HARRIS BERATES FIXTURE SCHEDULE

Cardiff City boss Neil Harris calls for fixture reshuffle after poorly-attended FA Cup clash with Carlisle
By Glen Williams

The Bluebirds have just come through a tough festive schedule and there was a small crowd present for their FA Cup clash with Carlisle


Cardiff City boss Neil Harris has called for the Championship's 'crazy' festive fixture schedule to be changed to ensure crowds don't dwindle further in FA Cup clashes.

The Bluebirds were forced to battle back from two goals down to earn a draw against Carlisle in the FA Cup third round clash, meaning they will have to trek to Carlisle for a replay, but there was a sparse crowd in place at Cardiff City Stadium .

The clash came after a hectic festive season for Bluebirds fans, who have had to schlep up and down the country over the last few weeks to support their side.

It was somewhat understandable, then, that this FA Cup clash against League Two opposition was so poorly attended - officially there were just 5,828 supporters were at Cardiff City Stadium.

Harris, however, believes that if one Championship match was moved to a different time in the season, the games would be better attended.

"I think the amount of fixtures in the schedule over this period makes it very difficult for supporters to support every single game," Harris said after the draw with Carlisle .


"It's crazy, I know, I'm a father of three myself, it's expensive taking your kids places.

"Taking your family to football four times in 12 days is not easy.

"Scrap one of the league games. The FA Cup is here to stay and is a wonderful competition, everybody in football appreciates the FA Cup.

"British-based players, managers, supporters and foreign owners, managers and players love the FA Cup.

"To have this many league games is crazy, every manager has said the same thing. It causes nothing but cost for people and injuries."


Harris afforded some of his fringe players the opportunity to go out there and impress against Carlisle.

The likes of Josh Murphy, Callum Paterson and Gavin Whyte were given their chance behind Danny Ward and each of them showed flashes of positivity .

The manager, however, kept his cards close to his chest regarding who really impressed him and who fell short of the mark.

He hinted, however, that they all have a part to play moving forward this season.

"I was really pleased with some of them," he added.

"Some really good performances. There were a couple that looked like they hadn't played for a while - a little bit of rustiness I think it's fair to say.

"I'm really pleased for Gavin and Callum to get on the scoresheet.

"Murphy gave us some of the best moments of the game, with his brightness and his quality.

"They've all good attributes we can use going forward, with Mendez-Laing being out for a period of time now it opens up a space in a wide area.

"All three of those lads can play in that position."

The fixture list is similar for all and I'd be gutted to lose the annual festive fixtures

Not saying it isn't tough on teams squads but it is the same for everyone and shouldn't be used as an excuse for poor performances

The fixture list is similar for all and I'd be gutted to lose the annual festive fixtures

Not saying it isn't tough on teams squads but it is the same for everyone and shouldn't be used as an excuse for poor performances

Sven he didn't mention performance did he? But not playing 1st 11 or close to it and saying so before game attendances are always going to be low against such opponents! We are not only clubby see low attendance at 3rd round games , it just depends on opposition and how well team is playing? And yes performances this season wasnt going to boost today's crowd thats for sure.

The fixture list is similar for all and I'd be gutted to lose the annual festive fixtures

Not saying it isn't tough on teams squads but it is the same for everyone and shouldn't be used as an excuse for poor performances

I agree. and the attendance had little to do with the schedule... had it been Liverpool or Man Utd he would have fielded his best 11 ,every fan would know he was going to and it would be a full house at 30 quid a throw...

No excuses. Weve only had one festive home fixture whilst half of clubs have had two. The Saturday before Christmas is the one no one really wants and then early January we have the Swansea game.

If we hadn't been so shite against Preston and Millwall and not got hammered at QPR, and if club had opened areas of ground where fans normally go, gate could have been double.

Well played players and managers should get on with it.

Actors don't moan about being in panto with matinées and evening shows because it pays their wages.

He also mentioned cost .but today was cheap if you wanted to go.

I think the league should shut down before xmas , fa cup 3rd and 4th rounds should be played Boxing day and New years day with no replays.
No need for the game between those dates

He also mentioned cost .but today was cheap if you wanted to go.

you cant look anywhere else for reasons that the cup attendances are low when your not fielding your strongest team.. not really sure why he mentioning it.. its the attendance I expected today

Same for most clubs .

