Transfer Window D-Day

The Summer Transfer Window shuts firmly at 6pm this evening so 12 hours to go on what may, or may not, be an active day but will there be inward or outward moves at Cardiff City?

Having already brought in 7 men, mostly loans, Dave Jones has conducted most of his business already but is still hoping to add "one or two more". It is a fair bet those players will be centre-halves but those deals may not take place today.

Chris Rigott, already training with the club, and Calum Davenport, also linked, are free agents so do not need to be signed today. Both have injury histories and represent gambles, City are understood to be arranging a friendly tomorrow to run the rule over Riggott and maybe Davenport too.

Unlike at is seems, one shock move could see out of favour Anthony Gerrard heading to Premier League West Ham United in some sort of swap move with a homecoming for Bluebirds star, and another injury prone centre half, Danny Gabbidon. Gabbs has just pulled out of Wales' squad for their Euro 2012 opener in Montenegro on Friday but has played in the last two games for the beleagured Hammers ... who, erm, got hammered.

However most concern will be on whether any star men leave with the likes of Peter Whittingham, Jay Bothroyd and Chris Burke all in new contract talks but out of deals next summer making it vital to9 tie them down fast or risk, a la Joe Ledley, losing them for nothing. Whitts, in particular, has been linked to Nottingham Forest who are rumoured to be weighing up one final fling for him. City really do not want to lose any of these men and fans will be counting down the minutes until 6pm.

Others who may go could be Gavin Rae (Leeds or Derby showing interest), Steve McPhail (Ipswich may move for him) and other squad members like Taiwo and co but, again, these players may leave on loan at some time after today rather than find a permanent move now.

Eyes down then and let's hope for the best.

Championship: CARDIFF CITY 3 Watford 1 match report

As weekends and play-off aspirations go, it could not possibly have been better. Incredibly, every play-off rival from 4th to 11th spot managed a draw other than Cardiff City who ran out 3 - 1 winners over Watford in a Sunday game. Cardiff took an early lead and endured a very uncomfortable hour before gaining control and taking the sting out of the Hornets.

It is a result that took City 5 points clear of the chasing pack with a home game in hand, a far better goal difference and just 9 games to go. How times change at Cardiff City - last home game there was a demo, fears of administration(which still remain) and a feeling we were about to slip away in the play-off race. Now, the club seem relaxed that investment from T.G. is around the corner, the mood is buoyant and a play-off spot looks ever likely. Only at Cardiff!

City went into the encounter with a makeshift defence as Kevin McNaughton and Anthony Gerrard, the midweek centre halves in the win at Coventry, were both absent injured while Adam Matthews was rumoured to be dropped after Dave Jones singled him out as a cause for Coventry's goal - he had almost the entire defence to choose from where I was watching!

However Gabor Gyepes returned from his own injury, Paul Quinn was called up and Darcy Blake was asked to continue as a makeshift centre-back, just as he did at Coventry in the second half. Up front Chops was available again post-suspension but he had to time his time on the bench as Dave Jones continued with McCormack alongside Jay Bothroyd.

CARDIFF CITY: Marshall: Quinn-Blake-Gyepes-Kennedy; Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Burke; Bothroyd-McCormack. The subs bench contained the only other players Dave Jones had remaining and fit - Enckleman, Capaldi, Taiwo, Matthews, Wildig, Chopra, Feeney.

Watford, like Cardiff, have had their own off the field problems this season and recently avoided administration by a whisker. They turned up in and departed South Wales, just 3 points above the drop zone having now lost 5 out of 7 but they have games in hand and on their showing today, they really should be fine. However they are vulnerable on the road with no away win for 5 months, their home record is comparable to Cardiff's.

They quest to avenge a 0-4 home defeat to City was hampered by injuries to key players as well and pivotal central defender Jay De Merit and exciting Arsenal loaneee midfield prospect Henri Lansbury both missed out leaving them with a slightly makeshift defence.

WATFORD: Loach: Doyley-Taylor-Mariappa-Hodson; Cowie-Jenkins-Cleverly-Eustace; Helguson-Hoskins.

