Scimeca set to sign new City deal, Kennedy already has

I meet Scimea on the way home from last season's epic
F.A. Cup quarter-final win at Middlesbrough
(yes, I was p*ssed and happy!)

I must admit that my eyebrows were raised at news of RICCY SCIMECA set to pen a new contract with Cardiff City later this week.

The guy is one of the nicest blokes you could ever wish to meet and has been a great servant of the club and an invaluable member of the side 2 seasons ago but with City not knowing if they'll be a Premiership side come May and some fans doubting if Riccy can sustain it at Championship level, should it have waited until the summer? Should it be happening at all?

The reason for doubt is that most of Riccy's appearences over the past 2 seasons have been on the treatment tables rather than league tables. He has had an horrific times of things, a lesser player may have been inclined to give up after he suffered different injuries, illness and kept breaking down.

Scimeca has managed just 2 starts and 6 appearences this season and, now fit again, just 21 minutes of football in 3 sub outings over the past 4 months.

This follows an equally barren 2007/2008 term when he managed just 10 outings, most of those from the bench as well and a premature end to 2006/2007.

Riccy will be 34 this summer and you have to wonder what he can provide for City when, at present, he's rarely selected in the 16 and getting a seat on the sub's bench.

However credit to him for being positive telling the Echo, "I had a bad time when I was out injured, but now I feel back to where I was before that. I’m feeling good – I’ve been in full training for a while – and I will be ready when needed."

It doesn't seem like great ambition by the club to keep Riccy on board regardless of whether we go up or stay down but I hope he stays fit, gets games and proves us wrong. Good Luck Riccy!


In other news, defender Mark Kennedy who has performed well and far better than expected, has also signed a new deal but no details of the contract are available just yet.

Wales 5 (That's FIVE) Luxembourg 1 (oh, it's Under 21's)

The Seniors may be strggling at present but at least The Under 21's provided some light relief with a 5-1 demolition of an outclassed Luxembourg in a match played at Llanelli's new rugby ground, Parc Y Scarlets, in the U21 European Championships.

Wales got their campaign off to a poor start with a 0-0 draw in Luxembourg last Friday night, missing chances to have won at a canter despite not playing well, but they weren't to repeat their failings this evening.

Cardiff City's Darcy Blake featured and was joined by other Bluebirds with defender Aaron Morris making his debut, the promising Jon Brown up front and Neil Taylor in midfield.

The game was done and dusted as a contest with the boys 2-0 ahead inside 12 minutes, it could have been double the score by that point, and 4-0 ahead at half-time with goals through Neil Eardley from the penalty spot with Brown scoring another just 60 seconds later. King added a third befoere skipper Simon Church got another just before the break meeting a Jon Brown cross with a firm header.

Wales were guilty of dropping a gear and becoming lethargic after the interval and had a slight shock when Luxembourg pulled one back just before the hour. The football didn't get any better after that but Wilson completed the scoring 12 minutes from time.

Luxembourg will always be beaten by us but it's commendable to get a result when the number of Under 21's in the Senior Squad is in double figures. Same result for them tomorrow please! :>)

Robbie Savage Sees Red

One thing you can rely on when Wales have a bad run or result is Robbie Savge sticking the boot in. However, at this time, it's hard to find anyone being positive and there is resonance to his remarks.

However I hope his opinion that he expects Wales to get hammered at home to Germany tomorrow is a bit strong. I actually think they'll raise their game and standards and make a reasonable contest although I'm not expecting them to get a result.

Listen to Robbie here:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7972222.stm

Video of the Week - ANSREW W.K. - PARTY HARD (and Titus Andronicus)

A current dispute between YouTube and Music Companies means I can't bring their version so I've attached a link to another forum of Andrew W.K.'s Party Hard.

Heard a new and upcoming American group called Titus Andronicus who professed their love of, and influence by, The Pogues and Andrew W.K..

Ah, Andrew W.K. - can remember pictures and videos of him always with a blood covered face singing and moshing like a complete lunatic. Loved the thrash out and Party Hard was just a fantastic rock anthem that never quite got the recognition it deserved. Still doesn't stop my head shaking any time I hear and the video iis classic.

ENJOY AND PARTY HARD, PARTY HARD, PARTY HARD, PARTY HARD!!!


Oh ... and if you want to discover something new to enjoy, it's followed by Titus Andronicus by Titus Andronicus.

