Vid of the Day - TONY BLAIR sings The CLASH

IT'S AN OLD ONE, JUST SEEN THIS, LIKE IT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dOszwPVCNo

LET'S STILL LAUGH AT JOHN TERRY'S PENALTY MISS

LET'S STIL LAUGH AT JOHN TERRY'S PENALTY MISS

EARNIE TO FOREST, CITY’S WHITTINGHAM NEXT???

Nottingham Forest seem hell-bent on making a splash on their return to the Championship and made what may yet prove to be the division’s most expensive signing of the season by taking Robert Earnshaw (my mate on Facebook!) off Derby’s hands for a cool £2.65M.

The price seems a huge gamble and excessive but Earnie, while failing and out of favour in his two Premiership attempts with West Brom and Derby, has been Championship Gold with Cardiff City and Norwich City and you’d think Forest have bought him with this in mind. It’s a good move for the player who certainly needs to be playing and hopefully it’ll help him recapture his Wales place too as he’s fallen from grace with the national side also.

Forest have been linked with Earnie and also Cardiff City’s hugely talented but frustratingly inconsistent but much improved Peter Whittingham since the end of the season. With Earnie now secured and national media reporting Whitts is on his way, it’ll remain to be seen whether his move is next and about to take place.

Personally, I really hope Whitts stays and he offers City pace, quality and goals but if Forest are paying out silly money, you get the feeling City will be looking at a 7 figure fee which would hardly be bad business.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/nottm_forest/7427107.stm

CARDIFF'S FIRST MICROBREWERY - Worth a Visit

http://www.zerodegrees.co.uk/location-cardiff.html

Popped for a quick one in Zero Degrees, the latest addition to the Cardiff pub scene, in Westgate Street (their premises in next door to the Queens Vaults that used to be a taxi rank/garage) last night on the way to a wedding party (Well done Jo Kershaw and Paul Edwards).

The place, and its music, had the feel of The Yard to it which you either love or loathe and I tend to be in the latter category but I was mightly impressed with the beer.

All strong brews, I tried the Dark Lager which was an ale and at 4.8, it certainly kicked.

Pints are normally £2.70 but it's £2 before 4 and 7 in the week and there's special offers on pithcers so it's hardly a rip-off.

Got to get back there soon to try the rest!

FRIENDS REUNITED

Don't you "8" it that we're being messed around again?

Not much City news so today's Echo took the opportunity to re-hash a story that Peter Ridsdal has offered Robbie Fowler pay-as-you-play terms. Hang on, hadn't we already done that a few weeks ago and we knew this already?

Well yes, of course, but Peter Ridsdale apparently just happened to bump into Fowler (I hope he didn't injure him doing that!) in Dubai ... the sort of thing that always happens with us City fans eh?

"Robbie wants to stay" says The Riddler before adding, "but it all depends on his agent and I'll have to speak to him".

So on this boring episode goes then for the second successive year ... maybe Ridders will meet the ganet taking a stroll around Barry Island next week, yeah right!

TWO BLUEBIRDS PLAY FOR SCOTLAND ... AND THEY GET STUFFED!

Gavin Rae and Kevin McNaughton both earned recalls and started for an Scotland side hit by absences and injuries for a game against the Czech Republic in Prague tonight.

Their call up was recongition for Cardiff City's excellent season but it proved a disaster as The Scots lost 3-1 when Gavin Rae described as "out of sorts" being taken off midway through the second half while McNaughton limped out at the end trying to prevent the third Czech goal.

Well done tho lads.

Scottish Media go McNaughton Crazy

Just a few stories about Naught's return to the Scottish side for their friendly in Prague tomorrow.


McNAUGHTON RELISHING FRESH STARTSportinglife.com, UK

Kevin McNaughton makes Scotland comeback

Prague task holds no fears for Kevin McNaughtonTimes Online

McNaughton has nerve for national fightScotsman, United Kingdom

McNaughton boots out Berti bluesAberdeen Press and Journal,

Berti Vogts blunder set my career back two years, admits Kevin ...Glasgow Daily Record, UK

CARDIFF CITY'S PRE-SEASON GAMES UNVEILED

There is a sense of deja vu about Cardiff City's pre-season schedule which has just been announced.

The opening friendly of the season, just like last year, will see the first team split into two groups for simultaneous games at Carmarthen and Merthyr. This takes place on July 12 so is just 6 weeks away as pre-seasons get shorter and shorter.

Losing the F.A. Cup Final meant City missed out on the UEFA Cup but the achievement got them into Europe anyway with the Algrave Cup tournament.

And, as is becoming the 'norm', there will only be one home game coming the week before the new Championship season opens.

There are reserve team outings as some regular haunts too but a visit to Chasetown is in that schedule.

The list reads;

FIRST TEAM FIXTURES
JULY 12th - Carmarthen and Merthyr away
JULY 22nd - Guinmares in Algarve Cup
JULY 24th - Celtic in Algrave Cup
JULY 29th - Swindon Town away
AUGUST 2nd - Opponents to be named, game at Ninian Park

RESERVE FIXTURES - all away games
JULY 19th - Chippenham
JULY 27th - Havefordwest
AUGUST 5th - Chasetown
AUGUST 13th - Team Bath

CHED EVANS 'chuffed' with his Wales goal winning debut

What a start by our future star in waiting. A couple of us were speculating he'd be worth getting on loan at Cardiff City. He's wanted by Man City and just signed a new 3 year contract but with them set to change managers and bring in new personnel, he may find immediate opportunities are scarce. The theory sounds good anyway ... ...

Dream debut for Wales hero Evans
ic Wales

BIG KEVIN McNAUGHTON INTERVIEW in SCOTTISH PRESS

A really interesting read with Kevin McNaughton in reflective mood. I never realised Bertie Vogts sh*t on him as well when Scottish boss.

http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2303812.0.Nightmare_is_over_for_City_boy.php

CARDIFF CITY DECLINE £5M OFFERS FOR AARON RAMSEY

Today's Guardian are reprting that City have turned down £5M bids from both Arsenal and Liverpool. In horse racing terms, this is now a selling stakes and with all the big players at the table, City are holidng their own version of EBay to get the maximum price.

It has emerged Spurs are also enquiring and they join the ever lengthening list of Premiership suitors which also includes Manchester United, Everton, Aston Villa, Chelsea as well as Liverpool and Arsenal.

It seems inevtiable he will go but Manchester United remain favourites and it is probably the best deal for City fans too with United reportedly willing to allow him to stay on loan at City next season.

Liverpool and Arsenal fail in £5m Ramsey offersguardian.co.uk - UK

GIG REVIEW: FEEDER at The Point, Cardiff Bay

Fantastic night and occasion tonight watching FEEDER play the first of a small round of low-key UK gigs at The Point in Cardiff Bay who put on a show and a half, rocking the place out.