It was a designated Family Fun Day and, for once, Cardiff City pulled out all the stops showing more imagination in one afternoon than they had managed the entire season. Kids for a quid, a fairground in the car park, new Playstation and kids tv areas in the Family Stand, a choir on the pitch pre-game, dancers and football freestyling at half-time and they were blessed with good weather, a gorgeous mild spring day with sunny skies. The crowd was announced as 20,130 but that included about 400 Watford fans and a lot of missing season ticket holders looking around the place.

Cardiff made a bright start to match the conditions and took a thunderous lead on 7 minutes with a pearler. A mini spell of pressure saw City blocked after a terrific move, the second phase saw Chris Burke just about denied at the far post but the resulting corner hit by Whitts went to the far stick where ROSS McCORMACK hit a stunning half-volley first time which drilled low through the crowd and a static, helpless Watford keeper and defence. A terrific piece of skill and the crowd loved it.

Thoughts we were about to see a first class City attacking display soon evaporated however as Watford spent the rest of the half taking the game to us and causing immense problems. Seizing on the lack of height in City's defence - and entire side! - with only Gyepes and Bothroyd being tall players, their tactic was to hit the far post and load up. Their freakish centre half Martin Taylor who looked like he should have been in the middle of a 6 Nations line out caused trouble too and it was uncomfortable viewing as City struggled and rode their luck.

Last ditch tackles, scrambles, Taylor hitting a post, another header coming off the underside of the bar, we could all see what was coming but Cardiff were struggling to prevent it.

City fans and players were also becoming agitated at some perceived inefficient refereeing and decisions. There did appear to be a spell where everything went Watford's way and against Cardiff with City players penalised for tackles and pushes while the visitors got away with identical or worse. By the interval, Jay Bothroyd got his 9th yellow card of the season, very harsh for a nudge, and knows that another before Easter will bring a 2 game suspension. However it was only his 2nd in 15 games, he had 7 in the 15 before that! Mark Kennedy, by comparison, was left flattened by an altogether worse challenge as he was aerial which left him in discomfort and unable to continue after the break, Tony Capaldi taking his place.

Half-time: CARDIFF 1 WATFORD 0

The onslaught continued towards City's goal but had become less intensive and despite our lucky escapes, David Marshall had somehow not been called on to make a single save which, perhaps, was telling.

Cardiff were starting to play and move better with Steve McPhail looking the composed and class act pulling the strings in the centre, Gyepes looking very strong at the back (I thought he was excellent throughout) and Blake coming away with the ball which finally gave a platform to build on.

Capaldi did well too, he was putting variation on his passes instead of the all too predictable Mark Kennedy sand wedge chip and his long throws when City got forward helped relieve pressure and create our own.

Watford made changes using all their subs in the opening 20 minutes of the half but City had doubled their lead by that point and were finally getting on top. The second goal saw a swift move down the right where Chris Burke, after an anonymous first half came to life, and after racing away and checking out, he hit over the perfect cross which PETER WHITTINGHAM headed downwards from close range giving Loach no chance. Yes - seriously, Whitts with a header!! That was his 21st of the season - quite amazing when his enitre career total was 19 before this season.

That came on 63 and lift all the nerves and anxiety both in the crown and the team. While only one Watford goal away from a return of panic, Cardiff were now putting together some great passing and movement and looking the good unit that they are. Chris Burke especially was enjoying himself and creating a buzz.

Jay Bothroyd who had a battle but led the line superbly was so unlucky as he met a Burke cross, looped a perfect header back across goal and was denied by an equally perfect save from Loach at full stretch but that was only temporary respite for Watford as CHRIS BURKE took the ball out of defence with Watford advanced and set off on a mazy 70 yard run on the left with the crowd willing him all the way. He beat two defenders for pace, the ball kindly fell back his way as he tried to shoot and that enabled him to side-foot past Loach. How we loved it.

With the game in the bag, Dave Jones clearly had Wednesday's game against Sheffield United in mind as he took off Bothroyd and replaced him with Feeney ahead of Chopra (was that a message to Chops?) before Chops appeared a few minutes later replacing McCormack. Feeney was Feeney, Chops created some danger and looked lively in his cameo.

David Marshall and his defence craved a clean sheet but Watford got the consolation they, and half their remaining fans, deserved and a fine one it was too with HELGUSSON latching onto a looping header with a fine first time left footed volley as added time started.

