Sheffield Wednesday official site
BBC Sport, UK
ic Wales
ic Wales
ITV.com, UK
ic Wales
Daily Mail, UK
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Enckleman Interview
Our new loan keeper speaks well in today's Western Mail
Laidback Enckelman looking to future
ic Wales - United Kingdom
Laidback Enckelman looking to future
ic Wales - United Kingdom
Friday, January 11, 2008
JOHNNY DEPP IS DEVO!
Should have worn the DEVO energy dome inPirates of The Carribean , Johnny!
Johnny Depp tells Rolling Stone magazine ahead of his movie singing debut in Sweeny Todd how he started out in a band doing DEVO covers. Always been a man of taste.
Full interview here >> Johnny Depp Sings Rolling Stone - USA
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Talking of DEVO energy domes, check this one from the DEVO mailing list.
DAVID FORDE abourt to exit stage left back to Ireland?
Jason Byrne and David Forde both arrived on these shores from Ireland in last January's transfer window full of hope and expectation. Without question, they were a desparate throw of the dice by the club who wouldn't have looked at them had finances been better at a time we could have expected a determined push for a Premiership promotion/play-off spot that was very much within our grasp. The gamble failed, it's proved a tough and mostly fruitless year for the pair.
Earlier this week, Byrne headed home and it is believed that David Forde is currently mulling over the chance to return to his previous club, Derry.
Football-wise, there is no reason to stay at Cardiff where he simply has no future at all. He's has been thrid choice out of three all season and only found himself 2nd choice when we had no other goalkeeper. Yesterday's loan capture of Peter Enckleman has once more pushed him out of the picture.
Dave Jones is on record as saying a Championship club must have three goalkeepers but it's obvious that Forde is now seen as surplus. His only action this season has been on loan at Luton where he did well enough for The Hatters to ask for him again but he refused late last year and finds himself very much a nowhere man.
Earlier this week, Byrne headed home and it is believed that David Forde is currently mulling over the chance to return to his previous club, Derry.
Football-wise, there is no reason to stay at Cardiff where he simply has no future at all. He's has been thrid choice out of three all season and only found himself 2nd choice when we had no other goalkeeper. Yesterday's loan capture of Peter Enckleman has once more pushed him out of the picture.
Dave Jones is on record as saying a Championship club must have three goalkeepers but it's obvious that Forde is now seen as surplus. His only action this season has been on loan at Luton where he did well enough for The Hatters to ask for him again but he refused late last year and finds himself very much a nowhere man.
PAUL PARRY - I WANT TO STAY TOO
Chris Gunter went, Peter Schemicel went back, Jason Byrne wanted to go (and so did the fans want him to), Warren Feeney has no option but to stay (although rumours in the West suggest he wasn't prepared to lose any of his large Bluebird wage to transfer to Swansea for first team football which made a deal almost impossible even if he was fit) and Darren Purse may go.
Paul in action at Chasetown last weekend
So it's been refreshing to see two of Cardiff leading first team players openly declare how much they want to stay at the club. First it was Joe Ledley eariler in the week and, now, Paul Parry has expressed the same sentiments.
Let's hope they do then.Parry vows to stay at City and carry on good work
ic Wales, United Kingdom
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Enckleman's Classic Moment
Must be THE FUNNIEST goal of all time
Check this clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgskirucZds
Watch at the very start and you'll notice Darren Purse, now at Cardiff, then in a Birmingham shirt.
Check this clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgskirucZds
Watch at the very start and you'll notice Darren Purse, now at Cardiff, then in a Birmingham shirt.
STOKE CITY KICK-OFF TIME CHANGED (Feb 1st)
At the request of our gold old friends at the Staffordshire Police, Cardiff's visit to Stoke City's Britannia Stadium has been brought forward to a 12:30pm kick-off.
Despite no trouble between the sides for a few years including recent visits - albeit in midweek - being unrestricted, Staffs' finest have found reason to act.
STAFFS POLICE INTELLIGENCE UNIT
ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CARDIFF FANS
Only last weekend, Cardiff fans found themselves subjected to vastly over the top policing nmbers, even if it was friendly in approach, at Chasetown but all those relations were soured by Staffordshire's Police decision to storm the pitch from both sides at final whistle and face Cardiff fans in aconfrontational manner. Coaches then found themselves escorted over 40 miles down the otorway in convoy from the M6 to the M50 - no wonder fans are heading back to cars and trains.
By eck, Enckleman at Cardiff
After speculating last night how Michael Oakes looked certain to be in goals for Staurday;s visit by Sheffield Wednesday, out comes a surprise as Peter Enckleman becomes the latest keeper to try his hands at replacing Neil Alexander.
Schmeicel and Turnbull have gone, Forde and Oakes are here but haven't seemed able enogh - although Oakes is a good deputy to have around - so Enckleman will become Cardiff's 5th goalkeeper since the end of last season as he joins on loan from Blackburn Rovers until the end of this season.
He may be a Premiership goalkeeper, 30 years old so prime age for a keeper, 6 foot 2 and a Finnish international but it still represents a gamble by Dave Jones.
Why?