Music Video:PARTY HARD (by Andrew W.K.)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

Lock Him Up ... for delaying my holiday

Last June, I went to Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt for my summer holiday. It got off to a late start becuase of problems on the plane coming in which was delayed. There was also a delay in boarding and there were hints about a troublesome passengar and an arrest.

Now I know why >>

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/03/31/drunk-air-passenger-jailed-for-kicking-windows-91466-23277934

World in Crisis

Black Lace singer Dene Michael said: "With all the doom and gloom in the world, this is just what we need."

What's he talking about?


AGADOO is being released 25 years after we first endured that crap which was subsequently voted the worst song of all time.


BOLLOX, this is the last thing we need. Forget recession, this prat has just started The Great Depression!!!

Tonight's Cardiff City Phone-In Show (featuring the Supporters Trust)

Tonight's Programme including a studio guest, Mark Hooper,
vice chair of the fledgling Cardiff City Supporters Trust.


You can listen, or download, via this link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?wzjozglwxom

Sunderland Scouting Ledley

Tonight's Newcastle Chronicle newspaper is reporting that Sunderland are hot on the trail of Cardiff City man Joe Ledley and that The Black Cats boss, Ricky Sbragia, will be at Millennium Stadium on Wednesday night to check on Joe playing against Germany in what is now more a friendly than a World Cup qualifier.

Sunderland's troubles before the last transfer window with Roy Keane leaving the club and Sbragia in a caretaker role leaves them playing catch up this summer and they are keen to line up their targets now with Sbragia commenting that, "I had only been in the job a few weeks and had to switch from a situation where I was the coach, looking after the first team, to a manager looking at every other aspect of the club. I had very little time to prepare for the January window, but we didn’t do too bad. We got in Calum Davenport and Tal Ben-Haim but the main aim was about getting players out in order to foster a better team spirit. The next transfer window will be different though."


One of those players he moved out was Michael Chopra with his permanent switch to Cardiff City being cemented this summer and you do have to wonder if Joe going in the opposite direction is one way of funding the deal.


City fans of course will hope Joe stays and this could only signify Premiership football has been attained but with Joe having just 1 year left on his current Bluebirds contract and not keen to sign another unless City get promoted, it is a foregone conclusion he will leave in summer should City fail in the promotion bid via automatics or play-offs.

Excellent Ross McCormack interview in the Glasgow Herald

The below article focsses on the player's career, approach and his Scottish ambitions without great commentary on Cardiff City but it's well worth a read. Click the link for more.

McCormack going up in the world
The Herald

Think You'll Remember The Name of this Japanese Airline??

No worry Murray in ho hurry for City

According to a couple of newspapers reports, Brighton striker Glen Murray has declined Cardiff City approaches for a summer move to South Wales and will stay with the Seagulls even if they get relegated to League Two as looks likely.

It all seems unlikely and you wonder if it's paper talk or an agent generating interest as Murray is 26 this summer and not shaken any trees in his career spent entirely in the lower divisions.

He has scored 19 in 38 starts for Brighton since a £300,000 move from Rochdale, 12 coming this season but he's been out recently with injury and scored only 2 in his last 13 outings.

Write that one off then!

The Cardiff Earth Hour Shower

With the clocks going forward and lighter nights returning, Cardiff had courted publicity and trailblazed itself as one of the leading … ahem … lights in showing Green Solidarity.

The intention was simple – switch off as many lights a possible for 1 hour.

The reality was very different according to this blogger and his photos. Street lights on, many buildings didn’t bother and those that did, like Millennium Stadium, left half its lights on anyway.

Has there been a more ineffective piece of symbolism??

http://aspire2enquire.typepad.com/aspire_to_enquire/2009/03/earth-hour-cardiff.html

Egg Chasing Hoolies

Well I never, these rugby fans who continually tell us what a friendly sport they follow while booing any kickers and that drinking and problems is just high spirits while they never have trouble and violence (I précised!) must be coming up with a new excuse after it has been reported Cardiff and Swansea egg chasing supporters got involved in fights in Coventry before games played there yesterday.

Rugby Fans Clash Ahead Of Ricoh Rugby Games - Coventry City FC ...

Top of the excuses will inevitably be it was Cardiff and Swansea football fans who went there because their clubs weren’t playing, I can see it already!

Top of the excuses will inevitably be it was Cardiff and Swansea football fans who went there because their clubs weren’t playing, I can see it already!