An FA cup third round match home to Div 2 Carlisle could be played anytime from August to May and after our recent results and performances the attendance would be similar. Christmas has nothing whatsoever to do with it.

Fulham pulled in 12k against fellow premier league rivals villa ...the cup is cheapened these days sad as it is the interest isnt there until semi finals.

The fixture list is similar for all and I'd be gutted to lose the annual festive fixtures

Not saying it isn't tough on teams squads but it is the same for everyone and shouldn't be used as an excuse for poor performances

Didnt hear him use it as an excuse for pooor performance

Fulham pulled in 12k against fellow premier league rivals villa ...the cup is cheapened these days sad as it is the interest isnt there until semi finals.

Fulham in Championship


Also this Harris seems to talk in riddles and contradictory terms, is he just saying what he thinks people want to hear.

Same for everyone,get on with it.

Same for every team stop moaning crack on mayb be better just have no replays

Move FA Cup Round 3 back to the last Sat in Jan, as it used to be.

Typical modern day manager, moaning about the fixture schedule. probably to cover up his own deficiencies. In 1970/71 season we played 58 games, 42 League, 1 League Cup, 2 FA Cup, 6 in the Cup Winners Cup and 7 in the Welsh Cup. Carver, Bell, Murray and King played din all 58 games, we came 3rd and beat Real Madrid in the Cup. This seaoon we will play 46 League games, 1 League Cup game and probably 2 or 3 in the FA Cup, and we have squad rotation. Nobody has played in every game. (we played 59 games in 1967/68 and 1975/76).

Nothing to do with the schedule. It’s been like it in both cups for quite a fews years now. If the club doesn’t take it seriously they can’t expect the fans to. Season ticket holders should be rewarded with cheap tickets as well. £5 tickets for them and number of additional tickets.

Typical modern day manager, moaning about the fixture schedule. probably to cover up his own deficiencies. In 1970/71 season we played 58 games, 42 League, 1 League Cup, 2 FA Cup, 6 in the Cup Winners Cup and 7 in the Welsh Cup. Carver, Bell, Murray and King played din all 58 games, we came 3rd and beat Real Madrid in the Cup. This seaoon we will play 46 League games, 1 League Cup game and probably 2 or 3 in the FA Cup, and we have squad rotation. Nobody has played in every game. (we played 59 games in 1967/68 and 1975/76).

Typical modern day manager, moaning about the fixture schedule. probably to cover up his own deficiencies. In 1970/71 season we played 58 games, 42 League, 1 League Cup, 2 FA Cup, 6 in the Cup Winners Cup and 7 in the Welsh Cup. Carver, Bell, Murray and King played din all 58 games, we came 3rd and beat Real Madrid in the Cup. This seaoon we will play 46 League games, 1 League Cup game and probably 2 or 3 in the FA Cup, and we have squad rotation. Nobody has played in every game. (we played 59 games in 1967/68 and 1975/76).

Spot on. Completely agree

Nothing to do with the schedule. It’s been like it in both cups for quite a fews years now. If the club doesn’t take it seriously they can’t expect the fans to. Season ticket holders should be rewarded with cheap tickets as well. £5 tickets for them and number of additional tickets.

Or reward those that did attend yesterday with something. It can't be a free ticket to any future fourth round tie as opposition entitled to fair share of gate receipts but club should come up with something.

Move FA Cup Round 3 back to the last Sat in Jan, as it used to be.

think your mistaken or it was an awful long time ago.
its been first Saturday game of new year as long as ive been going.

Move FA Cup Round 3 back to the last Sat in Jan, as it used to be.

think your mistaken or it was an awful long time ago.
its been first Saturday game of new year as long as ive been going.

Can't say never, but third round has been when it is now for as long as me. Not sure how changing it would help as leagues would still fill a Saturday with a league game.

Move FA Cup Round 3 back to the last Sat in Jan, as it used to be.

think your mistaken or it was an awful long time ago.
its been first Saturday game of new year as long as ive been going.

Can't say never, but third round has been when it is now for as long as me. Not sure how changing it would help as leagues would still fill a Saturday with a league game.

yes they would..