Enckleman has not payed a league game for almost 4 years. With 6 goalkeepers on the books, it's not even clear where Enckleman lies in the pecking order but it isn't in the matchday squad which usually features Brad Friedel in goals and Welsh keeper Jason Brown on the bench.
Enckleman's last first team game of any description was well over 3 years ago when Enckleman let ibn 10 - 3 goals and 7 penalities - when Blackburn had a shock Carling Cup home defeat against Bournemouth.
And it probably doesn't matter what he achieves in his future career, he's only going to be remembered for one of the biggest football howlers of all time in a Birmingham v Aston Villa derby match.
Clearly he has a big challenge and much to prove. We can only wish him well.
Setanta
Cardiff capture Rovers keeper
Blackburn Rovers’ forgotten man Peter Enckelman has joined Cardiff City on loan until the end of the season.
BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/7180927.stm
Schmeicel and Turnbull have gone, Forde and Oakes are here but haven't seemed able enogh - although Oakes is a good deputy to have around - so Enckleman will become Cardiff's 5th goalkeeper since the end of last season as he joins on loan from Blackburn Rovers until the end of this season.
He may be a Premiership goalkeeper, 30 years old so prime age for a keeper, 6 foot 2 and a Finnish international but it still represents a gamble by Dave Jones.
Why?
Enckleman has not payed a league game for almost 4 years. With 6 goalkeepers on the books, it's not even clear where Enckleman lies in the pecking order but it isn't in the matchday squad which usually features Brad Friedel in goals and Welsh keeper Jason Brown on the bench.
Enckleman's last first team game of any description was well over 3 years ago when Enckleman let ibn 10 - 3 goals and 7 penalities - when Blackburn had a shock Carling Cup home defeat against Bournemouth.
And it probably doesn't matter what he achieves in his future career, he's only going to be remembered for one of the biggest football howlers of all time in a Birmingham v Aston Villa derby match.
Clearly he has a big challenge and much to prove. We can only wish him well.
Setanta
Cardiff capture Rovers keeper
Blackburn Rovers’ forgotten man Peter Enckelman has joined Cardiff City on loan until the end of the season.
BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/7180927.stm
Wife of last man hanged in Cardiff passes away
I like to have a laugh and be light in thsi blog but in our modern, cosmosplitan society, it's still a shock and sobering thought that someone was sentenced to death by hanging in Cardiff little more than a few years before I was born.
I've always been touched by the story and perceived dignity of Laura Rattan who, as the below Echo link confirms, has had a terrble hands of cards in her life and within her family. To dedicate her entire life to clearing her husband's name was immense, I'm glad that proved worthwhile for her.
Rest in Peace Mrs Rattan
SOUTH WALES ECHO STORY
Wife of last man hanged in Cardiff dies, 78
ic Wales - United Kingdom
THE wife of the last man ever to be hanged in Cardiff has died after dedicating her life to overturning her husband's conviction.
I've always been touched by the story and perceived dignity of Laura Rattan who, as the below Echo link confirms, has had a terrble hands of cards in her life and within her family. To dedicate her entire life to clearing her husband's name was immense, I'm glad that proved worthwhile for her.
Rest in Peace Mrs Rattan
SOUTH WALES ECHO STORY
Wife of last man hanged in Cardiff dies, 78
ic Wales - United Kingdom
THE wife of the last man ever to be hanged in Cardiff has died after dedicating her life to overturning her husband's conviction.
WALES' WORLD CUP 2010 GROUP FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
The World Cup and Nelson Mandela looking slightly younger and quicker than Robbie Fowler
but not as grey as Kevin McNaughton
The Group 4 countries, Wales included, met today in Frankfurt and made a surprisingly quick and early announcement of the fixture during this and next year for qualification to the finals in South Africa in 2010.
Toshack - never has someone looked so
happy to be going "Baku" Azerbaijan !
The campaign starts at home to Azerbaijan on September 6 this year. The group fixtures may take 13 months to complete but within 6 weeks, Wales will be nearly halfway through the campaign having played the best two sides in the group with visits to Russia and Germany and the worst two, according to rankings.
Indeed, the campaign could be full of hope and full of despair well ebeofre the end of 2008/09 season with 4 of the first 6 games at home.
Having been to Helsinki before, I'd love to go again but, coming at the end of the campaign, I can only hope there is still something to play for. For me, visiting Germany during Oktoberfest this year and seeign Wal;es play there sounds a trip to savour.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wales
2010 World Cup qualifiers dates
Group 4
6 September 2008 - Azerbaijan (Home)
10 September 2008 - Russia (Away)
11 October 2008 - Lichtenstein (Home)
15 October 2008 - Germany (Away)
28 March 2009 - Finland (Home)
1 April 2009 - Germany (Home)
6 June 2009 - Azerbaijan (Away)
9 September 2009 - Russia (Home)
10 October 2009 - Finland (Away)
14 October 2009 - Lichtenstein (Away)
6 September 2008 - Azerbaijan (Home)
10 September 2008 - Russia (Away)
11 October 2008 - Lichtenstein (Home)
15 October 2008 - Germany (Away)
28 March 2009 - Finland (Home)
1 April 2009 - Germany (Home)
6 June 2009 - Azerbaijan (Away)
9 September 2009 - Russia (Home)
10 October 2009 - Finland (Away)
14 October 2009 - Lichtenstein (Away)
_____________________________________________
BLUEBIRDS' TINPOT CUP HOPES RAISED BY DOING NOTHING
Despite their game at Welshpool being postponed until next Tuesday, Cardiff's hopes of raising the uncoveted Bowling Ball increased after stricken Wrexham crashed 4-2 in extra-time at Llanelli last night, this after The Dragons took a 2-0 lead and still lead in the late stages of normal time.