The Point is a brilliant venue where gig-watching is an intimate experience. This was sold out with its 350 or capacity (maybe it's more, I'm not sure) meaning the band and the watchers are almost as one and everyone is able to get a good view.

Feeder are soon to launch their 7th studio album, their first since 2006's Greatest Hits style package, but have no fear that they're now in decline. The new songs showcased - about 7 or 8 - were straight out of the typical Feeder song and anthem book with the riffs, the hooks, the singalong woo-hoos and their ineffectious bounceability. New single, We Are The People, didn't even seem the best one so they've got plenty in the locker. You just know a couple will feature in tv/sports montages as some of Feeder;s tunes usually do.

While those songs were first hearing to the majority ("if you singalong any of these with me, then I know you've illegally downloaded our album" joked Newport frontman Grant Nicholas on top form), all the Feeder standards were in there too bar the, perhaps, surprising omission of Buck Rogers and they even threw in a few early numbers not played for a while too..

Just The Way I'm Feeling, Lost & Found, High, Feeling a Moment, Pushing the Senses and so many more with my personal highlights being blistering versions of Come Back Around and the crowd-pleaser Just A Day to end the night.

Once they got into the swing, it was like being hit by a wall of sound as they amped up as a 5 piece with Mark Richardson (who has probably been with Feeder long than his 1st group, Skunk Anansie) setting the standard by pounding GBH into his drum kit.

Fantastic stuff. Looking forward to the new elpee and a full UK tour to apparently follow in October.

FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL: Iceland 0 WALES 1

John Toshack's and Wales' impressive sequence of results continued with Tosh's most experimental and youngest side yet producing a 1-0 victory in Rekjavik against Iceland in their latest friendly.

The match was unremarkable, the match-winner was remarkable as Ched Evans, the precocious striking talent who scored the best goal at Ninian Park last season (sadly against City and for Norwich!), back-heeled an outstanding winner on the stroke of half-time meeting a Joe Ledley cross with a back heeled shot in the corner.

Evans replaced Cral Fletcher shortly before that goal as the Captain for the night was stretchered off with ankle ligament damage. Having been discarded by Crystal Palace last week and now looking for a new club, that will be asetbak in more ways than one.

For those of the Bluebirds faith, Joe Ledley got 50 minutes while ex-City men Chris Gunter and Jason Koumas played thoughoout but hot propect Aaron Ramsey was not even on the bench.

Next up for the boys is a far more demanding test in Rotterdam against Holland this weekend.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7415117.stm

DANGERMOUSE in for JOCKS

Cardiff City's Kevin McNaughton has found his excellent season get even better.

He has been selected to start for Scotland in tomorrow's friendly international vs Czech Republic, a fitting reward for the defender in prime form. The 'Silver Fox' hasn't played for Scotland since joining City from Aberdeen = occasionally as injuries has forced his withdrawal - but fully deserves his chance. Good Luck SuperKev.

YOU KNOW IT'S BEEN A SH*TE SOUTH WALES BANK HOLIDAY WHEN ... ...

... ... the biggest news in town is that a sign blew off a cinema!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7421123.stm

AARON RAMSEY is the only news in town

Ramsey here, Ramsey there, Ramsey every-****ing-where. Not a day passes where he's talked about and, sadly, it's about whether he should stay or go at Cardiff City rather than his football.

Chris Gunter is singing his praises but best artilce is the BBC one below which includes a video interview with a level-headed Rambo himself.

On the footie front, Ramsey is expected to get his first senior Welsh cap in an experiemental side playing Iceland in Rekjavik tomorrow. Good Luck Aaron.

Ramsey plays down transfer talk BBC News

Ramsey would start for Spurs already – Gunter
Gunter Latest To Sing Ramsey's Praises Goal.com
Toshack warns Ramsey over Premier move guardian

YORKSHIRE EVENING POST'S MOVING SLIDESHOW OF LEEDS FANS CRYING

Bless'em!! :>)


http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/video.aspx?VideoPath=L EED/sadfans.wmv&VideoID=18670&ArticleID=4118873

POTENTIAL INNIES AND OUTIES AT NINIAN PARK

Away from Aaron Ramsey, the weather may be cold cold cold but the rumour mill is getting hot hot hot with comings and goings.

Here's just a few of the latest.

- Peter Enckleman has signed permanently says today's South Wales Echo but nowhere else seems to know this.

- Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink is definitely gone says yesterday's News of the World. Almost certainly will be true but again unconfirmed at present.

- Joe Ledley is oop north according to www.cardiffcity.com messageboard and going to Sunderland for £7M but it don't end there, Michael Chopra's coming our way in part-exchange for £3.5M.

- Jason Roberts is also coming from Blackburn (back to the Echo) but for £3M and we're trying to get Freddie Eastwood from Wolves too for £1.5m.

- Peter Whittingham's going as well btu nobdy's sure where and Paul Parry will revert to wing play in his place (the good'ol messageboard).

- And, of course, Robbie Fowler's still messing us about and being allowed to!

- Oh, and Darren Purse admits in today's Echo that he was truly crap last season but wants to stay and get his first team place back. That's the most worrying rumour yet! :>)

Mention enough players and enough clubs and someone will get one right soon I'm sure!

HANDS UP IF YOU DON'T WANT AARON RAMSEY

Aarrgh, nobody's hands are down on what is fast becoming the biggest auction away from EBay and Sotheby's.

The list of Premiership suitors seems to be growing by the day which can only be good news if he really must go as it'll ensure the best possible price for the club.

Manchester United remain favourites and it would seem he'll only go somewhere else if they don't move but following Arsenal getting involved before the weekend and Liverpool remaining in the background somewhere, the weekend firstly brought Chelsea onto the scene and now it's the turn of Aston Villa.

How long before we hear the name of Accrington Stanley I hear you cry. Yes indeed.

CARDIFF CITY CENTRE BY NIGHT

Am I the only one who wonders if it's just pomposity that sees many doing a downer of the City Centre at night. The latest of many attacks by local and national media alike is published today.

I go there frequently, admittedly I'm rarely there til the early hours but know the places to go and those to avoid. As the article points out but conveniently glosses over, it has something for everyone which any good city centre should.

I honestly don't see a place that is any better or any worse than anywhere else and on a weekend when there is a sporting event, like yesterday, nowhere in this country will be seen it its very best light. So what is their point?


There's a lot that can improve, I agree, but I really enjoying hitting the city centre and never fear trouble. Where do I go wrong???

