Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay expecting extra pressure in

Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay expecting extra pressure in second season
Jul 7 2012



CARDIFF CITY boss Malky Mackay believes there to be extra pressure on his shoulders in the coming season ... because of what he achieved during his first year at the Bluebirds.


The controversial decision by Cardiff’s Malaysian backers to change the home shirt from blue to red and alter the badge has caused consternation amongst a section of supporters who want instant success as a result.

Mackay and his men kick off their Championship campaign on Friday, August 17 at home to newly-promoted Huddersfield with the Bluebirds expected to wear their new shirts for the first time in a competitive clash.

You could be forgiven for thinking fans who have brought into billionaire businessman Vincent Tan’s rebranding would be expecting some return for their loyalty.



But Mackay believes any early pressure on him will come due to the success of his first season in charge in the Welsh capital, rather than any off-field controversy.

He knows fans are demanding promotion and is looking to recruit five new players to bolster his team, although Mackay emphasised he wouldn’t be rushing into the transfer market.

Last time out, when he was left a threadbare squad, Mackay had to act quickly just to get a team. This time, he emphasised, he will wait until August 31 if necessary to recruit the right men.

“Last year there was pressure to move quickly and some things might have had to be rushed or done more quickly than we would have liked,” said Mackay.

“But that is not the case this time around. It has been nice to have a bit of quiet time, although we have been working pretty consistently at things since the end of the last game of season.

“It’s been an enjoyable summer so far, but we are ready to go again. I’m eager to get back into things. To be honest it can’t come quickly enough as far as I’m concerned.

“There will be extra expectation, but then I would expect that in football.

“The rebranding is going on and it has aroused opinion, but when we go out on the pitch you can’t keep looking at that.

“When we start the season the colour of our shirts is secondary to how we do on the pitch.

“The expectation on us is that we will be do better than we did last season.”

With Mackay’s first campaign in charge seeing the Bluebirds lose out in the play-off semi-finals to West Ham and reach the Carling Cup final there does not seem much room for manoeuvre when it comes to improvement.

Indeed the only question is, of course: “Then you are going to have to win the FA Cup and get promoted?”

“Aye, that’ll be it,” retorts Mackay with a laugh.

The Scotsman has returned from a holiday to Crete and is officially back at his desk on Monday.

The Bluebirds’ players meanwhile return for pre-season training two days after.

Although, as far has his own holiday went, Mackay admits his Cardiff commitments were never far from his mind.

“It was 40 degrees over there, but I might as well have taken my desk with me,” said Mackay.

“I was on the phone to Alan Whitely (Cardiff City chief executive) every day.”

If he is going to affect an improvement on last season’s impressive campaign, then Mackay is going to need new recruits.

The Bluebirds boss is hoping up to five more signings will join the club this summer, but has emphasised to fans getting the right players in place could take some time..

Mackay has already brought goalkeeper Joe Lewis and midfield Jordon Mutch to his squad, but is hoping to significantly boost that number come the close of the transfer window on August 31.

“Of course you’d like everyone in by the start of the season, but the way things are that will not be the case and it’s the at every club,” said Mackay.

“It could go right up to the last minute. It’s not ideal, but that’s the way it goes, so I would urge a bit of patience from out fans.

“Myself and my recruitment team are working tirelessly to bring in the players we want and there are plenty of irons in the fire right at this moment.”

The signing of defender Richard Keogh from Coventry is going favourably for the Bluebirds who have tabled an offer of £750,00 for the 25-year-old who can play at centre-half or right-back.

The club is also monitoring the situation with hometown idol Craig Bellamy at Liverpool.

Bluebirds chief executive Whitely has already stated his desire to see the 32-year-old Wales international back at Cardiff.

Bellamy himself meanwhile is waiting to see how the land lies with new Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers, but is thought to be keen on a move back to the club he played for on loan in the 2010-11 season.

After Bellamy, top of Mackay’s list of transfer priorities remains a striker.

Attempts to land Jay Rodriguez, Jamie Vardy and Bjorn Sigurdarson ended in failure, but Mackay is still patiently working through his list.