The most underwhelming professional
football trophy on the planet?
It leaves City as the only league side remaining in this year's competition where the £100,000 prize money is more worthy than the honour and the trophy. Should they overcome Welshpool, Cardiff would have a semi-final home tie with Newport County and in the other hald of the draw, Llanelli will now face the winners of Carmarthen/New Saints whose quarter-final, like City's, also fell foul of the weather on Tuesday.
I can feel your excitement from here!
JASON BYRNE'S TRANSFER FREE CONFIRMED
It's nothing - free of charge!
Think we did well to get that much for him personally.
Whitts & Gunts
Peter close up at Chasetown last weekend
Peter Whittingham tells today's Western Mail of his joy with his new lease of life and hops for Cardiff.
http://tinyurl.com/yu6dzv
Yes, it's that Gunter "not good enough to play for Cardiff and in the away end with the fans at Charlton pic from 2 months ago". Now a key international and Premiership man.
While Chris Gunter tells last night's Echo of his happy new life at Spurs.
Oh Oh Oh, it's Oakes
It's looking very much like Cardiff City will be going into this weekend's important Championship encounter at home to Sheffield Wednesday with Michael Oakes between the sticks (of metal!) as the club look to be back at Square One for a custodian.
I doubt even Dave Jones himself would now dispute that City should have tried better to retain Neil Alexander after the gaffer made several attempts to get a new number 1 but failed with the lot until, last minute gamble, he plumped for Ross Turnbull. Turnbull went back/was sent back (take your pick) to Boro so Jones looked at Oakes who isn't the worst keeper but doesn't inspire either or given fans or his defence the assurance they need.
Kasper Schmeicel, at last, appeared to be the answer but with his loan spell ended, Jones' main target replacement - Ben Alnwick at Spurs - opted for a loan at Leciester instead while checks on a Polish keeper in Scotland proved to be a wasted trip too.
With time running out, Oakes looks set to keep the gloves he wore at Chasetown last weekend but in the sure knowledge that Jones has been trying to bring someone else in. Hardly a good situation but it has to be resolved sharp, unfortunately time is running out for a fix before this weekend.
I doubt even Dave Jones himself would now dispute that City should have tried better to retain Neil Alexander after the gaffer made several attempts to get a new number 1 but failed with the lot until, last minute gamble, he plumped for Ross Turnbull. Turnbull went back/was sent back (take your pick) to Boro so Jones looked at Oakes who isn't the worst keeper but doesn't inspire either or given fans or his defence the assurance they need.
Kasper Schmeicel, at last, appeared to be the answer but with his loan spell ended, Jones' main target replacement - Ben Alnwick at Spurs - opted for a loan at Leciester instead while checks on a Polish keeper in Scotland proved to be a wasted trip too.
With time running out, Oakes looks set to keep the gloves he wore at Chasetown last weekend but in the sure knowledge that Jones has been trying to bring someone else in. Hardly a good situation but it has to be resolved sharp, unfortunately time is running out for a fix before this weekend.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
McPhail Reflects
Interesting article on the BBC website with Steve McPhail talking about his life and career to date.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/pages/stephen_mcphail.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/pages/stephen_mcphail.shtml
Europe - but it's not the Final Countdown
AS THE BAD JOKE GOES, "WHAT HAVE CARDIFF CITY GOT IN COMMON WITH ENGLAND? NEITHER CAN GET INTO EUROPE!"
However while England aren't good enough, City just don't get the chance. Just like the proverbial bad penny, a New Year means a new story about trying to get Cardiff City back into Europe. Every year we seem to get this played out, a bit of huff and puff and then it disappears, mothballed until next year.
The 2008 version of this saga is that the FAW are trying to get Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham to play second string sides in the Welsh League and if they finish high enough, then they qualify as Wales' entrants for UEFA Cup or Championships League berths.
Now I would love nothing more than seeing my club compete there again but I can't help sharing Peter Ridsdale's scepticism and cautious welcome to the latest twist ... or false dawn.
Personally, I expect it go away again to resurface in 2009 on a slow news day. Love to see something different happen this time however.
LINKS
Why Champions League plan can boost Welsh footballic Wales - United Kingdom
Cardiff chief dismisses Euro planBBC News - UK
Ridsdale: I’m a euro sceptic
ic Wales - United Kingdom
CLUBS SET TO REJECT EURO PLAN
South Wales Evening Post
THE JOE LEDLEY HOUR
JOE LEDLEY was tonight's special guest on the Cardiff City phone-in. Cardiff City's most saleable asset, who must be kept during this transfer window, gave a good insight into life at Ninian Park and confirmed City now operate a man marking system at set pieces. It took too long but glad that disastrous zonal marking bollox was finally seen as one of our key prblems this season.