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/05/26/we-deserve-a-grown-up-capital-91466-20973254/

DAVID GILES AGREES WITH THIS BLOG OVER FOWLER

It's uncanny how often a David Giles weekly column in The Echo closely aligns to views of the Cardiff City messageboard but that could either be copying (as if!), coincidence or just show that he is in tune with the feelings of many.

This week's column shows that he too is not impressed by the club apparently being quite willing to be held to ransom and messed about by Robbie Fowler (and his agent!) wanting to hold back on committing to Cardiff City for a second successive season. Exactly the same as I feel but, even by Gilo's standards, toned down.

As far as I'm concerned, it's Sign Up Now or Get Stuffed Robbie. Sorry but I see no reason for sentiment or any other view here.

Spare us Fowler debate this time
ic Wales

2008/2009 FULL CHAMPIONSHIP LINE-UP CONFIRMED

GDoncaster's play-off elevation win to the Championship means the 24 sides competing in it next season, Cardiff City's last one at Ninian Park, is now confirmed.

At the top end, West Brom, Stoke and Hull got promoted to the Premiership and have been replaced by Birmingham, Reading and Derby County who were all relegated.

Doncaster coming up today from League One joined Swansea City and Nottingham Forest who took the automatic spots earlier. Those relegated were Leicester, Scunthorpe and Colchester.

Next season's Championship teams are;

Barnsley

Birmingham City

Blackpool

Bristol City

Burnley

CARDIFF CITY

Charlton Athletic

Coventry City

Crystal Palace

Derby County

Doncaster Rovers

Ipswich Town

Norwich City

Nottingham Forest

Plymouth Argyle

Preston North End

Queens Park Rangers

Reading

Sheffield United

Sheffield Wednesday

Southampton

Swansea City

Watford

Wolverhampton Wanderers

WHAT NEXT FOR TREVOR SINCLAIR?

It's been widely reported that Tricky Trev - discarded earlier in the week by Cardiff City - was set to join Leeds United on a 2 year deal had they won their way back to the Championship.

Thankfully, they failed.

It remains to be seen whether Trev's move is also scuppered as a result.

HA HA HA, HEE HEE HEE, LEEDS ARE STAYING DOWN IN DIVISION THREE

After the extreme joy of watching Squeaky (Lee Trundle) and Bristol City lose their play-off final yesterday, life got even sweeter when we've been treated to Leeds United doing likewise today. The best bit, of course, watching them crying. Shame!

It was still tough watching Hull go up to the Premiership - they beat the Wurzles 1-0 with a belter by 39 yr old veteran Dean Windass - when you realise they only got 1 point out of 6 against Cardiff City and were second best on both occasions.

LUFC's bid to return to the Championship was ruined by a better team on the day in Doncaster Rovers reaching the Championship level for the first time in 50 years and completing three promotions from the Conference to the 2nd tier in 5 remarkable years. Their scorer in a 1-0 victory was one-time City target James Hayter.

Lovely aye!

CARDIFF CITY fan gets a blow at The Fantasy Lounge!

I sometimes wonder if these stories are credible or a stage-managed attempt at publicity but I do like the thought of a Cardiff City fan spending almost £25k on girls and booze to recover from City's F.A. Cup Final defeat ... especially as I settled for a couple of beers and some chicken!

I think he may have got over the loss better than myself.

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/05/25/br oken-fan-blows-24k-on-booze-and-girls-91466-20970068/

THE CARDIFF CITY MAN UNITED PARTNERSHIP 2008

Dave Jones talks about a "special relationship" emerging between Cardiff City and the Mancs in today's Wales on Sunday, and he did so in The Echo too over the weekend.

The clubs have spokenm with each other leading to City grabbing goalkeeper on loan for a season with Aaron Ramsey still favoured to head the other way. The less said about the origins of the relationship - Ferguson personally recommending Andrea Ferretti to Jonesy - the better really!

IT’S CITY UNITED!
ic Wales - United Kingdom

GUNTER THE GEE-TAR HERO?

Ex-City man, Spurs player and tipped to be Wales Captain in an upcoming friendly, talks about his love of music and his wish to emulate Thommo ... with a guitar rather than his football finesse of course!

I want to be guitar hero

BLUES IN TWO's - 20 YRS PARTNERSHIP FOR CARDIFF CITY AND CARDIFF EGG CHASERS

Cardiff Blues have signed a 20 year agreement to play at Cardiff City's new stadium effectively confirming a groundshare between the club with City as Landlords and Blues as Squatters!

The rent and revenue can only help City but let's hope the stadium and, especially, the pitch isn't affected by this inevitable move.

Cardiff clubs sign 20-year deal
BBC News - UK

Cardiff sides to share new ground

PAUL PARRY and WALES ... oops he did it again

I think all Cardiff City fans and those who admire Paul Parry were really pleased that he had declared himself available to play for Wales again after a year or two's absence for unexplained personal reasons and was named in the squad for upciming friendlies.

Those personal reasons produced a rash of speculation and rumours, one theme being consistent amongst the 'in the know' types but they cannot be detailed here.



The week just past saw John Toshack offering his delight to have Parry back in the fold and it was easy to see why. He's been a vital cog for Cardiff City this season, is currently playing the best football of his life and has one asset that stands him in good both in the domestic and international scene - that of searing pace.



What a shame therefore that Parry that having been selected in the squad for forthcoming friendlies in Iceland and Holland, Paul has withdrawn himself, once again citing 'personal reasons'.



I can only hope they are not serious buit the iference is that Parry is continuining to rule himself out of international duty ... if not for the time being, then permanently and that is a real shame for a player and talent who should be on that stage for Wales.

CITY STRIKER TARGET SIGNS FOR RIVALS

With Cardiff City searching for perhaps as many as 4 or 5 new strikers this sumers, names will be added or removed from their shopping list.

Dave Jones did seem keen on Bournemouth's Wales Under 21 starlet Sam Vokes who netted 12 for the South Coast club at 18 years old despite The Cherries being relegated to League Two. Indeed, Jones is known to have been to Dean Court to personally watch the player.

However Vokes is 'delighted' to have joined Championship rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday for an undisclosed fee.

Maybe, just maybe, it opens the door a little more City to try and get either Freddie Eastwood and/or Jay Bothroyd from Wolves, both of whom are transfer-listed and are also targetted by Jones.

AARON RAMSEY - Contenders, are you ready???

Going, Going ... ... ... Gone???

If you thought you heard rumbles of thunder around South Wales yesterday, you were wrong. It was actually the noise of Cardiff City supremo Peter Risdale rubbing his hands in glee as Arsenal joined what is fast being viewed as a race for the inevitable departure of Aaron Ramsey but where is his train heading?

Rumours are that Manchester United are willing to pay between £5M and £10M (depending on which newspaper you read which day), part of that deal including a United player or two coming on loan to City and they would also allow Ramsey to stay at Ninian Park on loan next season. That would appear to be great business for City, a brilliant move for Ramsey and something that would appease fans too.