Wales 0 Finland 2 - the press have their say

Bad Finns Happen & Wales Hopes Go Kuqi
As The Visitors make it 0-2

Wales not ready for finals - Toshack

RTE.ie

Bellamy comes to terms with failure

The Press Association

Bellamy: Wales World Cup hopes are over

WalesOnline

Players need club games - Toshack

BBC News

We can recover insists Toshack

The Press Association

Toshack apologises to fans over poor Wales showing

WalesOnline

Finns go bad to worse for Wales as World Cup hopes go bust

WalesOnline

Wales' World Cup Hopes Slim After 2-0 Defeat

Sky News

Bellamy in despair as World dream dies again

Independent

Qualification blow for Wales

ITV.com

Bellamy writes off Wales's World Cup hopes

AFP

Toshack's dreams dashed

SkySports

European qualifying: Finland still hopeful for 2010

CBC.ca

World Cup Comment: Jari Litmanen- Still A Finnish Force At 38

Goal.com

Finland victory dents Welsh World Cup hopes

Reuters UK

Finland defeats Wales 2-0 to keep its slim World Cup hopes alive

The Canadian Press

Craig Bellamy: I Don't Know Where Wales Go From Here

Goal.com

Welsh World Cup hopes end with a whimper against Finland

Telegraph.co.uk

Wales 0-2 Finland: Kuqi solo goal finishes it

ESPN

Wales Put To The Sword By Clinical Finland

Goal.com

McCormack shines in full Scottish debut

Wales with Joe Ledley had a poor day today but so did Scoland with Bluebirds striker Ross McCormack.

However Roscoe, making his fyll international debut, was widely regarded as Scotland's best player although they were throroughly outplayed in a 3-0 beating in Holland.

The result, though, doesn't stop Ross from taking pleasure and pride in his perosnal efforts.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/international/scotland/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/03/28/SOCCER_Scotland_Quotes.html




One City international man who had a day to remember was WARREN FEENEY who scored Northern Ireland's opener in a 3-2 victory over Poland. Fenney, who is on loan in Scotland, and who will probably never play for City again has served his country well.

Video of the Week - THE TUBES - WHITE PUNKS on DOPE

Some serious Glam and Punk before Punk was born, San Francisco's The Tubes have always rocked it up and mocked it up. Outregeous live shows that endure to this day but behind the theatrics and the comedy, there's some seriously good musicians and some fantastic music too. And, of course, I've taught Fee Waybill how to ayatollah!

Toshack admits Wales were poor and World Cup contention is over

Toshack is diplomatic is this interview

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/7970126.stm

However, his Captain, Craig Bellmay, doesn't share that grace or philosophy. Bellers, wearing his heart on his sleeve but another who was poor today, said, "You've probably seen two poor sides trying to contest this group and none have a glimmer of hope of qualifying. That is fact on what I have just seen today against Finland. Where do we go from here? God knows."

World Cup qualifier: WALES 0 FINLAND 2 match report

Sorry Nelson, we'd love to be there
but Tosh and the team won't let us

After spending all week telling us how today was a must in game and that any other result was the end of the road, losing 2-0 in Cardiff to Finland was devastating but so poor and inept was the Welsh performance, the tactics and the key decisions that you wonder of there is rarely a better future and talented team. On this evidence, we're having a laugh.

Welsh football has continual lows and very very highs but this ranks among the lowest - out of the World Cup with barely half the qualifier games played!

The passion has been sucked out of the support. It's hard to understand why but there was no appetite for fans to go. I actually missed a Welsh World Cup qualifier in Cardiff for the first time in my life, I accepted we were going nowhere, these are tought times and my money is being saved to watch Cardiff City. A lack of promotion, marketing and publicity saw less than 15,000 tickets sold but a late surge pushed it just past 22,000.


Wales: Hennessey, Gunter-Collins-Nyatanga-Bale. Fletcher-Davies-Koumas-Edwards-Ledley, Bellamy.

There lies a problem before the game even started. A must win game, playing at home and Wales go 4-5-1.

The first half saw Wales have all the possession but create zilch. In fact, the Finns keeper wasn't required to make a save in the entire 90 minutes which is damning.

However Wales were on top and you felt a breakthrough might come but a soft goal conceded 2 minutes before the interval to a real sucker punch as the oldest player on the pitch Jari Litmamen (I thought he had retired years ago) caught the Welsh defence square with a pass and Hibs' JOHANSSON finsihed easily. It could even have been worse as Bale was lucky not to concede a penalty for a trup on Forssel.

You hoped Wales would come beack with fire to fight for the game but, instead, they meekly surrendered, the Finns playing well within themselves still bossed the rest of the game. It needed Collins with blocks, Hennsessy and saves and Ledley clearing off the line to prevent further damage.