The home game on Wednesday is now massive as 6th place City face 7th place Sheffield United who I've felt for some time are the only team who can knock us out of the play-offs if we don't blow up ourselves. Many City fans would be happy to take a draw right now but with The Blades having just 1 draw and 6 defeats in their last 7 aways and looking at the sizeable gap, they will have far more to fear than City. Bring'em on!

Have Cardiff City Finally Learned a Lesson?

Has the penny finally dropped at Cardiff City?

We all love flair and quality (especially Chris Burke’s recent herculean efforts) but good sides have to show far more than that. Therefore, it was fantastic to watch City only allow Middlesbrough to play in front of them on Sunday and defend as if their lives depended on winning every challenge and being there first for every loose ball too. And it was the same story at West Brom and against Preston in the past week. Each time, it was also with the added disruption of losing key players both before and during those games as well.

Is this really the same group of players who did anything but that in those awful defeats and performances at Swansea and at home to Ipswich and tossed away the play-offs at the end of last season? After those 4 successive defeats in Novmeber, at least one Cardiff City player admitted to some complacency amongst the squad which is pretty damning. Manager Dave Jones is now demanding more of the same rmeinding his men that they have now set the standard.

While I am sure City will continue to have inconsistencies – just like the rest of the Championship – if they show that spirit, standard and tenacity for the rest of the season, it may yet bring a most fantastic reward.

Congratulations to the Cardiff City management and squad … now keep on doing it.

Video Highlights - Middlesbrough 0 Cardiff City 1

Chris Burke's winner moves Cardiff to third in the Championship and condemns
Middlesbrough to a third defeat in six league games. (UK users only)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8412191.stm

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Cardiff City 1 Preston North End 0 match report

An early Chris Burke Christmas Cracker was enough for Cardiff City to end their latest bad run with a 1-0 home victory over Preston North End, return the Bluebirds to the play-off spots and to enable me to celebrate with an Indian supper and a Burkey Bhajee! The first half, in testing conditions, wasn't great but Cardiff largely dominated the second period and were them fully deserving victors.

However in a week when City go into two big awaydays at West Brom and Middlesbrough, it remains to be seen if victory has come at a cost as Joe Ledley limped away with a hip problem after a slip, Jay Bothroyd got himself suspended for a 5th yellow card this season, Michael Chopra came off ill, Anthony Gerrard was lost in the first half after catching a boot in the head and even Kevin McNaughton was holding his thigh again at final whistle.

~~~~ THE TEAMS ~~~~

Dave Jones could win a comedy award for the number of times he's threatened to change the side after bad shows and then wheel out the same personnel but the Ipswich defeat must have rankled as he took up 2 pages of the match programme to hit back at some recent criticisms of himself not showing enough passion and to point out the players made the wrong decisions last weekend. Of course, DJ never questions his own lack of decisions in his formation, tactics and substitutions which, many will agree, did City no favours at all.

However, for once he back his words with actions, as out went Adam Matthews, Mark Kennedy and Gavin Rae while Gabor Gyepes was absent with an injured knee as City started with Kevin McNaughton at left back, Paul Quinn on the right, Anthony Gerrard back at centre half and, most surprisingly but pleasing off all, the injury ravaged Riccy Scimeca having his first league start in almost 16 months having managed just 32 minutes of Championship football in all of the time. Welcome back Riccy.

CARDIFF CITY: Marshall; Quinn-Hudson-Gerrard-McNaughton; Burke-Ledley-Scimeca-Whittingham; Chopra-Bothroyd. Subs: Enckleman-Kennedy-Rae-McCormack-Etuhu-Taiwo-Matthews.

For Preston, their run is now getting as bad as the one City ended in this game. The Lillywhites are now winless in 6 games and taken just 3 points dropping them to 14th spot but in this crazy, inconsistent division, still just 4 points off a play-off spot. Today however, they did look a mid-table outfit, solid but without any signs of quality . In their side today was ex-Bluebird Paul Parry given the warmest of ovations at kick-off and again when he went off also doing the ayatollah. In between, he looked like the lost Paul Parry we saw at Cardiff last term and underlined why the sale of the once hugely popular player was good business in the summer.

PNE: Lonergan; Davidson-Collins-Chilvers-Jones; Parry-Chaplow-Tonge-Wallace; Parkin-Elliott.