However, news now emerges that Arsene Wenger is ready to make a move too but offering a deal to prise Rambo to New Emirates Stadium immediately in the belief that he could enter the first team fray next season ... the small print likely being that it would be in the Carling Cup when Arsenal field kid sides.


Either way, if those tow go head to head, Ridders knows he should get the very best price possible ... which appears to be when City sell, not if City sell.

I'VE HAD BETTER WEEKS

City lose the F.A. Cup, I've been attending interviews anywhere and everwhere around the City and now my youngest daughter is unwell (Get Well Soon Kelz) ... and the Bank Holiday weather, typically, looks crap.

Things can only get better eh?

CARDIFF CITY COMPLETE FIRST SUMMER SIGNING

Manchester United #3 goalkeeper Tom Heaton has signed a season long loan for 2008/09 with Cardiff City - a move that had been widely predicted since before the end of last season.

Heaton hasn't never played for United but sat on the bench for them several times last season. He is well regarded and an excellent shot-stopper but, at 22, needs first team football with his only previous experience being half a season with Swindon three years ago.

Cardiff need goalkeepers having released Michael Oakes and David Forde while another, youngster Josh Magennis, is continuing his stay at Ninian Park but as a forward instead! City have also offered terms to Peter Enckleman, he of the Wembley clanger and the two keepers would be expected to compete head-to-head.

Last season, Cardiff City singed a 22 yr old Premiership keeper on a season loan but Ross Turnbull turned out to be awful and soon found his way back to 'Boro.

This blog wishes Heaton a more successful time in South Wales and that he proves a worthy addition.

F.A. CUP NOT A TELLY SUCCESS

While there was plenty of hype about the massive tv global audience - and it was still huge - Cardiff City v Portsmouth was never going to get the same viewers as if one or two or the big four had featured.

Confirmation comes in this article but it's worth remembering there's now many different ways to watch the final and Sky covered the game as well as BBC.

As if we should be disappointed by only 5 million watching Cardiff City on BBC !!!

http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/810101/FA-Cup-Final-fails- score-just-5m-viewers/

RIDSDALE SPEAKS ON JFH & FOWLER BUT NOTHING WE HADN'T WORKED OUT ALREADY

Click the link if you like but you know the story already;

- City don't want to keep keep veteran strikers really
- They're happy to dispense with Jimmy Floyd-Hasslebaink
- They'd like Robbie to stay but he's stalling on the contract offer
- Every player has his price and we can expect a sale or two

There's column inches to fill, y'know.

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/footballnation/cardiff-city-fc/2008/05/23/city-s-star-duo-may-go-91466-20962683/

McPHAIL WANTS PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL ... hopefully with City

With the Cup Final out of the way, Steve McPhail flew to Eire to be in the squad that plays Serbia in a friendly this weekend.

This interview with the Irish press covers his Wembley disappointment, his ambitions and his hope to get back in the Eire side.

http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/36757

DEVO in NME

It's a very rare day when they are mentioned in NME and, sod's law, it's for art rather than music but an interesting snippet nevertheless ... if you're into DEVO anyway.

http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/36757

FOWLER AND HASSELBAINK - ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, ACT NOW DAVE

FOWLER AND HASSELBAINK - ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, ACT NOW DAVE

Latest newspaper stories suggest that the futures of both Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are under review and that neither may stay. At last, some sense as far as I'm concerned except it appears that while JFH may be a goner (and his Cup Final performance showed why), Dave Jones seems to have an infatuation with Fowler and is prepared to play a waiting game for the second season running.

DJ believes Fowler can get City 20 goals even though no evidence of this exists since 2001, the player who been either in decline or injured since with rare exception.

Last summer, the player held the club to ransom until long after pre-season has started before committing to Cardiff which meant he just wasn't ready in August, always playing ctah up and never cuaght up really then got injured.

Fowler has not played for 6 month, had the ultimate in care and attention and been looked after better than any player in Bluebirds history. Understandably, in his 34th year, City want to offer a pay-as-you-play deal to someone who tells us he just wants to play football and can't need money that badly with his finances believes to be more than £30M.

However Fowler and his agent are once again playing the stalling game and it's said they will not commit until late next month at the earliest. Enough of this Jonesy, we owe Fowler nothing at all and he should feel he owes us.

When Andy Robinson tried messing Swansea around fr the 2nd time in as many years this week, they didn't stand for it and gave him the ultimatm to sign now or go. He chose to go.

Cardiff City should do exactly the same to Fowler - enough of this love-in. Give him a deadline or withdraw the offer.

Fowler is not bigger or better than this club and, arguably, isn't good enough to stay around anyway. To have him and his agent refusing to commit for the 2nd season running just isn't acceptable. Sign now Robbie or feck off!

FOWLER AND HASSELBAINK - ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, ACT NOW DAVE

FOWLER AND HASSELBAINK - ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, ACT NOW DAVE

Latest newspaper stories suggest that the futures of both Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are under review and that neither may stay. At last, some sense as far as I'm concerned except it appears that while JFH may be a goner (and his Cup Final performance showed why), Dave Jones seems to have an infatuation with Fowler and is prepared to play a waiting game for the second season running.

DJ believes Fowler can get City 20 goals even though no evidence of this exists since 2001, the player who been either in decline or injured since with rare exception.

Last summer, the player held the club to ransom until long after pre-season has started before committing to Cardiff which meant he just wasn't ready in August, always playing ctah up and never cuaght up really then got injured.

Fowler has not played for 6 month, had the ultimate in care and attention and been looked after better than any player in Bluebirds history. Understandably, in his 34th year, City want to offer a pay-as-you-play deal to someone who tells us he just wants to play football and can't need money that badly with his finances believes to be more than £30M.

However Fowler and his agent are once again playing the stalling game and it's said they will not commit until late next month at the earliest. Enough of this Jonesy, we owe Fowler nothing at all and he should feel he owes us.

When Andy Robinson tried messing Swansea around fr the 2nd time in as many years this week, they didn't stand for it and gave him the ultimatm to sign now or go. He chose to go.

Cardiff City should do exactly the same to Fowler - enough of this love-in. Give him a deadline or withdraw the offer.

Fowler is not bigger or better than this club and, arguably, isn't good enough to stay around anyway. To have him and his agent refusing to commit for the 2nd season running just isn't acceptable. Sign now Robbie or feck off!

THE RAMSEY TO MAN UNITED STORIES HEAT UP

The rumours seem to be never ending but the strong suggestion is that with the Champions League now won ater last night's Premiership shoot-out victory over Chelsea in a macth that finished almost 2am local time in Moscow where it was played, Alex Ferguson is expected to move for Cardiff City's precocious Aaron Ramsey as soon as he's back at home and cuaght up with some zzzz's. Many believe the deal was strick a couple of weeks ago but will now be finalised..

