from midfield. Kim Bo-kyung and Jordon Mutch provided that.

Ralls is busy and purposeful, helping put the Bluebirds on the front foot, but legend Whitts did what he wants! It will be interesting to see where Craig Bryson fits in.

Whittingham 8, Ralls 7


JORDON MUTCH v LOIC DAMOUR

Mutch struggled with injury in the early part of his Bluebirds career, but when fit he was a real goal threat from the midfield and gave Cardiff go-forward. Warnock raves about Damour in private and Bluebirds fans are beginning to see why.

It's still early days to see if he can be consistent in the hurly-burly of the Championship, but you don't play for France throughout every age-grade level without ability. Damour can tackle, dribble and has an eye for a defence-splitting pass. Keeping much-heralded Lee Tomlin out of the team.

Mutch 8, Damour 7 (though this mark could go up in time)

CRAIG CONWAY v NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING

Conway, like Taylor and Don Cowie, was one of those trusted Mackay lieutenants, even though the fans often saw things differently. Rarely got beyond his man, in truth, and only scored two goals in the title-winning campaign.

Mendez-Laing already has five to his name... with the promise of lots more to come. It's early days, but we can already see he possesses pace, power and goal threat. That's some mix.

Conway 5, Mendez-Laing 8

CRAIG BELLAMY v JUNIOR HOILETT

Believe it or not, Bellamy only bagged four goals in the title-winning season - and they each came before Xmas. But he offered far more than that. Experience, a winning mentality, big-match temperament and the stardust any promotion side needs.

Quick and dynamic, Hoilett complements Mendez-Laing as Warnock's other wing wonder.

Bellamy 9, Hoilett 7


HEIDAR HELGUSON v KENNETH ZOHORE

No comparison here. Mackay raved about Helguson, but he was too ponderous and only bagged nine goals - nowhere near enough for a centre-forward in a title-winning team - before being replaced by the zippier Fraizer Campbell.

Zohore has everything, pace, power, physical presence, goal-getting ability. He troubles Championship defences far more. The goals aren't coming at the moment, but they will. A £20million-plus Rolls Royce of a centre-forward.

Helguson 6, Zohore 9







BATTLE OF THE MANAGERS: MALKY MACKAY v NEIL WARNOCK

Mackay was the man who delivered the Premier League dream and to many Cardiff fans he was the greatest. Subsequent revelations soured things for some, however... and then a certain Neil Warnock came around.

He has eclipsed Malky as the fans' new favourite and can do no wrong as far as they are concerned. Warnock calls Cardiff fans his type of people. He is definitely their type of manager.

Mackay 8, Warnock 9










CONCLUSION AND RESULT:

MALKY'S MARVELS 87 WARNOCK'S WONDERS 90

Defensively the teams are very similar, well organised, strong midfield, pace out wide.

Warnock's side appear to far a greater cutting edge further forward, however, even though Mackay's team possessed the Craig Bellamy X-Factor.

The title-winners didn't play scintillating football, but Mackay made sure they ground out win after win. Chalking up the victories, counting down the games. They were relentless, in the end steamrollered the opposition and fully deserved the title.

Warnock's side have yet to prove they can do that, of course. But they've made a damn good start... and they are wowing, as well as winning.

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Far to early to compare as NW as not got us promotion yet l! but personally think NW side as edge because of the overall attacking threat, Defensive wise both sides strong and organised.

Far to early to compare as NW as not got us promotion yet l! but personally think NW side as edge because of the overall attacking threat, Defensive wise both sides strong and organised.

Allan, Totally agree way to early, but thats Media Wales for you.

Far to early to compare as NW as not got us promotion yet l! but personally think NW side as edge because of the overall attacking threat, Defensive wise both sides strong and organised.

Agree and a stronger bench now probably as well

I think Helgurson, was more than a six, he was underated and very important that season, but I still think this squad can be better, especially from the bench .........

Way to early to tell, so far it is just a good start.

Will say though Im loving the style of play at the moment over the season we went up but its a results business so lets see how we do.

Also its very different, the season we went up we were the big spenders, other clubs at the time didn't have the funds of today. This season we have spent very little compared to a lot of other clubs and im pleased about that.

Early but just for fun my combined 11 would be

Marshall

Super Kev
Hudson (c)
Bamba
Bennett

Mendez Laing
Gunnerson
Mutch
Hoilett

Bellamy
Zohore

So that would be 5 each plus Gunner from both

Surely Cowie played more than Conway...and Kim Bo was crucial to our late season form, as was the amazing Campbell.

I think I would go:

Marshall
Peltier
Morrison
Bamba
Bennett
Gunnarsson
Ralls
Mutch
Mendez-Laing
Zohore
Bellamy

Surely Cowie played more than Conway...and Kim Bo was crucial to our late season form, as was the amazing Campbell.

I think Kimbo would be an amazing player under Warnock was really dissapointed when we let him go to Wigan

The current team is "Cardiff city bluebirds".the other is some hideous team in red .that took the city's name. So in my opinion there's no question to answer.

If Warnock takes us up then this question will not be asked.

If this sides continues to play the way it has then without doubt it will be the best we have ever had or seen. Even it is slacks off it will still be up there as being our best.