If you want to listen to the show or download it to your MP3, go here.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Byrne leaves Cardiff City but did anyone see him here anyway?
No shots exist of Jasonin a Cardiff shirt ... allegedly
After the high profile transfer of Chris Gunter to Spurs and Kasper Schmeicel ending his loan spell during this transfer window, another one bites the dust but this time, there's a sense of relief about it as Jason Byrne as tonight signed for Bohemians and to return to his native Ireland as hinted by this blog last weekend.
I think every signing made last January (2007) transfer window by Cardiff City has proved a failure - Feeney, Forde, Redan, Walton, ENOUGH SAID! - but Byrne was a huge gamble than never worked at all.
Aged 30 next month, it seemed the wrong age to dip into League Football for the first time and the Championship proved to be a jump way too far for Byrne. Cousin of Spurs Robbie Keane and apparently signed for £100,000, he made an instant impact coming on as sub for his debut at Wolves and nettign a late winner.
Few saw it however as City fans were banned that day, Peter Ridsdale declared that goal and those points "enough to pay off his transfer fee already". Great sense of humour that man has!
That was in January'07, his only other start came at West Brom a month later when City had 6 absentees and were desparate. City lost 1-0, Byrne was taken off with 20 minutes to go. His last appearence in a City first team shirt was almost 10 months ago when he came on a sub for 4 minutes in a 1-0 home defeat to Sunderland.
Since then, "Where's Jason?" has become a more popular pastime than "Where's Wally?" to City fans. He was never mentioned by the club, never played in reserve matches and not seen around the club. He wasn't helped by injuries but he just wasn't up to it. Not strong enough, not fast enough, not alert enough, not skilful enough.
Good Luck at Bohemians Jason. He's been a big success in Irish football and I hope he finds his way again as he's one name to be forgotten at Cardiff, that's if he hasn't been forgotten by many already.
Cardiff City official website confirmation
http://www.cardiffcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~1210098,00.html
Cash on way for Purse??
Gossip and rumours would have it that Charlton Athletic are about to launch a bid for Cardiff's captain and centre-half Darren Purse with a fee of £500,000 being mentioned for the man allegedly attracting Premiership bids of over £1M last summer before signing a new Bluebirds contract.
Purse has been having a poor season at Cardiff with injuries, refusing to play one game as he was ordered to remove his wedding rings, missed penalties, defensive howlers and he now finds himself ranked 3 out of 3 against Roger Johnson and Glenn Loovens and having to sit on the sub's benhc, hardly ideal.
He has taken part in less than half of City's matches this term and although he will get more games and chances, particularly with suspensions and injuries and Cardiff operatiing with only 3 centre-halves, you wonder if both the player and club would be willing to accept an offer?
My point of view is that although Purse is a good and experienced pro who enjoys Cardiff and seems very settled here - even if his family still live in the Midlands - if Dave Jones can bring in a cheaper, experienced option or an up and coming alternative, maybe a loan, then it could be benefical to do so. Not everyone will agree however.
CARDIFF'S FAW GAME OFF ... for a week
If only the real trophy
was as good as this!
No, Welshpool vs Cardiff City Reserves FAW Tinpot clash wasn’t cancelled due to lack of interest (although it is a good reason to) but, as feared, a waterlogged pitch in Mid-Wales.
The fixture was postponed early morning by a local referee before the Cardiff team and fans set off to travel. With more rain early morning and spells of heavy rain predicted through the day, the inspection proved to be a formality.
The game has already been rescheduled for next Tuesday instead – January 15th. Bet you just can’t wait, I know I can’t!
The fixture was postponed early morning by a local referee before the Cardiff team and fans set off to travel. With more rain early morning and spells of heavy rain predicted through the day, the inspection proved to be a formality.
The game has already been rescheduled for next Tuesday instead – January 15th. Bet you just can’t wait, I know I can’t!
CARDIFF'S GOING FLAT
This was an interesting story in today's Western Mail regarding something that I've been wondering about for a while.
With flats and apartments popping up everywhere in the city centre, Cardiff Bay and piece of land - no matter how small or smaller again - and with more arriving weekly it seems, who is occupying them, how come it hasn't reached saturation point and how come we have so many people able to afford their prices?
If it is true that the bubble is busting for them, why is anyone that surprised?
Today's WESTERN MAIL
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/01/08/why-bubble-is-bursting-in-trendy-apartments-market-91466-20322429/
With flats and apartments popping up everywhere in the city centre, Cardiff Bay and piece of land - no matter how small or smaller again - and with more arriving weekly it seems, who is occupying them, how come it hasn't reached saturation point and how come we have so many people able to afford their prices?
If it is true that the bubble is busting for them, why is anyone that surprised?
Today's WESTERN MAIL
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/01/08/why-bubble-is-bursting-in-trendy-apartments-market-91466-20322429/
Ronnie Moore looks forward to Cardiff ... if Tranmere beat Hereford
Ronnie Moore clapping those City fans still wearing
their Bluebird "I saw Ronnie Moore score" badges"
Ronnie Moore's reaction to the FA Cup draw
Tonight's FAW Premier Cup Game in Doubt
CARDIFF CITY are taking a strong side to Welshpool for tonight's Mickey Mouse ... sorry FAW Premier Cup Quarter-Final ... if it goes ahead.