It's the story that just won't go away ...

United target Cardiff City ace Ramseyic Wales
If Bale’s worth £10m, what price Ramsey?ic Wales -

ALGARVE CUP: CARDIFF CITY play VITORIA GUINMARES & CELTIC

The fixtures have been announced meaning City will avoid Middlesbrough in the mini pre-season tournament. A game against Celtic should be something to behold, gutted I almost certainly cannot make it.



This summer Glasgow Celtic, Middlesbrough, Cardiff City and Vitoria Guimaraes will battle it out for the inaugural 'Algarve Challenge Cup' at the Estadio Algarve on the 22nd and 24th July 2008.

With clubs from England, Scotland and Wales pitting themselves against the Portuguese Champions League qualifiers it is sure to provide a real competitive edge to the pre-season tournament as well as providing a fantastic party atmosphere on the Algarve this summer.

This year the Algarve Challenge Cup line up throws some interesting teams together with Celtic v Middlesbrough and Guimaraes v. Cardiff City on the 22nd July.

The final evening (24th July) will see Middlesbrough v. Guimaraes and then a clash of the Celts with Celtic v. Cardiff City to wrap up the tournament.

With over 1.5 million tourists & 16,000 Brits choosing to buy property on the Algarve annually the Algarve Challenge Cup tournament organisers are predicting a major rush for tickets which go on sale on the 23rd May.

DANGER DANGER

In homage to Chelski losing a Champions League Final they should have won against Man United tonight.

WHO ARE YA? ANSWER

This blog asked who the City player was in a picture yesterday which you can scroll down or see via this hyperlink:
http://nigelblues.blogspot.com/2008/05/who-are-ya.html

Turns out it is young striker Jonathan Brown who has had a couple of fleeting appearances and who has, this week, been offered professional terms by the club.

CARDIFF CITY GIVE CITY OF CARDIFF A MAJOR LIFT

I always wonder if these reports, which always appear when a sporting club/country is successful, really do stack up.

Capital’s profile is the winner after Bluebirds’ FA Cup exploits
ic Wales - United Kingdom

I cannot imagine ever visiting a town/country etc just becuase of the exposure the success of its team has had but maybe there are those who do.

It's reckoned here that Cardiff had £5M extra revenue pumped into it due to City at Wembley plus other spin-offs to come. All good if so.

ONE TIME CITY TARGET DUMPS THE JACKS FOR LEEDS

Dave Jones is an admirer of Swansea's attacking midfielder and came within a whisker of signing him 2 season ago until he got 'cold feet' and decided to stay with The Swans penning a new 2 year deal. His temptation to join Cardiff, Robinson stated at the time, was to play Championship football.

Step forward two years and a similar scenario was being played out and there were whispers that Cardiff were sniffing again although with Swansea promoted to the Championship, Robbo indicated he wanted to stay there just a fortnight ago.

Today, came shock news that he has switched to Leeds United who play their League One play-off final this weekend and may not make the Championship. Full of loyalty, Robinson asked to wait until the play-off was decided but Swansea rightly forced his hand by withdrawing their contract offer unless he signed this week. The man is a hero to Swans fans - I suspect their respect for him is no more.

DAVE JONES ON A BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY

Nice work if you can get it - DJ going to promote the pre-season Algarve Cup in which Cardiff City play 2 or Celtic, Middlesbrough and Vitoria Guinmares in late July.

City boss jetting off to the Algarve
ic Wales - United Kingdom

CITY'S RETAINED LIST - IT'S TA TA TREV BUT THE JURY'S STILL OUT FOR FOWLER & JIMMY

Sinclair could always be Zorro!

With the F.A. Cup Final out of the way, Cardiff City were finally able to name their retained list which contained no real shocks but also not the cull of Dave Jones' squads of the past couple of season with 7 allowed to leave.

The Bluebirds signed the Saga Superstar Trio of Robbie Fowler, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Trevor Sinclair -collectively aged 104! -to enormous publicity last summer and no matter what the differing views of wages being paid top them,, an equally enormous hole in the playing budget too.

With the key objective of the Championship producing City's 5th successive mid-table finish, it's time to move on.

Trevor Sinclair, at 35, started the best and did get corwds behind him until it transpired there wasn't much of an end product to his play and then injuries struck - a theme of his latter years. 14 league games and 1 goal wasn't quite what City expected and it makes sense to let him go.

Robbie Fowler, now 33, came here unfit, ended the season unfit and found himself injured most of the rest of the time meaning just 10 league games and 4 goals, 2 of those were penalties. A majority of City fans, myself included, have the view it's time to go separate ways but all the soundbites are that Dave Jones believes he will be fit, will socre goals and will give him another year - maybe on pay-as-you-play terms.

The eldest stateman, Hasselbaink, is now 36 but provided the best return with 33 league starts and 7 goals. He'd love to stay but the club have - rightly- hinted he couldn't be first choice next term and more pace is needed in attack.

While the wait over Fowler and Hasselbaink goes on, City released the goalkeeping due of Michael Oakes and David Forde. The two Matts - Reserve youngsters Matt Green and Matt Smith - failed to prove they should have new contracts and are also out with Matt Green set to join Oxford.

The only other out-of-contract player is Riccy Scimeca who has been offered a new one year deal after overcoming horrific injuries and the popular midfielder is expected to sign.

There are several players with only one year remaining on the contracts and the club are expected to offer most new deals but some will be vulnerable including Darren Purse, Steve Thompson (who is officially still on the transfer list anyway) and Willo Flood. Warren Feeney, with two years remaining, may also leave.

It's a start to what may yet prove another hectic summer of ins and outs but a good start as far as I'm concerned.

The latest names linked to Cardiff City are Wolves duo Jay Bothroyd and Freddie Eastwood. Dave Jones tried to bring them on loan early this year but Wolves were keen not to loan them to play-off rivals ... well, we were at that time!

With both ouut of favour at Wolves, City may now seek permanent moves. Both add quality, flair and pace up the field where Cardiff's 2007/08 season and Cup Final was undermined by a lack of those qualities. Eastwood, in particular, strikes you as exactly the type of striker City sorely require.

FEENEY TO HIT THE 'WALL

Not many sightings of Feeney in a City shirt

so here he is as a Jack

Warren Feeney's tortured time at Cardiff City appears to be nearing an end if you believe the rumours.

Feeney is the sort of player from whom the terms "hapless" and "your face don't fit son" were invented for in order to describe his term at Ninian Park.

In January 2007, Luton Town were heading for inevitable Championship relegation and Feeney wasn't good enough to get in their side. He was out of contract at the end of that season and available on a Bosman.

