Grabbed a mini break in Bournemouth staying at The Village complex which i would recommend as it offers the best of both worlds. If it's sunny, you got the glorious beaches in that area. If it's peeing down, you get the Village gym, pool and sauna ... providing some kid doesn't puke while swimming which closed that on our first day!
Bournemouth beach was packed as usual so I'd recommend going either to Southborne on the east - just as good but more room or private - or millionaire's row of Sandbanks near Poole to the west.
Parking is limited in Sandbanks - and costly at £10 per day - but worth it for its golden sands, blue sea, a beach with space and picturesque scenery. It also houses the most expensive land and properties in Western Europe with many football celebrities.
Last time I went a couple of years ago, a certain Teddy Sheringham only happened to stand next to me having a piss in the public toilets. My knob is bigger than his. It's worth the car park money to be able to claim that!
Here's some pics from our stay this time.
http://tinyurl.com/2s3ka7
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The Great Fire of Newport
Yesterday saw a huge fire in Newport as a joiner's yard caught alight resulting in a whole street being evacuated and a row of terraced houses burned to the ground including, right in the middle, the home of one of my team at work.
Within half-hour, Katy lost everything she had - house, car, clothes, contents, personal possessions and treasured irreplaceable items. I cannot even begin to imagine how that feels but she's shown great strength but she has great friends and a great family.
The story is here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/6936754.stm
Within half-hour, Katy lost everything she had - house, car, clothes, contents, personal possessions and treasured irreplaceable items. I cannot even begin to imagine how that feels but she's shown great strength but she has great friends and a great family.
The story is here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/6936754.stm
Monday, August 06, 2007
FRIENDLY: HAVERFORDWEST TOWN 1 CARDIFF CITY 3
City's final pre-season friendly was essentially a reserve outing but did includes first teamers such as Darren Purse (playing with his wedding ring disguised by bandaging the wedding ring finger and right up to his wrost), Paul Parry, Peter Whittingham and Chris Gunter - confirmation that, at best, these players can expect to start Saturday afternoon on the bench when the meaningful action starts.
Haverfordwest took the lead through a own goal by the hapless Darren Purse, his second o.g. in pre-season!, who really is having a tough time at present. However Matt Green equalised within 2 minutes and City moved ahead on the hour, and they stepped up a gear, as Green completed a double. The game was clinched later on via Jason Byrne'as strong finish after a mazy run..
The stars of the show acorrding to feedback by City fans on www.cardiffcity.com were Parry, Whittingham and teen star Aaron Ramsey although Purse was strong and commanding.
Haverfordwest took the lead through a own goal by the hapless Darren Purse, his second o.g. in pre-season!, who really is having a tough time at present. However Matt Green equalised within 2 minutes and City moved ahead on the hour, and they stepped up a gear, as Green completed a double. The game was clinched later on via Jason Byrne'as strong finish after a mazy run..
The stars of the show acorrding to feedback by City fans on www.cardiffcity.com were Parry, Whittingham and teen star Aaron Ramsey although Purse was strong and commanding.
A CAPTAIN NOT LEADING BY EXAMPLE?
News has emerged that City skipper withdrew himself late on after refusing to comply with a referee request to remove jewellery - in his case, a wedding ring.
UEFA rules do not permit jewellery to be worn but the FA do allow it if taped and safe whilst FAW do not and a Welsh league referee was in charge of the friednly vs FC Twente.
But does anyone believe it was a simple row over jewellery? Purse claims he has never removed it in his life. Or was it prima donna behaviour and a sulk?
Purse was named as a substitute for the game, only to be expected following a poor pre-season which saw him miss a game at Yeovil due to floods and put in poor personal displays since at Stockport and Port Talbot. It also means it's inevitable he'll be starting the season vs Stoke on the bench too as Johnson and Loovens performed well last weekend.
I personally don't believe for a single moment that had Purse been playing in a Championship clash that he wouldn't have complied. I'm not even sure why his manager didn't have words with him ... maybe he did but kept them private. It's ridiculous to miss an important pre-season game for something so relatively minor like this.
Purse's argument is understandable but it certainly will have done him no favours.
UEFA rules do not permit jewellery to be worn but the FA do allow it if taped and safe whilst FAW do not and a Welsh league referee was in charge of the friednly vs FC Twente.
But does anyone believe it was a simple row over jewellery? Purse claims he has never removed it in his life. Or was it prima donna behaviour and a sulk?
Purse was named as a substitute for the game, only to be expected following a poor pre-season which saw him miss a game at Yeovil due to floods and put in poor personal displays since at Stockport and Port Talbot. It also means it's inevitable he'll be starting the season vs Stoke on the bench too as Johnson and Loovens performed well last weekend.