The host club's Recreation Ground faces a lunchtime pitch inspection and with heavy local rain predicted today, doubts remains..
Should it go ahead, Cardiff will be Captained by Darren Purse and are expected to feature Hasslebaink, Thommo, Blake, Ramsey and other firnge players in need of a game.
Winners will have a home semi-final tie against Newport County.,
Monday, January 07, 2008
And what were the odds?
F.A. Cup draws always throw up curiousties and today's for City was no different.
- Cardiff were drawn out of the “hat” or bag as the final tie for the third time in their last 4 draws.
- Tranmere away (possibly) in Round 4, exactly as it was last time we got there in 2003.
- Cardiff and Jacks both heading to Merseyside if replays bring that about. Who’s going to play 8pm Friday and who’s going to play 6am Monday then?
- Cardiff were drawn out of the “hat” or bag as the final tie for the third time in their last 4 draws.
- Tranmere away (possibly) in Round 4, exactly as it was last time we got there in 2003.
- Cardiff and Jacks both heading to Merseyside if replays bring that about. Who’s going to play 8pm Friday and who’s going to play 6am Monday then?
4th Round Draw: Hereford United or Tranmere Rovers will play Number 2 - CARDIFF CITY
The very last ball out of the bag was that of The Bluebirds with a barely exciting but very winnable opportunity even if, once again, City face life of the road.
That 4th round visit to Prention Park – Tranmere inspired by a certain Jason Koumas who scored the final goal in a 3-1 defeat for City (our goal a Graham Kavanagh penalty) wasn’t our last FA Cup clash against them as we were back next season in the second round for a 2-2 draw in which Tranmere’s equaliser came from Simon ‘Bambi’ Haworth before The Bluebirds triumphed 2-1 in a Ninian Park replay replay thanks to a Ginger Double from Andy Campbell and James Collins.
City have never played Hereford in the FA Cup and only ever lost there (notwithstanding Welsh Cup action) on their first ever visit in 1976, nine visits since have produced 4 wins and 5 draws for City, the last time being a 1-1 draw in 1997, Gareth Stoker scoring for City against his previous club but then getting sent off minutes later.
Hereford got a fine 1-1 draw at Prenton Park last weekend but whoever wins the replay, it’s a potential banana skin. On the other hand, it provides a good chance for us to make the fifth round and have a shot at a quarter-final berth.
That 4th round visit to Prention Park – Tranmere inspired by a certain Jason Koumas who scored the final goal in a 3-1 defeat for City (our goal a Graham Kavanagh penalty) wasn’t our last FA Cup clash against them as we were back next season in the second round for a 2-2 draw in which Tranmere’s equaliser came from Simon ‘Bambi’ Haworth before The Bluebirds triumphed 2-1 in a Ninian Park replay replay thanks to a Ginger Double from Andy Campbell and James Collins.
City have never played Hereford in the FA Cup and only ever lost there (notwithstanding Welsh Cup action) on their first ever visit in 1976, nine visits since have produced 4 wins and 5 draws for City, the last time being a 1-1 draw in 1997, Gareth Stoker scoring for City against his previous club but then getting sent off minutes later.
Hereford got a fine 1-1 draw at Prenton Park last weekend but whoever wins the replay, it’s a potential banana skin. On the other hand, it provides a good chance for us to make the fifth round and have a shot at a quarter-final berth.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Chasetown - the final word
Belongs to Chasetown.
Even though they lost, their F.A. Cup run to reach the 3rd Round was an incredible achievement. They put on a magnificent occasion and should be proud of themselves.
Here's their take on the day and there's some great pics there too including City fans and Chasetown's players taking Cardiff shirts, jackets, everything as souvenirs!
http://www.chasetownfc.com/Scripts/fixtures.asp?matchid=37
Even though they lost, their F.A. Cup run to reach the 3rd Round was an incredible achievement. They put on a magnificent occasion and should be proud of themselves.
Here's their take on the day and there's some great pics there too including City fans and Chasetown's players taking Cardiff shirts, jackets, everything as souvenirs!
http://www.chasetownfc.com/Scripts/fixtures.asp?matchid=37
Numerous Media Chasetown vs Cardiff City match reports
BBC report with audio interviews
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7163953.stm
IC Wales
Aaron spares Cardiff City's blushes
Dave Jones admits, I feared worst
Aaron spares Cardiff City's blushes
Strikes spare Bluebirds' blushes
Wolverhampton Express and Star
http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/01/05/chasetown-1-cardiff-3/
http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/01/05/chasetown-v-cardiff-report/
The Guardian
Chasetown's bid for glory crushed by Cardiff comeback
Chasetown's Cup dream ends with 3-1 defeat by Cardiff
Rootly.com
Chasetown 1-3 Cardiff: Minnows dream dies
InTheNews.co.uk
Cardiff end Chasetown run
Sporting Life
CARDIFF END CHASETOWN DREAM
ThisIsLondon.co.uk
Proud Chasetown claim the glory after shocking Cardiff into action
Independent
Chasetown 1 Cardiff City 3: Whittingham's winner fails to spoil ...
