The Cardiff City man banging on Neil Warnock's door

The Cardiff City man banging on Neil Warnock's door and the potential and problem his selection would bring





By Glen Williams

Monday 7th October 2019



The boss has the international break to think over his options




It is no secret that Cardiff City have struggled in front of goal this season.

The Bluebirds went on a run of seven games unbeaten in recent weeks, largely courtesy of a greatly improved defence and players from all over the pitch chipping in with goals.

All told, there has been no consistent goal threat for the Bluebirds this season. But the one man who really looks to be in the mood is Danny Ward.

The striker was sidelined for six games at the start of the season with an Achilles injury, which meant Neil Warnock was forced to turn to Omar Bogle, who has come from nowhere this season, and Isaac Vassell, who himself has struggled with a couple of injury issues, as the back-up striker.

And let's not detract from what Robert Glatzel has done since moving to the Welsh capital, he looks to be a very solid acquisition.

But even he has conceded it has been a big adjustment having to get to grips with the gritty physicality of the Championship.

Glatzel has scored twice in his last four outings and is beginning to look like a striker who has the potential to do some damage in this league. Make no mistake, he has a big part to play in this promotion-chasing campaign.

When Glatzel has been fit, Warnock has understandably placed all his trust in him.

But Ward is now banging down the door for an opportunity and putting forward an extremely cogent argument to the manager. So, could it now be time for Warnock to mix it up a little bit?


The 28-year-old has certainly been doing all he can on the training ground.

"He's been doing that in training," Warnock said of Ward after his brace at West Brom.

"He was unlucky not to get that chip-in at the near post as well, when he reacted the quickest.

"He has been on fire in training and that's what you've got to keep doing to get in the team. He's got a good chance."


Ward's double at West Brom added to his last-gasp winner against Hull City the week before.

The forward looks sharp and is champing at the bit to displace the big German and lead the Bluebirds' forward line, making this selection decision extremely vexed.

Ward's statistics this season make for good reading. He is the club's top scorer and has played just 69 minutes and scored three goals - averaging a goal every 23 minutes. That's a very small sample size, of course, but nevertheless proves what sort of form he is in. And that form will only breed confidence.

He has taken all three goals tremendously well, too. A brave strike past an onrushing goalkeeper up at Hull preceded a deadly finish for his first at The Hawthorns and a well-taken header from a corner.


Ward looks clinical at the moment. And while Glatzel might be just finding his feet a little, Ward is applying the pressure in a big way.

One big stumbling block, however, is how they each play.

Glatzel slots in perfectly with Warnock's brand of football and has been pivotal in Cardiff's recent success. He has held the ball up well, challenged towering centre backs from the set piece and has shown he is adept with his back to goal.








Who should start Cardiff City's next game?

Ward is largely the antithesis. The Bluebirds would have to readjust their style of play and adopt a quicker, passing-based game if they are to get the best out of him.

His three goals have come when City have been chasing the game and therefore forced into keeping the ball, playing it quickly with Ward running in behind the last man.

Should Warnock opt for Ward, and if he does it would more than likely be at home, he and Lee Tomlin, at least on paper, have the potential to strike up a harmonious partnership.


Tomlin's dazzling feet and brilliant eye for a pass combined with Ward's intelligent forward runs look to be the correct ingredients to produce an alchemy of cunning, guile and, importantly, goals.

But there is a delicate balance to be struck here, of course.

Warnock knows he must ensure Glatzel, his big summer signing, feels like he has the manager's backing, which he certainly does.

But the City boss also knows he cannot ignore Danny Ward for too much longer.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

This should be a pretty straight forward decision for Warnock, Ward has shown he is far more clinical in front of goal and deserves a start. From the games I have seen, Glatzel has missed some pretty easy chances and should have probably scored at least 5-6 goals by now. Give Ward a run and see how he does, if the goals dry up rotate it around again. We currently have 4 strikers who are fit to play, what is the point in having so many if you're unwilling to rotate a striker who isn't scoring. It's a no-brainer for for me Ward starts the next game 100%.

This should be a pretty straight forward decision for Warnock, Ward has shown he is far more clinical in front of goal and deserves a start. From the games I have seen, Glatzel has missed some pretty easy chances and should have probably scored at least 5-6 goals by now. Give Ward a run and see how he does, if the goals dry up rotate it around again. We currently have 4 strikers who are fit to play, what is the point in having so many if you're unwilling to rotate a striker who isn't scoring. It's a no-brainer for for me Ward starts the next game 100%.

We had strikers before sitting on bench but NW preferred Paterson even though he couldn't score either? Be surprised if he drops glatzel as he would need to change tactics or ward will suffer same as all previous strikers! and seeing hes not changed tactics in 2yrs why would he do it now? But if he does change tactics the big question is why not do it for glatzel?

I think he has to pick Ward to start for the next game. Ward like Bogle has been scoring goals. If you arent scoring then we should let someone else have a go, simple as that really. Goals win games.
Ward chases down lost causes, he always has done and it's paid off.

Im happy we at least have options - Glatzel, Ward, Bogle, Vassell

This should be a pretty straight forward decision for Warnock, Ward has shown he is far more clinical in front of goal and deserves a start. From the games I have seen, Glatzel has missed some pretty easy chances and should have probably scored at least 5-6 goals by now. Give Ward a run and see how he does, if the goals dry up rotate it around again. We currently have 4 strikers who are fit to play, what is the point in having so many if you're unwilling to rotate a striker who isn't scoring. It's a no-brainer for for me Ward starts the next game 100%.