~~~~ THE MATCH ~~~~

It was mild but another rainy week and day, with conditions worsening throughout the game, is showing the first signs of pitch fatigue. Goalmouths are starting to look a bit bare, there is a bad patch near me in the Famil Stand/Grandstand corner, sliding tackles are bring up mounds and the pitch did seem bumpy in areas too. There is also a rugby match at the stadium on Sunday. Let's hope it doesn't become an issue.

Cardiff were attacking towards the Family Stand and although the attendance was down, the atmosphere was definitely up. The crowd was announced as 18,735. That would have included 400 from Lancashire and a definite few hundred missing season ticket holders as the ground was sparse in areas. Those who stayed away wouldn't have regretted missing a barren first half.

A quiet start in a quality free half saw City fashion the first opening through Scimeca, his placed shot from outisde the box rising over the bar and shortly after, Chops went wide of a defnder but fired just as wide. There was little to choose between the teams although City appeared to have the edge but were letting themselves down with poor choices or misplaced passes in the final third. The exception being Peter Whittingham who was hitting some stunning balls into space but his colleagues could not profit on them.

The visitors created the first real scare as a losse ball was helped forward as The Beast, Jon Parkin, was goalside of Gerrard but his well executed effort was met by David Marshall showing admirable agility to tip over the bar. The resulting corner was stopped for an infringment before the ball found its way into the net.

Without being fluent, City were making openings but missing the target, Chopra took a touch too much and fired wide, Scimeca burst through midfield - I never knew he still had such pace - and fed Bothroyd but his effort was lazy and always wide. Chops got in front of a defender to meet a Burke cross which he brought down on his chest but just missed steering the ball to goal the ball flicking out a boot under extreme pressure.

Half-Time: CITY 0 PNE 0

Cardiff's second half display versus Ipswich last week was plain embarrassing and fans wondered if they were about to see the same again as Preston surged from the restart, all aided by Cardiff incompetence. Right from the kick-off, City played the ball back, centre halves swapped passes in third gear and Gerrard was within a whisker of being dispossessed and giving Parkin a clear run on goal. The resulting corner saw Parkin win the ball comfortably in the air and with Marshall hopelessly beaten, City were indebted to see Kevin McNaughton block and then clear off the line.

Next Preston attack saw three City defenders converge to block Parkin and McNaughton's boot catching Gerrard full on in the head leaving him dazed and badly cut. Cardiff decided to carry on with 10 while on the ropes. It was almost 10 minutes before they finally replaced him as medical staff couldn't stop the bleeding to stitch him up but, amazingly, the decisive goal was netted in that time.

Peter Whittingham's stunner last weekend came from a long Marshall boot and so did this as the ball fell to ground contested by Bothroyd and a Preston defender and in nipped CHRIS BURKE to side step and unleash a pearler of a rising drive across Lonergan to comprehensively beat him in the top corner from 25 yards. Brilliant stuff.

That came 10 minutes into the half and within the next 7 minutes, Dave Jones used all 3 subs, each one enforced. First Mark Kennedy replaced Gerrard with McNaughton slotted in as an emergency centre half, an unwell Chopra apparently suffering "the squits" (perhaps not surprising when he declares in the match programme how living on his own has turned him to constant takeaways!) saw Ross McCormackenter the fray and then Joe Ledley slipped awkwardly and was helped away with a groin problem allowing Gavin Rae an outing. No sooner had this been completed than Preston's Alan Irvine introduced his own triple substitution for the final quarter of the game, I've never seen all three used at once like that before.

Such disruption and having the lead has traditionally seen Dave Jones' men drop deep and attempt to hold onto what they have but, pleasingly, not today as Cardiff were positive and went for more goals to finish the game. It never arrived but there were several near misses, Lonergan denying Bothroyd who ran half the pitch after robbing a defender, Bothroyd blasting just high and wide on another exciting run, McCormack and Bothroyd excitedly linking a few times, the impressive Scimeca had a shot which deflected and just looped over the bar, balls across the area that just failed to have a decisive touch and Paul Quinn so unlucky to see his goalbound header scrambled off the line.