Surely Cowie played more than Conway...and Kim Bo was crucial to our late season form, as was the amazing Campbell.

I think Kimbo would be an amazing player under Warnock was really dissapointed when we let him go to Wigan

100% agree!

I have to say this side would murder the other lot in my opinion and even the Premier squad even with Medel because he was weakened by the lack of relative quality around him.

The white pele Don Cowie, HH, the Ramsey influence and certainly Kimbo are way under rated in this article imo.

The MM team would beat this team 1-0 at home.....and 0-1 away!

If Warnock takes us up then this question will not be asked.

If this sides continues to play the way it has then without doubt it will be the best we have ever had or seen. Even it is slacks off it will still be up there as being our best.

Ian, Spot on what happens in April/May 2018 is the real answer

I do expect Warnock to do it, as long as his is backed in January

What this thread tells me is what a fantastic manager Malky was in as much as what he achieved with limited resources and players at his disposal.

Warnock's got a better first team and indeed, a better squad. Yet Malky took a very average team up.

All that said, I love watching this current team play and I love Neil Warnock .

2 of our last 5 managers have been sensational. Sadly, 3 absolute clowns between them. Not including the Gabbidon/ Young 17 day stint.

The white pele Don Cowie, HH, the Ramsey influence and certainly Kimbo are way under rated in this article imo.

The MM team would beat this team 1-0 at home.....and 0-1 away!

bloody hell..strong stuff in moldova.
Ramsey never played with HH or Cowie..or for MM

Kimbo and Mutch playing a lot more in the later part of the season seemed much easier on the eye than the grunge football..
but far less effective winning only 3 of our last 13 games..it was the grunge football that racked up all those home wins and big lead.

What this thread tells me is what a fantastic manager Malky was in as much as what he achieved with limited resources and players at his disposal.

Warnock's got a better first team and indeed, a better squad. Yet Malky took a very average team up.

All that said, I love watching this current team play and I love Neil Warnock .

2 of our last 5 managers have been sensational. Sadly, 3 absolute clowns between them. Not including the Gabbidon/ Young 17 day stint.

If you think that's an average squad that doesn't say much about Malky, we spent massively that's season, no one got near our spending that season.

The complete opposite this season where everyone is out spending us.

However at the end of the day despite the poor football Malky took us up and that's what he was asked to do, can't fault him to much that season.

The white pele Don Cowie, HH, the Ramsey influence and certainly Kimbo are way under rated in this article imo.

The MM team would beat this team 1-0 at home.....and 0-1 away!

bloody hell..strong stuff in moldova.
Ramsey never played with HH or Cowie..or for MM

Bellamy I meant. It's been a long week!

Far to early to compare as NW as not got us promotion yet l! but personally think NW side as edge because of the overall attacking threat, Defensive wise both sides strong and organised.

Allan, Totally agree way to early, but thats Media Wales for you.

Agree with you both - I had a good read of this last night with all the info on players under our 2 best managers of late.

This team at this point is much more attacking than MM teams - But it was November when MM team went away and were not caught for "Top Spot "

How many teams go up with their top scorer not getting more than 10 goals in season ?? This was the MM Team

For me their are different ways to go up to the way you play - Good Luck to the team - Hope we can do it again

Malky`s brand of football bored me to tears and without Marshal we`d have never got promoted. Even the day we got promoted i didnt feel like i witnessed anything special and i found that sad ..... under Warnock i just love watching his team/s play. Its magical.

Malky`s brand of football bored me to tears and without Marshal we`d have never got promoted. Even the day we got promoted i didnt feel like i witnessed anything special and i found that sad ..... under Warnock i just love watching his team/s play. Its magical.

Well said - totally agree there!

Comparing mm with NW is just a waste of finger pressure

Malky who ?

Malky`s brand of football bored me to tears and without Marshal we`d have never got promoted. Even the day we got promoted i didnt feel like i witnessed anything special and i found that sad ..... under Warnock i just love watching his team/s play. Its magical.

Your right there butty! It is great to watch, lets hope it gets us the results we need! Great running in The Cardiff 10km, you would have thrashed me again even if I had a perfect run up to it! I do not know how you do it!!

Well fast for an old man!

Malky`s brand of football bored me to tears and without Marshal we`d have never got promoted. Even the day we got promoted i didnt feel like i witnessed anything special and i found that sad ..... under Warnock i just love watching his team/s play. Its magical.

I think most of us agree with that, however when you get results and going home after a win it doesn't seem to matter. It's when you have to watch awful football and don't get the results like he did at Wigan is when it's painful.

It is far too early to compare however i must admit that the football under Warnock is much better than under Malky, and hopefully this will continue throughout the rest of the season. Malky got the results and we all know that it is results that matter hence we went up as Champions. That said even if Warnock just takes us up automatically or via the Playoffs it would be a great achievement but let's wait until the end of season before we decide who is the Best

It is far too early to compare however i must admit that the football under Warnock is much better than under Malky, and hopefully this will continue throughout the rest of the season. Malky got the results and we all know that it is results that matter hence we went up as Champions. That said even if Warnock just takes us up automatically or via the Playoffs it would be a great achievement but let's wait until the end of season before we decide who is the Best

Agree - Going up is the key.