Setanta Sports
Chasetown dream ended by Cardiff
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7163953.stm
IC Wales
Aaron spares Cardiff City's blushes
Dave Jones admits, I feared worst
Aaron spares Cardiff City's blushes
Strikes spare Bluebirds' blushes
Wolverhampton Express and Star
http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/01/05/chasetown-1-cardiff-3/
http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/01/05/chasetown-v-cardiff-report/
The Guardian
Chasetown's bid for glory crushed by Cardiff comeback
Chasetown's Cup dream ends with 3-1 defeat by Cardiff
Rootly.com
Chasetown 1-3 Cardiff: Minnows dream dies
InTheNews.co.uk
Cardiff end Chasetown run
Sporting Life
CARDIFF END CHASETOWN DREAM
ThisIsLondon.co.uk
Proud Chasetown claim the glory after shocking Cardiff into action
Independent
Chasetown 1 Cardiff City 3: Whittingham's winner fails to spoil ...
Setanta Sports
Chasetown dream ended by Cardiff
"Please don't let me go", says Fantastic Joe
What a refreshing change to read a player who is destined for the top and who, it must be admitted, looks ready to make that jump wishes to stay and fight for Cardiff City instead.
Fantastic player, fantastic attitude.
FROM IC WALES
Ledley’s plea to Bluebirds
Fantastic player, fantastic attitude.
FROM IC WALES
Ledley’s plea to Bluebirds
Picture of the Weekend (Swansea City)
Nice bit of eye gouging on a Jackny a Havant & Waterlooviller
(ah, the romance of the cup)
Saturday, January 05, 2008
My Match Report: CHASETOWN 1 CARDIFF CITY 3
SATURDAY JANUARY 5th
F.A. CUP ROUND THREE - at SCHOLAR'S GROUND
CHASETOWN (1) 1
McNaughton o.g. 17
CARDIFF CITY (1) 3
Whittingham 45, Ramsey 60, Parry 73
Photos of the day and game can be found here:
http://nigelblues.blogspot.com/2008/01/fa-cup-round-three-chasetown-1-cardiff.html
Match of the Day showed just 3 minutes of Chasetown vs Cardiff City action when it was chosen as one of their key games. Thankfully that meant there was no shock, but a scare, as The Mighty Mighty Bluebirds progressed to the F.A. Cup 4th Round for the first time since that famous 2002 slaying of Leeds United.
This time last year, tv and radio hoped we could knock out Spurs as Cardiff earned nationwide exposure and was Sky’s main game of the round. Now, we weren't liked - just like the old days! – and everyone wanted us knocked out for what would have been be, even for a club in our position, one of the major shocks in FA Cup history and modern times. The build up was completely about Chasetown and I'm sure they loved their moment of national spotlight.
Described as the lowest ranked team to ever reach Round Three of the F.A. Cup although the various restructures of football over the years don’t make that definite, Chasetown were 6 divisions below City and either 135 places lower. Their F.A. Cup journey started over 4 months ago and they'd already played 9 games overcoming Oadby, Rocester, Rainworth Miners Welfare and Nuneaton Borough to get through the qualifying rounds then Nuneaton Borough in Round One and their bigger upset to overcome bottom of League One Port Vale after a home replay in the last minute of added time after the visitors had missed two penalties to get us.
They previous best was Round One in 2005, losing after a tv live replay but doing enough to attract Virgin as their sponsors. This tie saw the Sun newspaper logo added to their shorts and promised Chasetown's man a flight anywhere in the world if they beat us. In the BGB Midland Division, Chasetown stand 6th, 8 points off leaders Stourbridge, but they’ve only played 16 fixtures and have 5 games in hand due to this cup run.
The game rightly went ahead at their Scholars ground, albeit with temporary stands and tents, and with huge assistance from City who printed the tickets, provided stewarding, helped with health and safety matters and more. Many teams may have taken advantage, well done to Cardiff for going to these lengths when they didn't have to showing the right spirit for the F.A. Cup.
With a 1pm kick-off, we were off at 9 from Barry (thanks Dave for being my chauffeur!) and on a sunny day, roads were quiet not too long after 11. A designated away point had been set up at Burntwood Rugby Club, less than 5 minutes from the ground and we weren't charged for parking either. Inside, the well appointed club with a couple of bars was packed with Cardiff fans and grateful rugby club committee men and bar staff. It was a shame to leave it to go the game, a bigger shame it wasn't open when we got back afterwards.
The first thoughts of Chasetown's motley crew including the regular FA Cup non-league occupations of car mechanic, tiler, school sports coaches, teacher, taxman, accountant, BT engineer, customs officer, kitchen fitter and fork lift driver (but no postman! time have changed) all had first thoughts of facing Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink – fortunately for us, Fowler remains nowhere to be seen and Jimmy sat all 90 minutes on the subs bench. City had two enforced changes with Kasper Schmeicel sadly ending his loan spell and Steve McPhail suspended for one game as was Dave Jones who served the final match of his 2 game ban from the dugout - he probably was grateful given facilities there.