We had strikers before sitting on bench but NW preferred Paterson even though he couldn't score either? Be surprised if he drops glatzel as he would need to change tactics or ward will suffer same as all previous strikers! and seeing hes not changed tactics in 2yrs why would he do it now? But if he does change tactics the big question is why not do it for glatzel?

Ward is just as good as Glatzel in the air so he wouldn't need to change tactics that much. Glaztel has scored 2 goals in 10 games and one was from the spot. Ward has 3 in 69mins and is the clubs top scorer. You can put that down to quality, confidence or luck but Ward is showing he is far more clinical in front of goal and deserves a start for sure. Like I said Glatzel should be on at least 5 or 6 by now if it wasnt for some poor finishing. If Warnock isnt going to play Tomlin I would quite like to see Ward play behind Glatzel rather than Patterson. His work rate off the ball is better than Tomlins and he offers more quality than Patterson. I have no idea what Patterson is offering the team at the moment. He is decent in the air but that is about it.

This should be a pretty straight forward decision for Warnock, Ward has shown he is far more clinical in front of goal and deserves a start. From the games I have seen, Glatzel has missed some pretty easy chances and should have probably scored at least 5-6 goals by now. Give Ward a run and see how he does, if the goals dry up rotate it around again. We currently have 4 strikers who are fit to play, what is the point in having so many if you're unwilling to rotate a striker who isn't scoring. It's a no-brainer for for me Ward starts the next game 100%.

We had strikers before sitting on bench but NW preferred Paterson even though he couldn't score either? Be surprised if he drops glatzel as he would need to change tactics or ward will suffer same as all previous strikers! and seeing hes not changed tactics in 2yrs why would he do it now? But if he does change tactics the big question is why not do it for glatzel?

Ward is just as good as Glatzel in the air so he wouldn't need to change tactics that much. Glaztel has scored 2 goals in 10 games and one was from the spot. Ward has 3 in 69mins and is the clubs top scorer. You can put that down to quality, confidence or luck but Ward is showing he is far more clinical in front of goal and deserves a start for sure. Like I said Glatzel should be on at least 5 or 6 by now if it wasnt for some poor finishing. If Warnock isnt going to play Tomlin I would quite like to see Ward play behind Glatzel rather than Patterson. His work rate off the ball is better than Tomlins and he offers more quality than Patterson. I have no idea what Patterson is offering the team at the moment. He is decent in the air but that is about it.

Agree about goals but being good in air is ok but also needs support which glatzel doesn't have! As for Paterson I'm ast a loss as to why hes playing all he produces is nuisance value nothing else! Yes scored last week but expect even glatzel to score that one....

This should be a pretty straight forward decision for Warnock, Ward has shown he is far more clinical in front of goal and deserves a start. From the games I have seen, Glatzel has missed some pretty easy chances and should have probably scored at least 5-6 goals by now. Give Ward a run and see how he does, if the goals dry up rotate it around again. We currently have 4 strikers who are fit to play, what is the point in having so many if you're unwilling to rotate a striker who isn't scoring. It's a no-brainer for for me Ward starts the next game 100%.

Luis, I’d like to see Ward and Tomlin start but I don’t think Warnock is that adventurous!

Playing the same tactics with a different striker you will get the same results.

Maybe playing 4 3 1 2
Smithies
Peltier Morrison Flint. Bennett
Pack Ralls Bacuna
Tomlin
Glatzel. Ward
This will give a solid midfield with Tomlin playing behind two strikers

Playing the same tactics with a different striker you will get the same results.

Maybe playing 4 3 1 2
Smithies
Peltier Morrison Flint. Bennett
Pack Ralls Bacuna
Tomlin
Glatzel. Ward
This will give a solid midfield with Tomlin playing behind two strikers

Warnock won’t play without his wingers.

How about changing it to 3-5-2 ?

Can accomodate Bambas return and Danny Ward then.
Can play wide players also. Whyte should be decent at it. Other 3 may possibly need to work at it or use bennett wide.
Our wingers service been very poor so play through the middle more

Ward has to start as he's on fire at the moment and form can't be ignored. Let's try 4 4 2, with Ward and Glatzel upfront, 2 wingers and Pack / Bacuna in the middle.

This should be a pretty straight forward decision for Warnock, Ward has shown he is far more clinical in front of goal and deserves a start. From the games I have seen, Glatzel has missed some pretty easy chances and should have probably scored at least 5-6 goals by now. Give Ward a run and see how he does, if the goals dry up rotate it around again. We currently have 4 strikers who are fit to play, what is the point in having so many if you're unwilling to rotate a striker who isn't scoring. It's a no-brainer for for me Ward starts the next game 100%.

Spot On .

Why not go 442 and play Ward and Glatzel up front together now that sounds mouth watering

Why not go 442 and play Ward and Glatzel up front together now that sounds mouth watering

C'mon nukes,look two posts up seems a lot of us would like to see 2 up top,plenty of strikers to rotate,c'mon neil get brave at home at least,f@ck this buttering up of opposition players,play the in form players,regardless of outlay.

4:4:2 or 5:3:2 as Radio Wales said Saturday ... Play 2 up top for a change Away as the results show change is needed .