I personally don't believe for a single moment that had Purse been playing in a Championship clash that he wouldn't have complied. I'm not even sure why his manager didn't have words with him ... maybe he did but kept them private. It's ridiculous to miss an important pre-season game for something so relatively minor like this.
Purse's argument is understandable but it certainly will have done him no favours.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
LED-ed FUEL
Joe Ledley has signed a new 3 year contract with City. Few details are available but I'm sure a trigger release fee and other clauses were in-built to protect club as well as provide a current future at Cardiff for Joe.
THEM's THE BREAKS
Simon Walton, remembered at Cardiff mostly for appalling tackles, red cards and posting a rather drunken middle of the night message slagging off City on his own website, broke his leg in a friendly for new club QPR against Fulham last night meaning he will be absent when City go to Loftus Road in a fotnight.
LEEDS NOT LEADING AT ALL.
15 points deducted before the season starts. I know I'm supposed to feel sorry for them in League One but ha ha ha
NO WAY FOR OATWAY
Ex-Bluebird and ex-Jailbird Charlie Oatway has been forced to retire after serious injury. He hadn't played since incurring a serious injury on Boxing Day which sadly worsened pre-season in a comeback game. A whole-hearted player and popular with players and fans, best wishes to him ... even if he's named after an entire QPR side on his birth certificate.
Joe Ledley has signed a new 3 year contract with City. Few details are available but I'm sure a trigger release fee and other clauses were in-built to protect club as well as provide a current future at Cardiff for Joe.
THEM's THE BREAKS
Simon Walton, remembered at Cardiff mostly for appalling tackles, red cards and posting a rather drunken middle of the night message slagging off City on his own website, broke his leg in a friendly for new club QPR against Fulham last night meaning he will be absent when City go to Loftus Road in a fotnight.
LEEDS NOT LEADING AT ALL.
15 points deducted before the season starts. I know I'm supposed to feel sorry for them in League One but ha ha ha
NO WAY FOR OATWAY
Ex-Bluebird and ex-Jailbird Charlie Oatway has been forced to retire after serious injury. He hadn't played since incurring a serious injury on Boxing Day which sadly worsened pre-season in a comeback game. A whole-hearted player and popular with players and fans, best wishes to him ... even if he's named after an entire QPR side on his birth certificate.
FRIENDLY: CARDIFF CITY 1 FC TWENTE 0
Saturday August 4th
Pre-season friendly at Ninian Park
CARDIFF CITY (1) 1 Feeney 27
FC TWENTE (0) 0
KISS FM took over the tannoy for half-time, a masterstroke as it sent it getting away from the stands to the bars!
Half-time: CITY 1 FC TWENTE 0
PIC LEFT: NEW AWAY KIT
If the first period was average, the second was instantly forgettable. FC Twente managed a couple of late efforts, a shot and header giving easy work to Turnbull, another went wide but City didn't show a great deal either. Players came and went but the most serious departure was Glenn Loovens who was reckless flying into a challenge on halfway and hurting himself in the process. Chris Gunter replaced him but slotted in at right-back with McNaughton going central. Before the game was over, Parry, Green and Ramsey also appeared for City. There really isn't much else to tell you about a half lacked pace, invention and intensity, both sides happy just to have a run out.
It really is hard to make any judgements in a game like this and we can only wait to see what the real stuff brings us when the Championship starts next week. For what it's worth however, we looked strong defensively and were not in trouble for a single moment against an apparently good side. City have more presence with a big keeper and big centre-halves but Tony Capaldi was quiet and didn't offer much coming forward. Hard to see what he offers more than, say, Chris Barker on this evidence.
Midfield were tidy and well organised, Trevor Sinclair looks certain to be a huge hit on this showing with exemplary skill, commitment and quality but there is a lack of pace and, arguably, dynamic quality in the centre. In attack, Fowler showed he can contribute in his cameo display while MacLean offers more than any striker we had last season - Chops apart - and Feeney put on his best display but I would question whether his best is really good enough for what City need.
In one week's time, we'll have a far better idea. That's for sure.
GAME COST:
2 Grandstand tickets: £18
Programme: SOLD OUT - WHAT A SURPRISE!
Travel: £4
Food/Drink: £15
Pin Badges: £4
Total: £41
SEASON COSTS:
£128.50 including City shirt and £25 to part sponsor Glenn Loovens kit.
Pre-season friendly at Ninian Park
CARDIFF CITY (1) 1 Feeney 27
FC TWENTE (0) 0
Pictures can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/yopk3t
After all the hype, a first chance for Bluebirds fans to see their team at home, playing in our away kit, 4 weeks after the first outings at Merthyr and Carmarthen. Cardiff won 1-0, deservedly so, and that's a credible result against the Dutchmen of Enschede who finished 4th in the top division last season just behind the big two of Eindhoven and Ajax.