Preston's sole response was a far post header that cleared the bar. Five minutes added time produced no problems at all as Cardiff exercised general control and, unlike last week, closed play down, chased, harried and won second ball time. It was far from City's best display or close to the quality standards they desire but it tough conditions against tough opposition, they fought hardest and wanted it more. After seeing it the other way around for most of last month, it was very satisfying and greatly cheered.


For me, the game was won and lost in midfield where Riccy Scimeca's return and presence should not be under-estimated, he was excellent. I was surprised how fit and fast he looked, his composure on the ball and use of it were way ahead of recent attempts by others. It just makes it all the more perplexing why he has been ignored by Dave Jones until now. The question, of course, is whether he can now stay fit and last the pace, especially with two big and tough away games in the coming week. If Joe is out, Cardiff's central midfield options for the rest of December appear to be Riccy, Rae and Taiwo which is deeply worrying.

Defence will be pleased with only their 6th clean sheet of this Championship season and their first in 6 attempts. Don't think there are any doubts that the return of Kevin McNaughton is a factor. He battles hard, covers so much ground, cleans up and always seems to be where he should be when needed. He did, however, pull up on final whistle, I just hope it isn't serious.

The strikers weren't at their best today, Chopra worked hard but did tire, Jay got better the longer the game went on and Ross made a big impact coming off the bench. Chops clearly needs a goal, Whittingham and himself remain the Championship's joint leading scorers but it's now 9 games and almost 10 weeks since Chops found the back of the net. Maybe he needs to change his takeway?!?! Bothroyd will be out suspended for the visit to West Brom on Tuesday and that gives Dave Jones another Monday morning nightmare as Cardiff look set to head to The Hawthorns with a likely patched up or stop gap side. For now, let's just enjoy this win and three more points which, as a bonus, took Cardiff ahead of Swansea again and restored the natural order. :>)

Listen or Download Tonight's Cardiff City Phone-In with Chris Burke

The sound is a bit muffled for first minute or two for some reason but should be OK after that

Listen or download via link below

http://www.mediafire.com/?twymtqmmzzg

CARDIFF CITY Phone-In is back and with Chris Burke as guest tonight

After a short break, the CARDIFF CITY PHONE-IN returned to the airwaves this week and is now aired on three community radio stations so it can be heard throughout South Wales as well as online.

The show is returning to the usual three nights per week format - Mondays' Wednesdays and Friday from 7pm to 8pm with host and former Premiership referee Keith Cooper.

The phone number remains the same as before, 01443 654654 while e-mails should be sent to a new address bluebirds@mail.com

The show can be heard on Radio Cardiff on 98.7FM www.radiocardiff.org

The traditional home of GTFM in Pontypridd www.gtfm.co.uk on 107.9 FM.

and Bro Radio (Barry) www.brofm.com on 98.1 FM

Tonight there's a special guest in City's exciting flying winger and Scots international Chris Burke which should make for an entertaining listen.

Another Rangers Man Heading To Cardiff City?

Cardiff City have been raiding Scotland fast and often for talent, so much so that BMIBaby flights between Wales and Scotland are probably surving on players and their famiily/friends flying between the two countries.


Rangers have been the most raided club of all with Steven Thompson, Gavin Rae, Chris Burke and Super Ross McCormack heading to Ninian Park whilst Kevin McNaughton arrived from Aberdeen although it's not one way traffic with Warren Feeney, Willo Flood and Glenn Loovens gone the other way.


Now it appears another may be coming this summer. Promising but injury hit defender Steven Smith, who played well for Cardiff in a friendly at Merthyr last week, is being touted as a possible signing. Gavin Rae commenting, "“I heard that and I spoke to Smithy when he was down. There’s a lot of ex-Rangers players at Cardiff and the gaffer seems have a bit of success with the ex-Rangers boys, so it’s great and he’s a great wee player.”

The Cardiff City Phone-In with Chris Burke

CARDIFF CITY's exciting and classy new winger CHRIS BURKE was studio guest on last night's Cardiff City Phone-In show aired on GTFM and he gave an excellent accouunt of himself.

You can listen to the show, including a question and quick from myself, or download it via this link:

http://www.mediafire.com/?oyzdnmolymj

Attack, Attack, Attack! say Birmingham

Cardiff City's midfield and defence need to be at the very best to contain a powerful looking Birmingham City outfit at St. Andrews tomorrow.