With City aiming for the Premiership and play-ofs at least, it defied belief that we turned to him to help our striking options. Unbelievably, City also handed him a 3.5 year contract and allegedly paid Luton £75,000 after initial loan. Feeney had links to Peter Ridsdale as both were at Leeds United and many suspected this appeared to be the guiding factor in the move.

His experience at City has been miserable - 6 starts, 6 sub outings and no goals - things got so bad, fans booed when he came on a sub.

Credit to Feeney, he always played with a smile and didn't just sit on his wages doing nothing. He opted to join The Jacks on loan - with City fans begging them to buy him! - and became a hero with 6 goals in 8 starts and 4 sub outings before collecting a red card and horrendous injury which curtailed his loan and season. He also played and scored for Northern Ireland whilst a Bluebird.

Few doubt Feeney is a trier but opinion is fixed that he is a lower league striker who never showed enough ability with City but was more comfortable in League One. Joining Millwall would therefore appear to be good business for player and club.

City fans will surely be praying it goes through!

COVENTRY AND WOLVES CHASING CAPALDI??

Who "nose" if he's leaving City??

That's what the Midlands press are suggesting.

Capaldi had a first half to his City season in which "hopeless" may have been a kind description but setlled down afterwards to become more solid but still prone to bad calls such as the crazy stand-off of his in the Cup Final allowing the cross to come in for Pompey's winning goal that really should have been cut out long before.

He came to Cardiff, allegedly almost quadrupling his Plymouth wages, but never really looked better than Chris Barker - a player Dave Jones didn't rate and let go.

Maybe the chance to sell Capaldi for money, get a good replacement and lessen the wage bill giving Jones more room to spend elsewhere in the squad provides some appeal?

CHOPS "VERY UNLIKELY" TO RETURN TO CITY ... I know, his dad told me so

While most City fans made their way towards Wembley, I headed into the West End and after visiting Trafalgar Square, settlled into a bevvy in Leicester Square Yates'.

The West End was packed with Pompey, City fans were hardly anywhere to be seen and this olive skinned guy with the biggest Geordie accent wearing a City shirt asked me where the rest of us were.

He looked the spit of an older Michael Chopra so sat down and had a drink with us explaining Chops was with City and meeting the players and that he was loving it around the boys.

"So is he coming back then as the papers are suggesting it?" I asked him and I notice it is mentioned again in today's Echo.

"I don't know but I honestly can't see it" he said explaining Chops' Sunderland contract was lucrative and that he still has 3 years to go there. He wouldn't go into figures but it was obvious he's on silly money - I seem to recall talk when he moved that he managed to triple his pay?

City will do well to have a sniff of him but, surely, it could only be on loan?

His Dad was a top bloke and you got to respect the guy coming down to support us and wearing a City shirt to the game as well. Nice one Chops Senior. Can't imagime many player's fathers doing that, especially when their son isn't from the area and not with us anymore.

WHO ARE YA?

Help me out. The lad had his pic taken with one of the players and, shamefully, I'm not sure who it is.

I'm assuming it's Darcy Blake whose appearance always seems to change but is it?

MY WEMBLEY WEEKEND PHOTOS

FRIDAY NIGHT in CHINATOWN

http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/ap/myAlbums.do?includeReceivedAlbums=true&albumId=34396.1588.1211262286638.3

CUP FINAL MORNING IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE & LEICESTER SQUARE

http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/ap/myAlbums.do?includeReceivedAlbums=true&albumId=34396.1590.1211262393926.3

F.A. CUP FINAL PICS

http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/ap/myAlbums.do?includeReceivedAlbums=true&albumId=34396.1591.1211262462206.3

POST-FINAL PICS

http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/ap/myAlbums.do?includeReceivedAlbums=true&albumId=34396.1592.1211262502507.3

ENCKLEMAN RELEASED BY BLACKBURN

Everyone seems to be going out of their way to be kind to Peter Enckleman which is understandable but it was his error, a bad one, that was most contributory of Kanu's weekend F.A. Cup Final winner.

Have no illusions, had he done that in a league game, he would have been slaughtered and he had a poor performance in which he appeared to lose his bottle and went "punchy" by throwing fists at everything instead of catching.

Less than 48 hours after that game, he has been released by Blackburn Rovers where he hadn't played for 3 years before joining the Bluebirds on loan. This seems to pave the way for his permanent transfer to Ninian Park for a keeper who has done moderately well but really doesn't appear to be City's long-term answer and, for me, nowhere near Kasper Schmeicel who was our best keeper last season.

Wonder if Dave Jones is having second thoughts?

POMPEY, POMPEY, WHERE'S YOUR MEDALS?

Glen Johnson spent most of the F.A. Cup Final trying to hold onto Joe Ledley instead of playing football so why am I not too surprised to learn that he couldn't hld onto his F.A. Cup Winners medal either?

Appears he was one of two players who had their medals stolen from their hotel over the weekend. Not good news, hope they are found ... I've not spotted them on EBay yet anyway.

FA Cup winners' medals stolenBBC News

CITY F.A. CUP FINAL ARRESTS - 10 TIMES FEWER THAN IN 1927

Just one arrest from each side confirms it was largely an incidient-free, trouble-free day.

As ome fans have rightly remarked, we've come a hell of a long way in a few years when we're now talked about for out football and our singing and not our track record of hoolliganism.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7408987.stm

ALGARVE CUP - PRE-SEASON TOURNAMENT for CITY

CARDIFF CITY may have lost the F.A. Cup Final but they've got into Europe anyway ... courtesy of a pre-season tournament called The Algarve Cup.

It's high standard opposition with Premiership Middlesbrough (who City memorably overwhelmed in Round 6 of the Cup run), Scottish giants Celtic (who are sure to take a massive following) and a leading Portuguese team to be confirmed.

Each club will play 2 games in 2 days with City's opposition yet to be confirmed for their games but dates, prices and ticket booking details are all now available via the below link.

Sadly, job changing, finances and family means it's a no can-do for me, I'm envious of those who do make it.

http://www.algarvechallengecup.com/algarve_challenge_cup.html

AFTER F.A. CUP FINAL DEFEAT GLOOM, GREAT NEWS TO CHEER UP CARDIFF!

Westlife shows off due to illness

BBC News

JUST WHAT IT IS TO FOLLOW CARDIFF CITY

An excellent piece by Jonathan Owen who explains the "myth" that is Welsh rugby and what following Cardiff City means to us. This was broadcast ahead of the F.A. Cup Final and really explains it all as emotively as it is to those of us who were there and have always been there.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WOVme2hs2qo

MANCHESTER UNITED KEEPER ON WAY TO NINIAN PARK?