However, as always during friendlies, anticipation is quickly replaced by boredom and a realisation that you haven't really learned that much from a game lacking the sparkle, pace, intensity and competitiveness of a League or Cup game. .But a win's a win and the workout was worthwhile I'm sure.
In town early for a drink, you couldn't help but notice the large police presence. Some were due to a carnival and the Big Weekend but police told us privately they were ensuring there were no problem with upto 300 FC Twente fans in town and some with a reputation. Football is truly back.
The pubs didn't seem too busy either in town or Canton though and the crowd of 8,649 on a warm clammy overcast day - including about 200 visitors - was in line with predictions and a couple of thousand more than usual for these games. Of course, the newly laid excellent looking pitch was the pulling factor ... or was it Robbie Fowler? If it was, a lot of people made the effort in vain.
City came out in their new away kit - broadly similar to the home shirts but with black instead of blue and the yellow/white stripes on sleeves and shoulders instead of chest and side - to a huge reception. The side were new keeper Turnbull with a defence of McNaughton-Johnson-Loovens-Capaldi (Purse was surprisingly absent whilst McNaughton looked splendidly grey again and his hair dye experiment at Merthyr), midfield were Sinclair-McPhail-Rae-Ledley (with McPhail skipper for the day) and Fowler8 and MacLean in attack.
FC Twente, in red, looked a big side and none more than their Captain at 10 who must have been 6'4" at least and, by some distance, looked the best player on the park.. Cardiff started well though with Robbie Fowler twice showing breathtaking dummies and touches, Joe Ledley looking sharp too. Fowler's dummies and first touches earned rapturous applause but his best movement was a flicked header just outside the box that MacLean couldn't quite take advantage of. There were a couple of moments when Robbie's thinking seemed to be a couple of seconds faster than team-mates but before we really got to judge him, he was off little more than 20 minutes into the game ... and with that, a few of the crowd only there to see Robbie were off too! He apparently signaled a tight hamstring but he isn't match fit yet, he noticeably had stumpier legs and is about 3 to 4 behind others in pre-season training, I think it told.
WARREN FEENEY replaced him and within moments scored the only goal of the game to clinch the match. A McPhail free-kick, missed by a defender, left Feeney with time to chest down, turn and shoot home with ease around the 6 yard box.
City had their best spell of the game to half-time and put Twente under the cosh but Feeney and MacLean looked lightweight as a partnership and confirmed why the club simply have to bring in a target man and fast. If we're struggling, then maybe we should look at the woman who almost got knocked out in the Lower Grandstand with an inadvertent but blinding header that put Thommo to shame! With with the excellent Trevor Sinclair producing runs and crosses that they were unable to take advantage of. MacLean really should have doubled the lead before the interval and he did the hard work in holding off and getting away from a defender but left his shot too late and was blocked by the visiting keeper. As for FC Twente, anonymous would be the most apt description. Good touch, movement and passing, especially in midfield but no end product at all. Ross Turnbull's only 1st half action was getting down to a low, slow shot.
After all the hype, a first chance for Bluebirds fans to see their team at home, playing in our away kit, 4 weeks after the first outings at Merthyr and Carmarthen. Cardiff won 1-0, deservedly so, and that's a credible result against the Dutchmen of Enschede who finished 4th in the top division last season just behind the big two of Eindhoven and Ajax.
However, as always during friendlies, anticipation is quickly replaced by boredom and a realisation that you haven't really learned that much from a game lacking the sparkle, pace, intensity and competitiveness of a League or Cup game. .But a win's a win and the workout was worthwhile I'm sure.
In town early for a drink, you couldn't help but notice the large police presence. Some were due to a carnival and the Big Weekend but police told us privately they were ensuring there were no problem with upto 300 FC Twente fans in town and some with a reputation. Football is truly back.
The pubs didn't seem too busy either in town or Canton though and the crowd of 8,649 on a warm clammy overcast day - including about 200 visitors - was in line with predictions and a couple of thousand more than usual for these games. Of course, the newly laid excellent looking pitch was the pulling factor ... or was it Robbie Fowler? If it was, a lot of people made the effort in vain.
City came out in their new away kit - broadly similar to the home shirts but with black instead of blue and the yellow/white stripes on sleeves and shoulders instead of chest and side - to a huge reception. The side were new keeper Turnbull with a defence of McNaughton-Johnson-Loovens-Capaldi (Purse was surprisingly absent whilst McNaughton looked splendidly grey again and his hair dye experiment at Merthyr), midfield were Sinclair-McPhail-Rae-Ledley (with McPhail skipper for the day) and Fowler8 and MacLean in attack.