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z1zt3AA77C

15 million to spent,he should get us up with that in the kitty?so the pressure is on

i know you said he wants one in by time we go to swizterland but is there a few names we are looking at annis? i dont expect you to give me names but is he doing one at a time or have we enquired about a few? i know the article says theres a few irons in the fire but that could mean anything really,

i know you said he wants one in by time we go to swizterland but is there a few names we are looking at annis? i dont expect you to give me names but is he doing one at a time or have we enquired about a few? i know the article says theres a few irons in the fire but that could mean anything really,

this

i know you said he wants one in by time we go to swizterland but is there a few names we are looking at annis? i dont expect you to give me names but is he doing one at a time or have we enquired about a few? i know the article says theres a few irons in the fire but that could mean anything really,

I got told Malky had gone after 3 players and he believed he would def get one before Switzerland.

i know you said he wants one in by time we go to swizterland but is there a few names we are looking at annis? i dont expect you to give me names but is he doing one at a time or have we enquired about a few? i know the article says theres a few irons in the fire but that could mean anything really,

I got told Malky had gone after 3 players and he believed he would def get one before Switzerland.

great, thanks for the reply annis, you and carl must get fed up of all the questions? it turns into a free for all on here when one of you two are on i appreciate the info thanks these little snippets to us normal fans are like a golden ticket

i know you said he wants one in by time we go to swizterland but is there a few names we are looking at annis? i dont expect you to give me names but is he doing one at a time or have we enquired about a few? i know the article says theres a few irons in the fire but that could mean anything really,

I got told Malky had gone after 3 players and he believed he would def get one before Switzerland.

is there a possibility that we will get more than one or would we sign some when the squad is in switzerland like last year with joe mason then send him over with the rest of the squad

I am one who has openly admitted that I am in the "Red Camp". Not because I wanted to change from Blue, far from it, I was simply of the belief that this was the lesser of two evils and £100m is £100m afterall.

That said. My expectations are now higher (much higher in fact) and anything less than 2nd place next season, in my eyes, will be a failure.

Get whatever players we want in. Spend as much or as little as we need to. Results are the "Tell All" and, after 46 games, if we are not in the top two I will be seriously disappointed.

When we go into games this season we need to be taking the view that "We expect to win" and I dont mean sit back and let it happen. I mean get the job done and aim for a 3-0 win as opposed to a 1-0 win. West Ham knew they were going to beat us. They didnt wait for it to happen they just got the job done. That should be us every game next season. We are next seasons West Ham (except finish in the top 2!)

The only pressure we have next season is that which we put on ourselves. Next season we cannot just be good. We must be very good. Every time a Supporter leaves the stadium next season they must leave thinking we are going up as champions. If anyone has to question that then we do not have the right side in place.

There has been a lot of arguing and falling out on this and other MBs over what is an emotional subject. At the very least we all need something positive to come out of this.

I am one who has openly admitted that I am in the "Red Camp". Not because I wanted to change from Blue, far from it, I was simply of the belief that this was the lesser of two evils and £100m is £100m afterall.

That said. My expectations are now higher (much higher in fact) and anything less than 2nd place next season, in my eyes, will be a failure.

Get whatever players we want in. Spend as much or as little as we need to. Results are the "Tell All" and, after 46 games, if we are not in the top two I will be seriously disappointed.

When we go into games this season we need to be taking the view that "We expect to win" and I dont mean sit back and let it happen. I mean get the job done and aim for a 3-0 win as opposed to a 1-0 win. West Ham knew they were going to beat us. They didnt wait for it to happen they just got the job done. That should be us every game next season. We are next seasons West Ham (except finish in the top 2!)

The only pressure we have next season is that which we put on ourselves. Next season we cannot just be good. We must be very good. Every time a Supporter leaves the stadium next season they must leave thinking we are going up as champions. If anyone has to question that then we do not have the right side in place.

There has been a lot of arguing and falling out on this and other MBs over what is an emotional subject. At the very least we all need something positive to come out of this.

I am one who has openly admitted that I am in the "Red Camp". Not because I wanted to change from Blue, far from it, I was simply of the belief that this was the lesser of two evils and £100m is £100m afterall.

That said. My expectations are now higher (much higher in fact) and anything less than 2nd place next season, in my eyes, will be a failure.

Get whatever players we want in. Spend as much or as little as we need to. Results are the "Tell All" and, after 46 games, if we are not in the top two I will be seriously disappointed.