WILL HE PUT THE "HEAT-ON" ENKLEMAN?

The name has done the rounds for a couple of weeks but today's Western Mail have provided the broadest hints yet that Manchester United's # 3 goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, is heading to Cardiff City on a season's loan.

City fans will be wondering if this is good news before bad news as all links with Man United and their players on loan have been linked to Aaron Ramsey heading in the opposite direction. It's been whispered quietly and stated in the media that 2 Manchester United players would join City on loan if we sell them Ramsey and Heaton was the one name mentioned.

The keeper is rated as a hot prospect but is 22 and, so far, had very little first team experience so it is time he moved on or was 'farmed out' for that.

His only first team games in the UK was half a season with Swindon Town at the start of 2005/2006. Swindon were dreadful and got relegated so it's probably no great reflection on Heaton that he kept 1 clean sheet in 19 games and conceded 36.

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2008/05/19/city-swoop-for-man-utd-keeper-91466-20929552/

HASSELBAINK SET TO STAY ON

JIMMY CAN'T BELIEVE HE'S GETTING ANOTHER YEAR AT CITY

Jimmy seems to think so - he describes it as 99.99% certain. It would seem strange if City retained both immy and Robbie for another season as it didn't work with Robbie injured througout and, strong influence around the club that he is, Jimmy only scored 9 and is running out of steam.





Surely, when the F.A. Cup Final again exposed City's limitations in attack, something needs to change?





This link includes a good audio interview with JFH.



Hasselbaink set for Cardiff stayBBC Sport

HTV NEWS TAKEN OVER BY A BLUEBIRD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yHJlQ4_BoY

SO THIS IS IT .... I'M OFF TO WEMBLEY

As I write this entry, it's still 1,948 minutes to kick-off of the F.A. Cup Final (yes, I am counting them all ... well maybe not) but it's time for me to get moving and up to London.

I'm staying there overnight in readiness for the big game to soak it all up and enjoy the occasion that just won't happen again in my lifetime. Aiming to be at hotel by late morning and into West End lunchtime and back there tonight just to see what's happening and mingle with other fans who will be around.

The team are apparently doing something they also did in 1927, heading to London by train at lunchtime today, no word yet on whether they're taking a black cat with them (know your 1927 history!).

The game will be tough but I truly believe in City and our team on their day, especially facing big opposition, will perform and not let us down. I can picture City bringing the Cup back even if we are underdogs - I'm sure going to enjoy a couple of bets with the prices they're offering on 1st scorer, scoreline etc which could fund the whole weekend if City pull it off - and have me crying like a baby.

Whatever happens, win or lose, I don't think I'll ever be more proud of Cardiff City than this weekend singing Abie With Me or the National Anthem. I've watched every F.A. Cup Final since I was 5 or 6 -I've even attended two before (albeit replays with Man U stuffing Brighton 4-0 and the classic Ricky Villa inspired Spurs 3-2 win over Man City) but it's always other clubs these happen to, not Cardiff City. Success to us, before this season, was getting to the 5th Round and that came once in a blue moon,

BLOODY HELL, WE'RE ONLY IN THE F.A. CUP FINAL!

There will be no blog updates until I'm back ... and sober. If we win, that could be a while then!

C'MON THE CITY!!!!

CARDIFF CITY and JAMES FOX putting on a GIG!

This could either be something fantastic, for Cardiff City fans, or a bit of a car crash.

Cardiff City and James Fox are putting on a "celebration evening" at St David's Hall on Wednesday May 28th, tickets £12.

Ok, James Fox will sing his "Greatest Hit", Thommo will strum his tune and everyone will clap/cheer them with Dave Jone's speech and lord knows what Peter Ridsdale will do but I'm sure he'll make himself a centre of attention.

Fortunately/unfortunately I will be missing it as I'll be at a proper gig watching FEEDER at the Point. Hope the City gig goes well though.

http://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/English/whatson_detail.asp?ID=1894

CHOPRA ON WAY "Home" TO CITY?

If you believe some media reports, then he may well be.

The story that Sunderland boss Roy Keane - subject of the Dexy's Midnight Runners class Oh Keano (ok, I jest) - will have multi-millions more to spend this summer to ensure Sunderland continue to consolidate and hopefully avoid flirting with the Premiership drop again.

Inveitably, players will come and go and it seems inevitable one he will look to shift will be our 'Chops' who did start more than half of Sunderland's league games (21) but found himself used out of position in midfield or even wide right many times and did score some important goals but only got 6 overall. His disciplinary record is as good as ever - he still managed 7 cards - what's the odds many of those were as needless as the ones he got with City?

Not sure if it will be a problem persuading Chopra to drop back to the Championship or come to Cardiff but price is nearly always a hurdle these days for a club who haven't spent a penny in transfer fees in almost 18 months.

City sold Chops for £5M but it is believed they could get him back for half that price - a figure which may well tempt others - but can we really afford that? According to media, Aaron Ramsey's sale to Man United (it won't go away, will it?) will pave the way to make it possible.

Once we get the Cup Final out of the way, I got a funny feeling there could be some huge movement in and out as City will want to lose some players and seem set to be hit with offers for others like Ramsey, Ledley, Johnson, Loovens, McNaughton to name a few.

Let enjoy the Cup Final for now and deal with this next week.

CARDIFF CITY's F.A. CUP RUN using Lego and Subbuteo

Don't know who created this but genius. Braking mad but spot on and brilliant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jVp1htA7es

CARDIFF CITY's F.A. CUP RUN using Lego and Subbuteo - PART 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2KKDx6n_qw

ROGER JOHNSON WARNS POMPEY

And also says he'd like a move to the Prem and, perhaps, Boro which contradicts reports last week that he'd like to stay with City but it's only natural.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/7403189.stm

GLEEN LOOVENS VIDEO UNTERVIEW AHEAD OF THE F.A. CUP FINAL

Good interview with Rob Phillips on BBC Wales (see here)

Loovens loving his FA Cup chance 15 May 08 Cardiff City

'ARRY REDKNAPP JOINS THE DAVE JONES APPRECIATION SOCIETY

'aRRY'S GONE OUT OF HIS WAY TO BE NIOCE OUR ANYTHING cARDIFF cITY RECENTLY AND HE'S AT IT AGAIN - THIS TIME PAYING HOMAGE TO DAVE JONES.

SEE THE VIDEO HERE.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7400873.stm

UNBELIEVEABLE NEWS

Victoria Beckham has announced that she has given up singing with a press statement today.
http://musicnews.virginmedia.com/news/?news_id=67622



What's unbelieveable here is that I never knew she has ever started singing anyway.


Anyway, if it's good enough for Posh Spice to be stupid, then I can confirm I've given up hope of playing for Cardiff City in the F.A. Cup Final weekend.