FC Twente, in red, looked a big side and none more than their Captain at 10 who must have been 6'4" at least and, by some distance, looked the best player on the park.. Cardiff started well though with Robbie Fowler twice showing breathtaking dummies and touches, Joe Ledley looking sharp too. Fowler's dummies and first touches earned rapturous applause but his best movement was a flicked header just outside the box that MacLean couldn't quite take advantage of. There were a couple of moments when Robbie's thinking seemed to be a couple of seconds faster than team-mates but before we really got to judge him, he was off little more than 20 minutes into the game ... and with that, a few of the crowd only there to see Robbie were off too! He apparently signaled a tight hamstring but he isn't match fit yet, he noticeably had stumpier legs and is about 3 to 4 behind others in pre-season training, I think it told.
WARREN FEENEY replaced him and within moments scored the only goal of the game to clinch the match. A McPhail free-kick, missed by a defender, left Feeney with time to chest down, turn and shoot home with ease around the 6 yard box.
City had their best spell of the game to half-time and put Twente under the cosh but Feeney and MacLean looked lightweight as a partnership and confirmed why the club simply have to bring in a target man and fast. If we're struggling, then maybe we should look at the woman who almost got knocked out in the Lower Grandstand with an inadvertent but blinding header that put Thommo to shame! With with the excellent Trevor Sinclair producing runs and crosses that they were unable to take advantage of. MacLean really should have doubled the lead before the interval and he did the hard work in holding off and getting away from a defender but left his shot too late and was blocked by the visiting keeper. As for FC Twente, anonymous would be the most apt description. Good touch, movement and passing, especially in midfield but no end product at all. Ross Turnbull's only 1st half action was getting down to a low, slow shot.
KISS FM took over the tannoy for half-time, a masterstroke as it sent it getting away from the stands to the bars!
Half-time: CITY 1 FC TWENTE 0
PIC LEFT: NEW AWAY KIT
If the first period was average, the second was instantly forgettable. FC Twente managed a couple of late efforts, a shot and header giving easy work to Turnbull, another went wide but City didn't show a great deal either. Players came and went but the most serious departure was Glenn Loovens who was reckless flying into a challenge on halfway and hurting himself in the process. Chris Gunter replaced him but slotted in at right-back with McNaughton going central. Before the game was over, Parry, Green and Ramsey also appeared for City. There really isn't much else to tell you about a half lacked pace, invention and intensity, both sides happy just to have a run out.
It really is hard to make any judgements in a game like this and we can only wait to see what the real stuff brings us when the Championship starts next week. For what it's worth however, we looked strong defensively and were not in trouble for a single moment against an apparently good side. City have more presence with a big keeper and big centre-halves but Tony Capaldi was quiet and didn't offer much coming forward. Hard to see what he offers more than, say, Chris Barker on this evidence.
Midfield were tidy and well organised, Trevor Sinclair looks certain to be a huge hit on this showing with exemplary skill, commitment and quality but there is a lack of pace and, arguably, dynamic quality in the centre. In attack, Fowler showed he can contribute in his cameo display while MacLean offers more than any striker we had last season - Chops apart - and Feeney put on his best display but I would question whether his best is really good enough for what City need.
In one week's time, we'll have a far better idea. That's for sure.
GAME COST:
2 Grandstand tickets: £18
Programme: SOLD OUT - WHAT A SURPRISE!
Travel: £4
Food/Drink: £15
Pin Badges: £4
Total: £41
SEASON COSTS:
£128.50 including City shirt and £25 to part sponsor Glenn Loovens kit.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Canton Chinese Porn - My Part in it Downfall ? ? ?
Had a nervous chuckle reading tonight's Echo including a story about a Chinese immigrant from Severn Road in Canton convicted for peddling porn (literally pedaling as he was caught on his bike!) and here's why.
Towards the end of last season, a few of us - believe it included Rahel, Hicksie, Eric The Half a Bee, Mike Morris - were drowning our sorrows early one Saturday evening after another abject Cardiff City home performance when a Chinese lady walked in clutching a carrier bag packed with counterfeit DVD's and approached us while her partner watched the doors. She came to me as I was near the door and show me her wares - all action and family movies.
"That's no good to me or any of my friends", I announce (courage soaring thanks to Brains
Dark), "we're all into porn and the filthier the better". We all have a laugh and she goes on her way.
Cut to the net home game and it's a similar scene - yep, City were crap again! - when in walks the Chinese lady, again with her mate keeping guard, making a beeline for me with her Tesco carrier bag and, bugger me, this time it's bulging with top notch porn of all varieties and some excellent graphic covers!!
Don't think she realised I was pulling her leg (and the missus had joined us so I couldn't buy any regardless!) but she did manage to sell a couple around the pub. If I inadvertently gave them the idea, I'm sorry!