When we go into games this season we need to be taking the view that "We expect to win" and I dont mean sit back and let it happen. I mean get the job done and aim for a 3-0 win as opposed to a 1-0 win. West Ham knew they were going to beat us. They didnt wait for it to happen they just got the job done. That should be us every game next season. We are next seasons West Ham (except finish in the top 2!)

The only pressure we have next season is that which we put on ourselves. Next season we cannot just be good. We must be very good. Every time a Supporter leaves the stadium next season they must leave thinking we are going up as champions. If anyone has to question that then we do not have the right side in place.

There has been a lot of arguing and falling out on this and other MBs over what is an emotional subject. At the very least we all need something positive to come out of this.

Could never say I'm in the red camp. But for the rest of your post I agree 100%

I am one who has openly admitted that I am in the "Red Camp". Not because I wanted to change from Blue, far from it, I was simply of the belief that this was the lesser of two evils and £100m is £100m afterall.

That said. My expectations are now higher (much higher in fact) and anything less than 2nd place next season, in my eyes, will be a failure.

Get whatever players we want in. Spend as much or as little as we need to. Results are the "Tell All" and, after 46 games, if we are not in the top two I will be seriously disappointed.

When we go into games this season we need to be taking the view that "We expect to win" and I dont mean sit back and let it happen. I mean get the job done and aim for a 3-0 win as opposed to a 1-0 win. West Ham knew they were going to beat us. They didnt wait for it to happen they just got the job done. That should be us every game next season. We are next seasons West Ham (except finish in the top 2!)

The only pressure we have next season is that which we put on ourselves. Next season we cannot just be good. We must be very good. Every time a Supporter leaves the stadium next season they must leave thinking we are going up as champions. If anyone has to question that then we do not have the right side in place.

There has been a lot of arguing and falling out on this and other MBs over what is an emotional subject. At the very least we all need something positive to come out of this.

Could never say I'm in the red camp. But for the rest of your post I agree 100%

Totally agree with U Dave, It sickens me to hear that people could even consider a Red camp. In our hearts/our pride/our love/our dignity , WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE BLUE.

You misinterpret me and Annis you know me better than that

Ok I will rephrase that. I am 200% in the Blue Camp (and will always regard myself as a Bluebird) but I will accept the colour change, possibly on a temporary basis, for the greater good of the club.

I am one who has openly admitted that I am in the "Red Camp". Not because I wanted to change from Blue, far from it, I was simply of the belief that this was the lesser of two evils and £100m is £100m afterall.

That said. My expectations are now higher (much higher in fact) and anything less than 2nd place next season, in my eyes, will be a failure.

Get whatever players we want in. Spend as much or as little as we need to. Results are the "Tell All" and, after 46 games, if we are not in the top two I will be seriously disappointed.

When we go into games this season we need to be taking the view that "We expect to win" and I dont mean sit back and let it happen. I mean get the job done and aim for a 3-0 win as opposed to a 1-0 win. West Ham knew they were going to beat us. They didnt wait for it to happen they just got the job done. That should be us every game next season. We are next seasons West Ham (except finish in the top 2!)

The only pressure we have next season is that which we put on ourselves. Next season we cannot just be good. We must be very good. Every time a Supporter leaves the stadium next season they must leave thinking we are going up as champions. If anyone has to question that then we do not have the right side in place.

There has been a lot of arguing and falling out on this and other MBs over what is an emotional subject. At the very least we all need something positive to come out of this.

Paul I have a pragmatic approach to the rebrand, it's going to happen and I cannot stop it, but my love of Cardiff City will not change because of the colour of the shirt, come August 17th I just don't know how I will feel watching the team in Red. I will always identify the city with the colour Blue and like many others it's going to be very difficult.

But I don't see the investment as any form of gaurantee of success on the field, West Ham had the biggest playing budget in Championship history and still needed the playoffs to get promoted. Having said that after 3 seasons in the top 6 that for me makes the top 6 the absolute minimum requirement.

The investment MUST ensure if we only make the playoffs that we are properly prepared for that process and for me this investment will mean any nonsense about small squad and tired players will not be unacceptable.

For me that's the pressure MM faces automatic promotion is the target but IF it has to be the playoffs we will have a squad big enough, strong enough with enough quality to see us through.

You misinterpret me and Annis you know me better than that

Ok I will rephrase that. I am 200% in the Blue Camp (and will always regard myself as a Bluebird) but I will accept the colour change, possibly on a temporary basis, for the greater good of the club.