WISH THE GIRLS IN MY OFFICE COULD DO THIS

PAUL PARRY CAN'T WAIT FOR THE CUP FINAL

Revitalised Parry out to make cup final markic Wales

CARDIFF GETS READY

Mentioned earlier this week how Cardiff has been "blueing up" and here's a pic of Queen Street which has Gold Luck City discs on every shop.

NO EURO GLORY FOR ALEXANDER AS RANGERS BEATEN

Two goals in the final 20 minutes, the second of those in added time, saw the Russians of Zenit St. Petersburg comfortably brush aside the challenge to Rangers in the UEFA Cup Final at Manchester City's Commonwealth Stadium.

The Russians controlled it start to finish with almost 70% of possession, some lovely footballer and the game's best player with a classic sounding name like Arse Shaving(!) - it was Arshavin - who created both goal. They provided constant danger while Rangers only mustered two chances.

Neil Alexander can take great satifaction in his display, helpless for both goals, and solid throughout with a couple of good stops.

Rangers amazingly took in excess of 100,000 fans to swap Manchester that caused massive problems and trouble - the worst being flashpoints after one of the big screens in the centre with 30,000 fans in attendance broke down leaving them unable to see the game. Doh!

HOW POMPEY FANS SEE OUR SQUAD

Pretty accurate assessment I'd say.

http://www.portsmouth-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=392197

CHRIS GUNTERS TALKS ABOUT CITY'S F.A. CUP FINAL & WALES v ENGLAND UNDER 21

It's quite easy to forget the flying and hugely successful Wales U21 side are playing their English counterparts at Wrexham tomorrow and, in some ways, it's a shame Ledley, Ramsey and Blake can't be involved but Chris Gunter's lookign forward to it and also being at Wembley to support City on Saturday. Top lad!

TRUE BLUEBIRD GUNTER HAS NO REGRETS
Sportinglife.com

MISCELLANEOUS LOCAL F.A. CUP FINAL RELATED NEWS

Son of 1927 hero backs BluebirdsBBC News

Trader turns Welsh flag into Cardiff tribute!ic Wales

Cardiff fans can’t help but picture holding cup aloftic Wales

ROBBIE FOWLER in TODAY'S TIMES NEWSPAPER

Usual stuff for those who have monitored Robbie's happless season with City.

Whiff of old spice in Robbie Fowler's season
Times Online

BBC/RADIO WALES WEEKEND CITY F.A. CUP FINAL COVERAGE

BBC WALES ARMCHAIR GUIDE TO FA CUP FINAL: CARDIFF CITY V PORTSMOUTH Kick-off Saturday 17 May, 3pm on various channelshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/sportwales

Here is a detailed guide to BBC Wales' extensive coverage of Cardiff's first FA Cup final for 81 years:

FA CUP MORNING OF THE MATCH Saturday 17 May, 7am, BBC Radio WalesOliver Hides with all the news from the team as they prepare for their big day

FA CUP PHONE-INSaturday 17 May, 9.05am, BBC Radio WalesOliver Hides with a live phone-in for fans to air their views ahead of the game. You can have your say by calling 08700 100 110

RHOD GILBERTSaturday 17 May, 10am, BBC Radio WalesRhod, Frank Hennessy and friends look forward to the afternoon's big game

FA CUP BUILD UPSaturday 17 May, 12 noon, BBC Radio WalesOwen Money and Oliver Hides are live from Wembley mingling with the fans and celebrities on their way into the stadium

MATCH OF THE DAY LIVE; FA CUP FINALSaturday 17 May, 12.40pm, BBC One WalesGary Lineker and guests with live coverage and build up to the game. Plus for digital viewers there's a full interactive service behind the red button including Radio Cymru, Welsh language commentary, rolling highlights and the Road to Wembley.

RADIO WALES SPORTSTIMESaturday 17 May, 2pm, BBC Radio WalesSteve James introduces live coverage of the game with commentary from Rob Phillips, Kevin Ratclifffe and Ian Walsh.

The commentary is also streamed live on the Radio Wales website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radiowales Following the game there will be a chance for fans to call in with their views on how it all went.

CARDIFF'S FA CUPSunday 18 May, 10.20pm, BBC One Wales Jason Mohammad and special guests look back at an unbelievable FA Cup campaign for Cardiff City.

AARON RAMSEY'S BEBO PAGE

I'm not a Bebo user but had a page referred to me created by our Wonderboy AARON RAMSEY!

The picture is from his homepage and looks very much like he has taken a photo of himself in the bathroom mirror!

It's currently available for public gawping (not sure for how long though) and can be found at http://www.bebo.com/aaronramsey8

His profile makes you realise how, as a fully grown adult, you're idolising a kid barely out of school.

Love his music tastes but can't say I go for the text talk!

AARON'S PROFILE

Hi, im aaron i play football for Wales and cardiff city. Im about 6 foot with brown hair and brown eyes, like to go out with my m8s and familly! I live in Caerphilly a little town by Cardiff so if ya wanna get 2 know me more add me on msn aaron_ramsey_8@hotmail.co.uk

Music
i like alsorts of music but indie stands out for me and btw i dont like dance.

Films
i never used to be a films type of person but i must admit i have bn watchin a few l8ly like die hard 4 n a few others that a cant think of rite naw.

Sports
football

Scared Of
nuthin im hard as nais.hmm wel sum say i am but i wouldnt like to cum that close to tarantulars if thats how u spell it.

Happiest When
with friends, familly. like it wen we go out n have a gd nite with al my m8.

A City US-based pal writes about us in the Cup Final

I know the author of this piece writing, as a Cardiff exile, of his amazement of City being in the F.A Cup Final and trying to put it into context for Americans.

Nigel Boulton has been a long-term contributor to the Cardiff City internet mailing list and someone I've met a couple of times when he's been 'home'. However he was an indirect influence as a youth too ... being the landlord of The Maltings in Canton as I sipped my first legal drinks in life.

Not heard from him in a while so good to read this.

Soccer's Super Bowl has coach flying high Hattiesburg American

RAMBO to Man U - more coverage

The Manchester Evening News are covering the story but have little more detail.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1049348_reds_linked_with_trio

The Mirror meanwhile has a "1o things you didn't know about Aaron Ramsey" factfile or, put another way, '10 things many Cardiff City fans know but nobody else does'!
Aaron Ramsey Factfile: 10 things you must know about Man Utd's target Mirror.co.uk

CHRIS GUNTER previews the F.A. CUP FINAL TEAMS

I do like the way he doesn't see much in it and sees the defences equal and City shading it in midfield, I'm sure the fact that Chris is an ex-Cardiff City player and Bluebirds fan is not an influence!

Gunter's FA Cup team guide

BBC Sport