Check this link >>> http://tinyurl.com/2jrp2r
Towards the end of last season, a few of us - believe it included Rahel, Hicksie, Eric The Half a Bee, Mike Morris - were drowning our sorrows early one Saturday evening after another abject Cardiff City home performance when a Chinese lady walked in clutching a carrier bag packed with counterfeit DVD's and approached us while her partner watched the doors. She came to me as I was near the door and show me her wares - all action and family movies.
"That's no good to me or any of my friends", I announce (courage soaring thanks to Brains
Dark), "we're all into porn and the filthier the better". We all have a laugh and she goes on her way.Psst, you wan wicky takeaway tonight?
Cut to the net home game and it's a similar scene - yep, City were crap again! - when in walks the Chinese lady, again with her mate keeping guard, making a beeline for me with her Tesco carrier bag and, bugger me, this time it's bulging with top notch porn of all varieties and some excellent graphic covers!!
Don't think she realised I was pulling her leg (and the missus had joined us so I couldn't buy any regardless!) but she did manage to sell a couple around the pub. If I inadvertently gave them the idea, I'm sorry!
Check this link >>> http://tinyurl.com/2jrp2r
Thursday, August 02, 2007
SHARES + MONEY = DAVE JONES
Can someone please explain exactly what Dave Jones has achieved to earn a new improved contract ... just months after getting a new improved contract?
After giving Warren Feeney a three year contract and deciding Steve McPhail could have another 2 yrs when he had 2 yrs left anyway (the player himself admitting surprise with that) yet they couldn't look after Neil Alexander and are only about to start talks with Joe Ledley with less than a year to go, maybe I shouldn't be surprised by any contract at NP Towers anymore but this one did.
Last winter, Dave Jones got a shiny new bigger contract, apparently his reward for City's start to that season, not going to West Brom and a "celebration" of the club ridding itself of Sam Hammam ... maybe not in that particular order either. There were no complaints at the time, City were flying and the team were showing quality on the park but it's been a different story since.
Don't get me wrong, DJ is a highly capable, very good manager. Well he has had dubious foreign imports, unsuccessful loans, likes to moan in public and doesn't seem to deal well with players when they fall out of favour but nobody is perfect and he's done really overall, no question. However football is a results business and that's not been clever. Quality has been unbelievably poor since November 2007, results even worse.
It's been near-relegation form ending with Jones presiding over the worst finish in Cardiff City league history ... that takes some doing given the past record of this club! On the road, the only time we won since last October was when City fans were banned and it's been a rare day when we had a draw, I've rarely known Cardiff perform so badly away.
CHER - Nowt to do with
Dave Jones' shares ...
just a cheap joke & the
just a cheap joke & the
chance to see her in THAT kit
For many City fans, questions were starting to be asked about Jones last May, some feeling a poor start to this season could bring major discontent. Yet by awarding another improved contract and shares, Jones appears to have become more bombproof. Is it a reflection of a close relationship with Peter Ridsdale, a reward for selling Michael Chopra for £5M and, so far, not spending a single penny or just supreme confidence that the man will deliver something more than the 4 years of, ultimately, mid-table obscurity we've now had?
However it's can only be good to have stability at the top, City and Ridsdale appear to have provided that. Jones' new players and squad building provide promise of a more stable and consistent season and we can only hope (pray?) what appears - from the outside looking in - to be the award of a better contract when there wasn't much need for one works out in the club's best interests and proves to be a brilliant decision.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
City's 2nd string show their steel at Port Talbot
FRIENDLY:
PORT TALBOT TOWN 0
CARDIFF CITY 3
Although billed as a reserve team friendly, Cardiff City sent a strong team of fringe players to Port Talbot plus skipper Darren Purse and emerged comfortable 3-0 victors.
Goals came from 16 yr old hot prospect Aaron Ramsey finishing well from a Paul Parry cross, a Jason Byrne free-kick outside the area and a Matt Green diving header from another Parry cross in front of 750, mostly City fans, and Cardiff City supporting Welsh Premiership ref Phil Southall.
Goals came from 16 yr old hot prospect Aaron Ramsey finishing well from a Paul Parry cross, a Jason Byrne free-kick outside the area and a Matt Green diving header from another Parry cross in front of 750, mostly City fans, and Cardiff City supporting Welsh Premiership ref Phil Southall.
When you want to kiss your missus somewhere smelly,
take her to Port Talbot
Ramsey and Parry were the stars of the show but Matt Green and Kevin Cooper also showed up well. Purse, dropped into the side for the night having missed previous friendlies culminating in an appalling personal display in the weekend 6-4 loss at Stockport, still looked off the pace and well short of match fitness but will step things up with the new season starting in 11 days time. He was also the only City player at Port Talbot likely to start in the home clash with Stoke.