City started with Oakes, McNaughton-Johnson-Loovens-Capaldi, Whittingham-Ramsey-Rae-Ledley, MacLean-Parry. Subs were Forde-Blake-Hasselbaink-Purse-Thompson. And what a sight greeted them, and us, at the ground.
Down a country lane and just behind a new by-pass, surrounded by trees, there was Scholars Ground. A bike shed stand, the City end an open gate entrance to get to our Village Fete temporary stand across a metal walkway to avoid Glastonbury-style mud, away end security was a garden shed on top of a scaffolding construction, hospitality was a marquee, the ground was littered by men and kids in trees looking in, the pre-game antics included 81 yr old comedian (and ex-Newport director) telling the same jokes he's told for 60 yrs (but it's the way he tells'em!) and "They Think It's All Over" Nick Hancock - I thought he was dead too!
We were welcomed to "the coldest ground in the country but with the warmest fans". The latter bit was fair enough, they were almost too nice but dare I suggest they've near been to Oldham, Rochdale or Bury if they think their place is cold. Of course, as Cardiff were in town there were a ridiculously high and inappropriate number of police around - very friendly but a complete contradiction with the atmosphere and everything else taking place.
Both teams were led out by a bagpiper in full Scottish regalia(!!) and Cardiff knew it wouldn't be easy as the played towards us but into a stiff wind, low sun and what was a parks style pitch with a crowd on top of you. Playing in a very open ground, any noise from songs went straight out so the atmosphere was gentle to the point that it didn't feel like a football match at times.
Chasetown were invigorated by the occasion while City came to terms with the occasions and surroundings, they were set up 5-4-1 but came out of the blocks fast, won a couple of corners and give Michael Oakes a dig. Back came Cardiff to win a couple of corners of their own but, just like the hosts, nothing came of them.
Then, with Cardiff started slowly and a little lethargic, the tremor struck. Ben Steane tore down the right onto a through ball, his low cross to the far post had Mc NAUGHTON in front of a forward but, as if that grey-haired Mohican was affecting his balance, he stumbled reaching for the ball and only succeeded tucking it perfectly into the corner of his net for an own goal. Chasetown went ballistic and I'm sure the commentators and newspaper men too. Sky probably made it Breaking News!
Chasetown's celebration was 90 yards away from us but they didn't stop their every player, goalkeeper included, being there for it. What a moment for them, they made the most of it but there was 600 City fans all looking at each other either in some disbelief or nervously laughing about it all.
Apart from a couple of other brief flirtations, that was about it from Chasetown as an attacking entity, McNaughton had to head away later in the half and there was a brief scramble second half but although Cardiff had all the ball and living in Chasetown's half, there was no end product and no chances and Chasetown's defensive teachers, one-handed taxman, account, paving man and BT engineer were probably working twice as hard as they do in their day jobs.
Peter Whittingham was seeing most of the ball but little was coming off for him but while Cardiff were working it out, already one man stood out head and shoulders above it all, step forward Aaron Ramsey. As full debuts go, forget the opposition, it was stunning. His movement, vision and passing was brilliant, I can honestly only say I only saw one pass of his intercepted and he was at the heart of everything. No Cardiff move started or progressed with Rambo being at the core of it. What a prospect.
Corner after corner arrived, it must have been double figures by half-time but Chasetown's men threw their bodies in the way of it all as though their lives depended on it and, with half-time approaching, those nervous laughs were slowly turning to anxious worries that we could be witnessing something historic for all the wrong reasons.
That's the point my brother and myself decided to visit away end catering to beat the half-time rush - a burger van - and as my onions were loaded on, "yayyyyyessssss!", City had finally equalised with what was the first effort on goal we'd got past a defender's leg, head or girth. Aaron Ramsey had started it - who else? - fed Steve MacLean deep in the box, he held the ball up then laid it back where PETER WHITTINGHAM placed it home with a strong curling shot that left Chasetown's keeper helpless. The Chasetown keeper was named Lee Evans and he wasn't laughing now but sweating just as much! For Whitts, it was his 5th of the season but third in 8 games as he gets a regular run in the side.
Half-time and cue the bagpiper: Chasetown 1 Cardiff City 1
City came out 2nd half with Michael Oakes defending the goal in front of us and he caused us a worry if anyone think he can adequately replace Schmeicel. How can such an experienced man produced such an appalling display of kicking? Near the end, he went walkabout and decided to take the ball around a Chasetown striker in very unconvincing stumbling style, luck more than judgement saw him get away with it. Another who didn't really impress given the chance was Steve MacLean. Cardiff City, to me, undoubtedly look a better side with Thommo offering all he does and I don't understand why he's on the bench watching on, this was a game that was perfect for his more abrasive style too.
Cardiff were now enjoying complete domination, playing ok but not the best, but chances remained at a premium although Whittingham flashed one effort narrowly wide. On the hour, Chasetown introduced their talisman - Danny Smith the schools coach - who came off the bench to net Round 2's winner vs Port Vale but that was the only time I saw him apart from when he briefly appeared near City's goal and had a few verbal volleys of "hey midget", "the plane, the plane" and "shouldn't you be at the circus?".