Ok Paul BLUE & BLUEBIRDS TILL WE DIE.

I am one who has openly admitted that I am in the "Red Camp". Not because I wanted to change from Blue, far from it, I was simply of the belief that this was the lesser of two evils and £100m is £100m afterall.

That said. My expectations are now higher (much higher in fact) and anything less than 2nd place next season, in my eyes, will be a failure.

Get whatever players we want in. Spend as much or as little as we need to. Results are the "Tell All" and, after 46 games, if we are not in the top two I will be seriously disappointed.

When we go into games this season we need to be taking the view that "We expect to win" and I dont mean sit back and let it happen. I mean get the job done and aim for a 3-0 win as opposed to a 1-0 win. West Ham knew they were going to beat us. They didnt wait for it to happen they just got the job done. That should be us every game next season. We are next seasons West Ham (except finish in the top 2!)

The only pressure we have next season is that which we put on ourselves. Next season we cannot just be good. We must be very good. Every time a Supporter leaves the stadium next season they must leave thinking we are going up as champions. If anyone has to question that then we do not have the right side in place.

There has been a lot of arguing and falling out on this and other MBs over what is an emotional subject. At the very least we all need something positive to come out of this.

Paul I have a pragmatic approach to the rebrand, it's going to happen and I cannot stop it, but my love of Cardiff City will not change because of the colour of the shirt, come August 17th I just don't know how I will feel watching the team in Red. I will always identify the city with the colour Blue and like many others it's going to be very difficult.

But I don't see the investment as any form of gaurantee of success on the field, West Ham had the biggest playing budget in Championship history and still needed the playoffs to get promoted. Having said that after 3 seasons in the top 6 that for me makes the top 6 the absolute minimum requirement.

The investment MUST ensure if we only make the playoffs that we are properly prepared for that process and for me this investment will mean any nonsense about small squad and tired players will not be unacceptable.

For me that's the pressure MM faces automatic promotion is the target but IF it has to be the playoffs we will have a squad big enough, strong enough with enough quality to see us through.

Gary,

Your virtually spot on, other than I will never accept Red.

I am one who has openly admitted that I am in the "Red Camp". Not because I wanted to change from Blue, far from it, I was simply of the belief that this was the lesser of two evils and £100m is £100m afterall.

That said. My expectations are now higher (much higher in fact) and anything less than 2nd place next season, in my eyes, will be a failure.

Get whatever players we want in. Spend as much or as little as we need to. Results are the "Tell All" and, after 46 games, if we are not in the top two I will be seriously disappointed.

When we go into games this season we need to be taking the view that "We expect to win" and I dont mean sit back and let it happen. I mean get the job done and aim for a 3-0 win as opposed to a 1-0 win. West Ham knew they were going to beat us. They didnt wait for it to happen they just got the job done. That should be us every game next season. We are next seasons West Ham (except finish in the top 2!)

The only pressure we have next season is that which we put on ourselves. Next season we cannot just be good. We must be very good. Every time a Supporter leaves the stadium next season they must leave thinking we are going up as champions. If anyone has to question that then we do not have the right side in place.

There has been a lot of arguing and falling out on this and other MBs over what is an emotional subject. At the very least we all need something positive to come out of this.

Could never say I'm in the red camp. But for the rest of your post I agree 100%

I hope friendships havent been lost over this matter but it is such an emotive subject that this may have happened .

The bottom line is that the club darent fail here. I accepted the rebranding on the basis that it would bring Premiership Football. I would not have accepted the rebranding if it meant us staying in the Championship.

For those that were not in favour of the rebranding Premiership football may not even placate them. However, Premiership football is an easier pill to swallow than Championship football - and I think if the club are to stand any chance of winning some supporters over - this has to be an absolute minimum.

Rebranding for me means a minimum of 95 points this year.

You can buy your way up.
If you spend it on right players.
People go on about Leicester.. Oh Yes Drinkwater and Fernandes are going to fire you up. Leiceser used the money not even close to wisely.

You can buy your way up.
If you spend it on right players.
People go on about Leicester.. Oh Yes Drinkwater and Fernandes are going to fire you up. Leiceser used the money not even close to wisely.

Correct Leicester did not spend their money wisely.

Very inconsistent they were but in some matches they were good.
I cant describe how poor we were against them away.. the penalty we got flattered us in fairness.