Next and final 1st team friendly for Cardiff is the weekend's home clash with Dutch side, FC Twente, a game that will also see Robbie Fowler make his bow for City.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Kerrea Gilbert - What a difference 9 months makes?!
Pic - Gilbert showing how to use his tackle properlyThis time last year, Arsenal's Kerrea Gilbert joined Cardiff City on a season's loan, having impressed against City an a Highbury FA Cup clash the previous season.
As City were running away at the top of the table, the diminutive Gilbert was identified as one of the key reasons. What he lacked in height was certainly compensated by his defending, passing and rampaging forward charges which made him a stand-out and essential player.
Then October 2006, the wheels started coming off Gilbert's and City's season. With Michael Chopra suspended and inadequate cover (Luigi Glombard I ask you - so bad he was removed at half-time to save him and us from further embarrassment), Cardiff lost 1-0, the agony made worse by Kerrea Gilbert landing himself a stupid red card in injury time as he lost his head ... I don't think he's found it again yet.
Whilst suspended, Gilbert got injured and it was announced he was absent until Christmas and then sighting of him were fewer than a good looking girl in Kiwi's. Rumours started emerging about homesickness and personal problems, manager Dave Jones belated confirming they existed long after City fans had heard stories through the grapevine that is the internet. He was hardly seen again in a City shirt and when he was, it was nowhere near the intensity and passion that City fans saw before. His passion was rumoured to be displayed elsewhere.
A player who promised so much drifted back to North London almost unnoticed and certainly with his tail between his legs. Now comes news of another drop down the football ladder as Arsene Wenger has brought in more defenders who are now ahead of him in the pecking order, Gilbert has gone on a 6 month loan, this time to League One Sarfend.
Can only hope it works out for him as there's a quality player of high potential who, right now, seems to be slipping away not getting to where, perhaps, he should be.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Cardiff City headlines you'd never thought you'd read
http://tinyurl.com/2clqkl
Check this - unfortunately the story isn't as interesting as its headline.
Still, it reamins something when Celtic are being told they could learn form us!
Check this - unfortunately the story isn't as interesting as its headline.
Still, it reamins something when Celtic are being told they could learn form us!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
THE FAST CHANGING APPEARENCE OF LECKWITH
Popped along to Parc Nin today to buy tickets for next week's friendly to FC Twente and was pleasantly surprised to see changes underway and developments taking place in the car park all around the athletics stadium.
A few pictures follow showing times are a changing fast at Ninian Park with digging having commenced all around the athletics stadium near the car park entrance and the far side of the astroturf pitch. There are also a huge bank of portakabin offices now installed on Leckwith Road next to the car park entrance.
Almost two thirds of the car park appears to have digging, plant and portakabins in place or is fenced off so the only area of the car park that can now be used in the tarmaced section between Sloper Road entrance to car park and the athletics stadium.
Car parking on matchdays is going to be real fun this season. Maybe the club needs to make a deal with local transport as happens at Brighton and Southampton amongst others allowing free bus travel to the ground to keep traffic away?
Almost two thirds of the car park appears to have digging, plant and portakabins in place or is fenced off so the only area of the car park that can now be used in the tarmaced section between Sloper Road entrance to car park and the athletics stadium.
Car parking on matchdays is going to be real fun this season. Maybe the club needs to make a deal with local transport as happens at Brighton and Southampton amongst others allowing free bus travel to the ground to keep traffic away?
Life at CCFC will never be the same when this goes
Leckwith Hill nearly hidden by a new hill caused by digging
Much of the car park is fenced off and covered with machinery and earth
Executive Boxes for the new stadium?
No, it's the site offices now instealled ready for the stadium project
Athletics Stadium - as seen through the barricades
Digging to east of the stadium by the astroturf pitches too
A queue of City fans who bought shirts wanting
names and numbers printed on them
Robbie Fowler - new face of the club shop
In no other area of life, would that face model anything!
Athletics Stadium - soon to be no more
Digging Underway in the car park
Only the front of the car park appears to be available FRIENDLY: STOCKPORT COUNTY 6 (SIX!) CARDIFF CITTY 4
A shocking result and shocking scoreline but with positives too seems to be the early view on a day City were turly hit for six at Edgeley Park.
The game unexpectedly became a memorial match for ex-Stockport managerial legend Danny Bergera who passed away in midweek after a short illness. Cardiff manager and ex-Stockport boss himself, Dave Jones, laid a wreath at the ground and a minute's silence was observed the the 3,500 or so crowd.