Sadly Wales had no answer and Toshack didn't help his or his country's with some bafling subs. Robinson, a defensive midfielder, replacing Fletcher like-for-like, Ledley - one of Wales' livelier players taken off for Earnie when Koumas was doing nothing out there but even Aaron Ramsey, given half hour and his World Cup debut, couldn't do a thing.

So it was left to Crystal Palace's Shelfi KUQI to kill the game with a late second goal, the stadium emptied. The worry for Wales now is Wednesday's visit of Germany, it could prove embarrassing if they play this badly again.

Bluebirds Erection Close To Climax

Mike Morris at CardiffCity.com was allowed in the new Cardiff City stadium this week to have a look at how it is progressing.


Externally, it has been enclosed for some time but so the interior has been a bit of a mystery.


However as the picture below shows, all new seats are almost fully installed and half a pitch has been laid as well.

To see the full set of photos, go to:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/m4morris/sets/72157615951171346/

For a timeline on the progress of the stadium click the links below.

29th February 2008
11th April 2008
17th April 2008
24th April 2008
22nd May 2008
27th May 2008
12th June 2008
21st June 2008
28th June 2008
8th July 2008
4th August 2008
28th October 2008
26th March 2009

DEVO's 3rd new song

This blog posted links to 2 of the 3 new songs played live at SXSW Austin Texas gig in the past week and now here's the other one, Don't Shoot, I'm A Man, which opened the gig and set.

The sound is poor, the video is good but at least it gives a flavour.

DEVO 1980 UK tv appearence

Found this video clip hanging about on a disk which I've now uploaded to YouTube showing DEVO on Fun Factory, an ITV kids show, back in 1980.

DEVO UK television appearences are rare since they never toured here too often and were unlucky to find BBC TV on strike a couple of times when they were due to appear on shows such as Old Grey Whistle Test.

Nutter on a train? No, nutter under a train!

What A Knob!

An 18 year old kid who has taken off travelling departed with a leaving present ... drawing a 60 foot long penis on the roof of his parents' mansion in Berkshire! The funny thing is that he did it a year ago but they've only just found out.

His parents say he'll have to clean it off when he gets home ... they may have to wait.

Keeping To Themselves??

Cardiff City have had a troublesome 2009 with goalkeepers losing their only permanent keeper of note in Peter Enckleman swiftly followed by season loan man Tom Heaton.


Intended emergency loan replacement Dimi Konstantopoulos seemed to forget how to kick a ball, know when to leave his line, score an own goal and commit more howlers so has been banished to friendly matches at Merthyr and seemingly not even trusted to sit on the bench, Dave Jones preferring no back up keeper while latest loan Stuart Taylor looked the part until he was suspect for a couple of Shefield United goals last weekend.

But what of the original duo??


Over the last couple of seasons, it's almost become a joke amongst knowledgeable City fans that whenever a player is absent injured for a number of weeks, you can half the total and that's when to see them again. They're back sooner with hardly an exception and never later than stated. We've had plenty of examples of that this season too.


So when Cardiff City announced Enckleman was out for 5 weeks after an end of January operation, I half expected to see him 3 weeks later. However, he's now been out for just about 2 months and it looks set to be a while longer.


Likewise Heaton was going to be out for 5 weeks at most - he's now gone past that time and again there's no sign/news of his return either.


News is sketchy to the point of being non-existent so Cardiff face returning to league action on Sunday week with Taylor and no back up. Wonder what's taking so long?

(Un)Crowded House

Quite a bit of debate today as Wales head to 2 home World Cup Qualifiers against Finland and Germany with very poor crowds expected.


Finland were the visiting nation to play at Millennium Stadium not so long ago and that was in front of a 72,500 crowd. This weekend, only 15,000 tickets have been sold and the FAW aren't bracing themselves for too many more.


Germany always fill the ground and, while at this stage, ticket sales haven't been announced, home sales and believed to be little more while the gate will be bigger due to the Germans attending.


So how/why has it come to this? Some blame poor marketing but that's an excuse, not a reason. After all, they never marketed any/much differently when we sold out the ground. There are clear reasons why they're not being well attended.

- They're dead rubbers. We got talent and promise and could be witnessing the birth of the next excellent Welsh side but we got no chance of qualification this time. I'm as optimistic as the next man but realistic too.