The Brummie Blues, 7 points ahead of Cardiff, but now facing a tsiff challenge from Reading contesting auto-promotion showed their intent with huge transfer windown activity. While Cardiff seem to have settled on free transfer Chris Burke as the only arrival, unless others are sold, Birmingham will tomorrow introduce Lee Bowyer, Scott Sinclair, Hameur Bouazza and Keith Fahey to the fray, all of whom are set to debut tomorrow and if it wasn't for one-time City target Kris Boyd getting greedy with wages, he'd be there as well.

However their defence isn't the greatest and that remains unchanged.

Game on then!

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish is ready to unleash his new ...BirminghamMail.net

Ridsdale talks sales, not arrivals

After telling us yesterday City fans the pleasing news that no bid had yet been received for any Cardiff players - but you wondered why he did this - Peter Ridsdale has come out in today's South Wales Echo that he will reinvest the monies in any player sold into the team.

The Riddler told the paper (full story can be found via www.walesonline.con.uk) that, "We intend to keep the squad together, unless an offer comes in that we can’t refuse. If an offer did come that was accepted, we would only do that if we thought it would strengthen the club. That means we would reinvest those funds in players Dave would identify.”

Is he preparing us for a fall? Is a Joe Ledley or Roger Johnson leaving us? Will he really reinvest anyway when he's made similar comments in every transfer window and we've seen a fraction of the funds spent on new personnel?

One thing's for sure. While the club have snapped up Chris Burke but really need a midfielder and striker added to the squad for a concerted play-off/promotion push, we seem to be standing back and watching rivals seem to be kicking on while City, when ready to challenge, seem to be sticking and only talking about players sales instead of player arrivals.

Official - Rangers man is now a BlueBurke

After a couple of days of advanced speculation and 36 hours after arriving in Cardiff, Chris Burke was officially confirmed as a Bluebird this evening.

The 25 yr old Flying Scotsman wings in with a 2.5 year contract but will be a spectator for tomorrow's home game with Derby County. His wages are high, he was believed to be earning £12,000 weekly at Rangers who are conducting a firesale to raise finance and reduce their outgoings, but it appears the deal was conluded as a free transfer for Cardiff City after Rangers were initially hoping to secure £150,000.

Speaking to Rangers World, the official Rangers website, Burke in a lengthy interview said, "The Championship is a very difficult league and anybody can beat anybody. I'm sure it will be difficult to reach the Premiership but that's my aim, to play in the Premiership. I feel as though that's where they belong and that they are a Premiership club because they have come on in leaps and bounds over the years. They keep progressing and hopefully they can continue to do so.

"If you look at the standard down there, it's a good standard. You see some Championship teams in the cups doing well against the top Premiership teams. It will be difficult but I'm looking forward to it. It's a new challenge for me, I loved my time at Rangers but I felt as though it wasn't progressing the way I wanted, I wasn't playing as much as I would have liked. Like any player, I want to be playing football and back enjoying it again. The only way you can do that is by playing matches and that wasn't happening at Rangers.

"The way forward is to move on and hopefully I can do that at Cardiff. I'm not saying I'm going to walk straight into the team - I'm going to have to fight for my place - and hopefully I can do well there. It's always disappointing with injuries but I'm back now, I'm fit and raring to go and I'm just looking forward to a new chapter in my life."

McCormack excited by Burke

CARDIFF CITY striker and fellow Scot Ross McCormack appears to have been involved in the process that is set to bring Rangers wideman Chris Burke to Ninian Park having been approached by boss Dave Jones for his opinion.






In this interview, he tells the Daily Mail what he believes Burke will bring to the Bluebirds.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1110079/Burke-tipped-star-turn-Cardiff-Rangers-exit.html

Burke Wings Into Cardiff

It is now widely reported that Rangers wideman Chris Burke flew into Cardiff Airport this morning with a medical underway and personal terms to be agreed with City aiming to complete a £150,000 transfer later today.

Burke was identified as one of several players Rangers wished to release in a failing season. As the 25 year old earns £12,000 a weekly and played just 2 x 30 minute substitute outings all this season, you can understand why. However he is talented, holds 2 Scottish caps, is seen by City as an ideal replacement for Wayne Routledge and with Dave Jones vastly improving both Jay Bothroyd and Mark Kennedy this season, he will be looking to achieve the same here.