There was no sign of the disaster to follow as City cruIsed 2-0 ahead inside 16 mionutes thnaks to good moves and great finishes by Gavin Rae and Trevor Sinclair but, unbelievably, City then went onto concede 4 goals in 11 minutes, the first two being own goals by Rae and Darren Purse! The deficit was reduced to 4-3 by the interval through McClean, arguably City's best player, which would have cheered the travelling 200 or so Bluebirds and Robbie Fowler watchign on in the stands..
Second half had goal action too but, as per the first, although City had all the football, play, territory and possession it was the hosts who scored the goals to move 6-3 ahead, again thanks to inept defensive play. Stockport were said to have only scored one good goal in their six.
There were the inevitable mass 2nd half substitutions but Cardiff could only hit back once late on through Peter Whittingham who also smashed the bar moments after his goal.
It sounds like City's general play, forward movement and goals were all encouraging. As for the defensive, the area of the team that many would argue is our strongest certainly had a day to forget but it should sharpen their minds before the real action starts 2 weeks for now.
The game unexpectedly became a memorial match for ex-Stockport managerial legend Danny Bergera who passed away in midweek after a short illness. Cardiff manager and ex-Stockport boss himself, Dave Jones, laid a wreath at the ground and a minute's silence was observed the the 3,500 or so crowd.
There was no sign of the disaster to follow as City cruIsed 2-0 ahead inside 16 mionutes thnaks to good moves and great finishes by Gavin Rae and Trevor Sinclair but, unbelievably, City then went onto concede 4 goals in 11 minutes, the first two being own goals by Rae and Darren Purse! The deficit was reduced to 4-3 by the interval through McClean, arguably City's best player, which would have cheered the travelling 200 or so Bluebirds and Robbie Fowler watchign on in the stands..
Second half had goal action too but, as per the first, although City had all the football, play, territory and possession it was the hosts who scored the goals to move 6-3 ahead, again thanks to inept defensive play. Stockport were said to have only scored one good goal in their six.
There were the inevitable mass 2nd half substitutions but Cardiff could only hit back once late on through Peter Whittingham who also smashed the bar moments after his goal.
It sounds like City's general play, forward movement and goals were all encouraging. As for the defensive, the area of the team that many would argue is our strongest certainly had a day to forget but it should sharpen their minds before the real action starts 2 weeks for now.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Top Night and Good Win at Chepstow Races
An excellent night's racing at Chepstow with the annual Carribean Night. Following downpour after downpour after downpour, the meeting was in danger of being abandoned but, thankfully, it was a dry day so an early morning inspection passed it fit albeit with heavy going. Instead, onlookers were pointing upwards shouting out "What's that?" and it had to be gently explained it was a planet known as the sun - not seen in Britain since April - and blue sky.We work two coaches from work and soon waded into large volumes of Friday night bevvies, cocktails included at one stage.
First race saw two of the guys land a £130 win on a 25/1 outsider and won truly won big too. £90 with a 28/1 winner in race 4 and a £15 bonus off a bookie with whom I bet £5 with a £5 note but he then gave me £15 change.
All back to Cardiff (some to the offices) for more carnage. Most headed to O'Neill's, some to The Bay and I was in O'Neills eventually after catching up with the nurses celebrating Jen's 40th birthday in Reflex.
It's great to wake up next morning having got truly sloshed and have more money in your pocket than you went out with. Lovely aye!!
Pictures from the night can be found here > http://tinyurl.com/2eryh9
Thursday, July 26, 2007
TURNBULL JOINS CARDIFF CITY ON LOAN
Cardiff City completed the signing of their third goalkeeper of the year but are any as good as Neil Alexander, the one they let go?
Turnbull - he's big and that's what matters
Turnbull - he's big and that's what matters
The Bluebirds have completed their 7th free transfer in this summer, and second goalkeeper, with the arrival of 22 yr old Ross Turnbull on a season's loan from Premiership Middlesborough. At 6'4", he certainly fits Dave Jones' obvious preference to have big goalkeepers but what of his ability.
Turnbull has played 29 games on loan at Barnsley 3 seasons ago and 23 on another loan at Crewe 2 seasons ago when they were relegated from the Cha,pionship, his final game ironically seeing him beaten by a Jason Koumas beauty at Gresty Road. After that, he played in Middlesborough's last two Premiership games of 2005/06.
An apparent injury last season saw Turnbull's 1st team action limited to one game - an embarrassing 1-0 home defeat to Notts County in the Carling Cup.
His record is not the most inspiring on paper, a clear lack of clean sheets and a few times when he was on the receiving end of a barrage of goals conceded. His 29 games at Crewe saw him beaten 47 times, there is a lack of glowing reference from the Crewe followers, but they were a shockingly uncompetitive side that season.
