BLAKE : NEXT MONTH WILL DEFINE CITY'S PROMOTION HOPES

CARDIFF CITY legend Nathan Blake believes the next run of away games will virtually define the Bluebirds’ season.

Malky Mackay and his men face back-to-back trips to Barnsley on the weekend then Derby next Tuesday as they look to consolidate their move back into the Championship automatic promotion places.

Through December and into January Cardiff then have very tough away days at Blackburn, Leicester and then Birmingham which the former Cardiff frontman insists will go a long way to indicating City’s fortunes this campaign.

They may have a perfect record in the Welsh capital, but away from home Mackay and his men have been in incredibly shaky form.

Unlike last season when they lost just four times on the road in total, this term already the Bluebirds have suffered five reverses.

Most recently too they have thrown away leads to come away empty handed.

Firstly at Bolton and then an incredible 5-4 reverse at Charlton despite the fact they were 2-0 ahead within half an hour.

Now, speaking in the Media Wales’ brilliant online show Blakey’s Bootroom, the Bluebirds’ favourite insist their away form is where Mackay and his men will make or break their season.

And Blake believes they may have to take six points from their next two fixtures if they are to keep their place in the top two.

“Cardiff really need an away win now just to give them a confidence boost,” said Blake.

“Barnsley and Derby are the kind of places they should be going and just brushing the opposition aside to be honest.

“I think they are quite capable of getting six points out of the next two games, but I believe they need at least four at a minimum really.

“They’ve got a very tough run on the road coming up after that. That’s why I think six points s against Barnsley and Derby might be in order.

“Look at December and early January and it really is the defining moment of the Bluebirds’ season. We are going to know a lot more.

“December and early January, when it comes to champions, promoted or play-offs is when it is all going to be decided for me.”

Many, including Mackay and his players, have wracked their brains to explain the disparity between results at home and on the road.

The Bluebirds’ boss himself has blamed a catalogue of individual errors and a lack of correct decision making to explain away results.

Various changes of formation have been used, but none has yet unlocked the danger and threat City possess in front of their own supporters.

For Blake it is not down to personnel or formations, but more down to issues with temperament.

“At Charlton they started well, got the two goals, but then looked like they didn’t like it when Charlton got one back and then they got into areal spin,” said Blake.

“But when the pressure was off, when the game was gone at 5-2, then they started attacking again. To me it suggests it’s a mental thing.

“The Bluebirds have to get that mentality going where you think, ‘OK, you score one, but we are going to score two. We are just going to keep coming and coming at you.’

“But right now there is a mental issue away from home with the players and it needs to change very quickly.”

But Blake has also warned there will be no quick fix when it comes to Cardiff’s away day blues.

This weekend Mackay’s side travel to Oakwell facing something of a defensive crisis.

Ben Turner and Andrew Taylor, who both limped off in the victory over Middlesbrough at home on Saturday which thrust City back into second spot, will miss the clash with the Tykes.

And with Kevin McNaughton also set to be absent with injury Mackay has confirmed he is hoping to bring in some players on loan before Saturday’s clash.

But if they can return to winning ways Blake has warned it must not be followed up by any form of complacency from the Bluebirds.

“If Cardiff do get the win at Barnsley the one thing they must not do though is think that they’ve turned the corner,” added Blake.

“If they do that they will reach the end of the season with just a few away wins at best. It is a building process.

“You cannot think, right, that is the hoodoo done we are now just going to turn up. That’s what got them into the situation in the first place. Thinking that they are so good at home that they are going to arrive somewhere and most teams are going to fold.

“It’s a very competitive league and teams are just not going to fold. Most teams at home are going to give you a game. Don’t think for one minute think that if you beat Barnsley you are going to walk into Derby and get a result because it is just not going to happen.

“It is a very dangerous way to start thinking.”



Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z2CkKBUMfH

I disagree with Blake, next month wont define our promotion season.
What happens in the transfer market will and as long as we stay in the pack in December and have a strong squad going through 2013 that will define our season. Of course we need to do well in December, but there is such a long way to go, we need to do well every month. Just look at past teams like Reading, Burnley and Hull they have come good in March and been promoted to the Premier League.

I disagree with Blake, next month wont define our promotion season.
What happens in the transfer market will and as long as we stay in the pack in December and have a strong squad going through 2013 that will define our season. Of course we need to do well in December, but there is such a long way to go, we need to do well every month. Just look at past teams like Reading, Burnley and Hull they have come good in March and been promoted to the Premier League.

We need bodies in Annis asap as cover

Wiggy

We deffo need 2 defenders and possibly a top quality striker !

These journalists make me laugh! This month/week/game will define (insert team name)'s season! If a team is to win the league/get promoted then every month is massive!

As City fan's we know more than most that staying in contention is what it's all about until at least Easter. Then...........DON'T BOTTLE IT!!

I can understand and agree with some things but it wont define at all.

Was Reading in the top 6 in December?

I can understand and agree with some things but it wont define at all.

Was Reading in the top 6 in December?

Don't think so, Blackpool definitely weren't!

The point I'm getting at is that Reading weren't even in the top 6 and got promoted.

January is the turning point for me.

The point I'm getting at is that Reading weren't even in the top 6 and got promoted.

January is the turning point for me.

I know, I am making the same point! Blackpool came from nowhere the year they won the playoff final. A long season and, in variably, the teams that finishes well go up! It's never boring being a City fan is it!

Oh that season.. it was last day they got the spot too.

It will be intresting but if we get the right players.

Its weird being top 3 because I remember we only stay there for 2 weeks and drop out in the top 6 all season.

I disagree with Blake, next month wont define our promotion season.
What happens in the transfer market will and as long as we stay in the pack in December and have a strong squad going through 2013 that will define our season. Of course we need to do well in December, but there is such a long way to go, we need to do well every month. Just look at past teams like Reading, Burnley and Hull they have come good in March and been promoted to the Premier League.

I agree. We need to do well every month to get out of the Championship. Malky MacKay's signings on loan now and permanently in January are crucial. Both West Ham and Southampton spent heavily in January 2012 to ensure they acheived promotion at the end of the season. Many of the players bought were simply short term investments just to give their squads added strength for the last five months of the season. Nicky Maynard and Billy Sharp are two names who immediately spring to mind. Interesting times ahead I suspect!

Blake always talks out his ass.

Every month defines our season.

I think the transfer window is more important and what effect who we bring in has on the team.

what a load of crap article.

Blake always talks out his ass.

Arse.

we spent a fortune this season, and we have to bring on non experienced kids in our game. should this happen?

we spent a fortune this season, and we have to bring on non experienced kids in our game. should this happen?

Why not if they are good enough?

If we never plan on giving the kids a chance may as well scrap the academy.