- Promotions not marketing would have made a difference but the FAW are too worried about upsetting Tournament Ticket holders so would rather preserve 15,000 than say, like at price reductions, 2 for 1 promotions, a special Buy a Finland ticket and get Germany for free or £5, take your wife/kids for free etc. Why not free tickets for schools just to come a crowd? In tough times, people need reasons and encouragment to spend.

- I bet it's not just me who begrudges paying 10% booking fee in top and then £5 to post them out to line the pockets of Ticketline. It's poor practise for an event like this.

- It is souless at games. I hate being confined to one side on the ground just to look good for tv. Those of s there have to look at empty seats on three sides. There's more atmosphere on the moon.

- Yet again, players have been cocooned in the hotel all week - they should spend a few hours visiting tv/radio stations, signing sessions in city centres etc and more. What have they done to sell the game?

- Like many football fans in South Wales, following Cardiff or Swansea on a play-off/promotion run in costs enough but is more exciting - that's where my money is going. I can't afford both. I'm saving my money to follow the away trips on the run-in.


What does make me laugh though are one-eyed non-thinking rugby fans gloating how they would fill it if they played Flatholm. As if they have a point!

Let's face it, rugby fans follow the event. All bar a minority only show up 5 times a year to watch the sport and that's when Wales play. Where the hell are all these people the other 30 weeks of the season when Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and co cannot muster a combined crowd to match Cardiff City??

Football fans follow the sport and are there every week which is why City, Swans and co get big crowds and it's many of those same face who are there with Wales as well.

It needs the FAW to take a lead to fill a 78,000 stadium in timkes like there.

They've done nothing so they get nothing.

Cotterill and Earnie look ahead to Wales v Finland

Friendly: MERTHYR 0 CARDIFF CITY 3 - triallists impress

Photo: Courtesy of Mike Morris of CardiffCity.com

In a training exercise come match all in the cause of helping Merthyr in a critical state with their survival at stake, Cardiff City agreed to a run out at Penydarren Park and came away with a comfortable 3-0 win, all the goals coming in the first half when first team squad members and triallists played.


The triallists were Czech striker Daniel Kolar (as reported on this blog yesterday) but also Scottish attacking defender Stephen Smith, a Rangers man and close friend of Chris Burke who has suffered injury troubles and is likely to need a new club this summer.


A reasonable crowd attended and bucket collections were also taken but one of the main income earners at Penydarren when Cardiff are in town, its Strikers Club bar, was closed on police advice. How very helpful.



With a number of players away on international duty, some rested and others being treated, Dave Jones sent a strong side to The Valleys which also featured Dimi The Drop, Whitts, Comminges, Darren Purse, Capaldi, Quincy, Burke, Scimeca and McPhail.


The goals were netted by Peter Whittingham, Chris Burke and Kolar but the 2nd period lost all interest as change after change was made by City and numerous Academy players were given a run out.


City fans were impressed by both triallists, Smith said to be up and down the pitch and sending over some first rate crosses while Kolar looked fast and sharp. Quincy, despite his goal, again did not match the sparkle City badly hope he can provide.

Wales Qualify for Finals Shocker!!

At least, a finals to look forward to ... well, sort of. Wales along with Scotland, Northern Ireland and Eire have agreed to a new tournament - The Celtic Cup - starting from 2011.


The tournament, the first of its kind since the Home Internationals were disbanded in 1984, which will in Dublin in 2001 with further games to be played in May of the same year - a mini league with all games tkaing place at ther Aviva Stadium, currently still being built.


If successful, the tounament will then alternate around the nations involved but no decision has yet been made on whether it could be an annual event or less frequent.

David Collins, FAW secretary confirmed his delight that, "We have finally reached agreement on the tournament taking place in Dublin in 2011. After many months of work we are delighted that this has now come about. We look forward to a great tournament especially in the new stadium in Dublin and we trust it will be a huge success which will enable us to extend in future years."

McCormack upheld, Gyepes rejected - that's their red card appeals

CARDIFF CITY got half of their wishes today as the FAW decided to overturn Ross McCormack’s red card against Sheffield United last Sunday meaning he escapes a 3 match ban but Gabor Gyepes’ in the same game was upheld making him suspended for one game – and, of all matches, it’s when The Bluebirds face Swansea City at Ninian Park hosting its last ever South Wales derby on Sunday week.

It’s an outcome I can’t argue with. Gyepes’ was harsh but understandable, Dave Jones acknowledged as much on the day. However McCormack’s, both at the time and subsequently viewed, appeared to be quite farcical with the Sheffield United bench saying as much too.