Hopefully, playing in frotn of a potentially strong defence will show the former England youth keeper in a better light, many City fans will remember the arrival of Gavin Ward, unheard of, at a similar age and height as Turnbull and he went on to become one of the best keepers seen in a City shirt over the past 40 years.
It does however seem to represent a big gamble by Dave Jones and I can only hope he succeeds and he stands to deserve some flak if it goes wrong. For many City fans, the decision not to retain Neil Alexander - undoubtedly one of the Top 4 or 5 Championship keepers last season despite his limitations seem to be based on some grudge by the manager.
His replacements cause genuine concerns that we have weakened in a significant position. David Forde has proved adequate but not special and may be more suited to life in League One or Two than a club supposedly chasing the Premiership golden ticket. Andy Oakes, not good enough to get a game last season and unconvincing so far this season, may be in the same category. It therefore places a burden on Turnbull whom it would appear will be first choice.
Good Luck Ross.
Turnbull has played 29 games on loan at Barnsley 3 seasons ago and 23 on another loan at Crewe 2 seasons ago when they were relegated from the Cha,pionship, his final game ironically seeing him beaten by a Jason Koumas beauty at Gresty Road. After that, he played in Middlesborough's last two Premiership games of 2005/06.
An apparent injury last season saw Turnbull's 1st team action limited to one game - an embarrassing 1-0 home defeat to Notts County in the Carling Cup.
His record is not the most inspiring on paper, a clear lack of clean sheets and a few times when he was on the receiving end of a barrage of goals conceded. His 29 games at Crewe saw him beaten 47 times, there is a lack of glowing reference from the Crewe followers, but they were a shockingly uncompetitive side that season.
Hopefully, playing in frotn of a potentially strong defence will show the former England youth keeper in a better light, many City fans will remember the arrival of Gavin Ward, unheard of, at a similar age and height as Turnbull and he went on to become one of the best keepers seen in a City shirt over the past 40 years.
It does however seem to represent a big gamble by Dave Jones and I can only hope he succeeds and he stands to deserve some flak if it goes wrong. For many City fans, the decision not to retain Neil Alexander - undoubtedly one of the Top 4 or 5 Championship keepers last season despite his limitations seem to be based on some grudge by the manager.
His replacements cause genuine concerns that we have weakened in a significant position. David Forde has proved adequate but not special and may be more suited to life in League One or Two than a club supposedly chasing the Premiership golden ticket. Andy Oakes, not good enough to get a game last season and unconvincing so far this season, may be in the same category. It therefore places a burden on Turnbull whom it would appear will be first choice.
Good Luck Ross.
HELP ON WAY FOR GLOUCESTER & TEWKESBURY FLOOD VICTIMS
Dr Foster
Went to Gloucester
In a monsoon of rain
He stepped in a flood
Full of s*** and mud
Now he’s clinically insane
Dr Dell
Fell down the well
And broke his collarbone
But Dr Dell
Should look after the sick
And leave the well alone
Went to Gloucester
In a monsoon of rain
He stepped in a flood
Full of s*** and mud
Now he’s clinically insane
Dr Dell
Fell down the well
And broke his collarbone
But Dr Dell
Should look after the sick
And leave the well alone
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
FREINDLY: WEYMOUTH TOWN 3 CARDIFF CITY 0
A reserve team friendly produced a poor performance and result saw Weymouth give City's players a bit of a pasting, the Dorset side comfortable thoughout, making it a forgettable night for 40 or so travelling Bluebirds in the 1,200+ crowd.City's side included Jason Byrne and Kevin Cooper as well as "blooded" first team youngsters in Matt Green, Dray Blake and Aaron Ramsey. By all accounts, only the promise of Blake and Ramsey made any impression and stood out from the blandness otherwise produced by Cardiff.
Weymouth scored a rebound from a first half penalty and cruised home with two other goals in a second period more notable for constant substitutions than any quality of football. Hopefully, the players gained some fitness and sharpness, because there were few positives to take away otherwise.
Next friendly - a first team fixture at Stockport on Saturday (July 28)
DEVO go DELL
After the huge success of their recent UK and European tours, both with their loyal Spud fans and the critical media, D E V O now showcase their first new song in 17 years. They have had material realised in other guises but not as DEVO.
And, in true form, it's a devolved release coming in the form of Dell's ads for their new slimline laptop range accompanied by "Work It" with the unmistakeable sounds that the Casale's and Motherbaugh's produce.
Click link to Dell video with new DEVO song: http://tinyurl.com/ys9clv
DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE
And, in true form, it's a devolved release coming in the form of Dell's ads for their new slimline laptop range accompanied by "Work It" with the unmistakeable sounds that the Casale's and Motherbaugh's produce.
Click link to Dell video with new DEVO song: http://tinyurl.com/ys9clv
DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE
Monday, July 23, 2007
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