In overturning McCormack’s red card, some justice was done although, of course, had the woeful ref Paul Taylor not done that at the time, who’s to say City wouldn’t have recovered and got a result. One thing’s for sure, goal difference wouldn’t have taken such a battering as the subsequent 0-3 reverse provided.

Swansea fans with rose-tinted specs will moan – not that they ever need many excuses – about Cardiff bias etc but that’s just a minority not looking at the situation objectively.

With McCormack back in the fold, the question now facing Dave Jones is how to cope with Gyepes’ loss against Swansea next week. Darren Purse stepping in would appear to be the obvious choice but don’t rule out Kevin McNaughton deputising after his man of the match exploits there against Sheffield United.

Others suggest trying 3-5-2 but Dave Jones only plays 4-4-2, dream on boys!

McPhail Over & Out?

CARDIFF CITY midfielder Steve McPhail is reported to be informing friends that he wants out at Cardiff City this summer.


The 29 year Dubliner, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders outside the Championship, has been a bargain free transfer for City but has always been like Marmite to Bluebirds followers … you either love him or hate him.


The player was believed to be a tad upset at boos as he entered the pitch in Cardiff City’s 9 man 3-0 home loss to Sheffield United last Sunday although I tend to believe there were a huge minority and mostly about Dave Jones’ 2 quickfire subs after the red cards inside 35 minutes rather than the personnel involved.


Keith Cooper mentioned it on Monday night’s Cardiff City phone-in. The only question for me is, do Cardiff City need him to stay anyway?


He’d be the first to admit he’s had an awful season for Cardiff. A loss of form and condfidence, those 2 red cards at Liberty Stadium against Swansea City in huge profile games, no longer captain of the club on the pitch when he plays and in his few opportunities in recent months (injury playing a part as well), he hasn’t really taken any.


His slow, side and back passing and turning circle styles being the most one-footed player I’ve seen around doesn’t always seem compatible with City’s current style of play and his once-renowned vision and passing radar appears to have been mislaid.


I’m not knocking the player who has been a huge asset and more than played his part but whether City go up or stay down, it’s pretty clear central midfield needs to be completely revamped. Maybe the player moving on suits both the club and player in the long run?


One final observation – maybe McPhail would suits his own and the club’s interests if he didn’t say anything at all and leave talk like this until the end of the season. There’s plenty of time for decisions once the season finishes and he's still got a massive role to play over the next few weeks.

Cardiff City Supporters Trust Update

Cardiff City have agreed to sell £1,000 worth of shares to the Trust as it shapes up and votes on its inaugural members.

Western Mail story here:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/03/24/supporters-have-a-share-in-club-s-future-thanks-to-offer-91466-23217258/

Cardiff City Supporters Trust Website:
http://www.ccst.x10hosting.com/

This Hip Hop Routine Will Never Catch On

Czech-mate at Merthyr tomorrow

(Pic- Kolar scores at knock Hearts out of the UEFA Cup in 2006)


DANIEL KOLAR will be hoping to add some fizz to The Bluebirds tomorrow as he plays in a friendly at Merthyr Tydfil designed to help the cash-straped Martyrs who are flirting with administration or even closure.

The 23 year old Sparta Prague attacking midfielder has been on trial at City and gets a chance for a run out tomorrow. Another Czech and a Pole may also get a run out too.

Cardiff are sending a strong side to aid Merthyr - kick off at 7:30pm.

Bluebirds Red Card Appeals Launched

Cardiff City have submitted appeals to the Football Association of Wales hoping they may be able to overturn the instant red cards shown to Gabor Gyepes – the first sending off of his entire career – and striker Ross McCormack in the first half hour of Sunday’s controversial refereeing in the home defeat against Sheffield United.

There is a general view that Gyepes’ dismissal was dubious and harsh while McCormack’s was unjust and perplexing. It’s a view not just coming from Cardiff City fans and the club but national media and ever the Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell .

The FAW are expected to hold the hearings at the end of this week or early next week. If upheld, the two players will miss the next 3 of City’s crucial 8 games run-in to the end of this season which would include the South Wales derby against Swansea City, a home encounter with derby and a London trip to Cystal Palace at Easter.

Ref Paul Taylor has made a habit of causing controversy this season starting before a ball was kicked as he appealed against being naturally retired due to age but was given one more season. Cardiff supporters will not be the only ones believing that to be a mistake, his notoriety has affected Crystal Palace and Preston amongst others who have been ultra critical of the Herts official who has awarded a ridiculous 114 yellow cards and 11 red cards in 30 matches this season.

Let’s hope we never see him again.