Straight after his introduction however, City made it 2-1 and you felt there was no way back for hosts. That goal came after a prolonged spell of head tennis and pressure around the Chasetown box, the ball ran to Tony Capaldi who scooped it to the far post, Parry nodded across goal and AARON RAMSEY was alert and intelligent enough to run in and nod home for 4 yards for a perfect debut.
The came on the hour and after 73 minutes, none of the people were on the pitch but they knew it was all over, as Joe Ledley - who was strangely quiet and anonymous all afternoon - latched onto a loose ball in midfield, brought it forward, played it diagonally into the box where PAUL PARRY cut away from markers to shoot on the turn with the ball running away from him, his low effort skittling through Evans' legs. Goodnight, god bless and thank you very much.
Game over, it very much went through the motions in the closing stages. City brought on Darcy Blake for the last couple of minutes but I'm sure that was just to give Aaron Ramsey his personal standing ovation (it had to be standing, there was nowhere to sit!) for what was an inspirational debut. The other stand-out moment was Chasetown's tannoy man inviting us all back next week to see their promotion challenge against someone or other, kick-off 3pm. I'm sure he just wanted to hear on own voice on 5 Live who were broadcasting the game to the nation but it was that sort of day, Chasetown's day and not Cardiff's! City did what they had to and, after that opening blip, were fairly measured and professional about it.
Final whistle produced applause all around the ground, Chasetown's players celebrating with each other on the pitch but then the Keystone Cops charge across the pitch from both sides to form a human chain facing us. How ridiculous and inappropriate! I guess they needed something to do and justify their operation, numbers and an apparent £37,000 bill for the game. One City fan who arrived at the ground at 10:30am saw them practise that manoeuvre, truncheons drawn.
However it couldn't spoil anyone's day, Cardiff fans laughed at them and the police themselves looked embarrassed about it. Then Chasetown went on a lap of honour, coming to us first having to get through that line to do it, a really nice touch to round off what had been a fun day.
Ticket: £20
Programme: SOLD OUT - only 600 were printed???
Travel: £20
Food/drink: £15
Total: £55
F.A. Cup Round Three - Chasetown 1 CARDIFF CITY 3 in photos
Forgot to fully charge the camera and forgot my spare battery but there's over 100 pics here taken until half-time and, even if I say so, think there's a few cracking shots that cpature the game, the day and the spirit of the occasion.
Click the link below and Enjoy.
View photos
Click the link below and Enjoy.
View photos
Cardiff Academy hammered at Spurs
This from a Spurs website
http://www.spursodyssey.com/0708/u18ca050108.html
http://www.spursodyssey.com/0708/u18ca050108.html
Jason Byrne soon to leave Cardiff? Please!
YEP, we've seen more of Jason Byrne the comedian than our Jason Byrne the footballer
According to Irish media, Bohemians new manager sees the capture of Cardiff City's Jason Byrne as a main priority - it helps when he was also the manager who got the best out of the player. It's also said there is Scottish Premier League interest in him too.
We can only hope something does happen as Jason Byrne's time at Cardiff has sadly been a nightmare for everyone, not just the player.
Link to Story:
Chasetown's Slater out to show Dave Jones
BBC video interview with a Chasetown defender desparately disappointed to be released by Dave Jones while both were at Wolves.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/sport/commentaries.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/sport/commentaries.shtml
Chasetown vs Cardiff City - live on radio and the web
With the nation, the part of it interested in the F.A. Cup anyway, firmly behind Chasetown, it's getting major coverage today.
Apart from the game being live on Radio Wales as normal, it will also go out live on 5 Live and also via the BBC website via this link > http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/sport/commentaries.shtml
And, finally, Match of the Day tonight has sent a full Outside Broadcast unit to Scholars Ground and made it one of their featured games. I can only hoope it's a couple of minute later in the show rather than the main game at the start as that would mean we've got through!
Apart from the game being live on Radio Wales as normal, it will also go out live on 5 Live and also via the BBC website via this link > http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/sport/commentaries.shtml
And, finally, Match of the Day tonight has sent a full Outside Broadcast unit to Scholars Ground and made it one of their featured games. I can only hoope it's a couple of minute later in the show rather than the main game at the start as that would mean we've got through!
Why is it that sometimes ...
... you don't need to read the story and only look at the picture to know it's about someone from Swansea?
You only have to see the picture to know the story is about someone from Swansea! ;>)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/7171375.stm
You only have to see the picture to know the story is about someone from Swansea! ;>)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/7171375.stm
Friday, January 04, 2008
Movie: P.S. I LOVE YOU
Just like Cardiff Bus, after no movie for a while, I go at see three at once and 2 in 3 nights. The only film I saw last week was St Trinian's but less said about that one, the better.When you walk into Wetherspoon's massive Prince of Wales bar, a quiet night tends to be half full. Tonight, it was just two people drinking at the bar, another half dozen scattered around, the bouncers sat down chatting and drinking tea together and the only noise there was coming from its over-loud and annoying manageress. No point in hanging about town then, off to the movies and, with brownie points needed, I went to see this romantic comedy with the missus.
It's a simple but bland formula - girls will love it, men will have to tolerate it or loathe it. My biggest problem, however, rather than a genre that bores me - it's purposely pitched at girlies after all - and a film that was annoyingly over 2 hours long was Vue's cinema over-heating. I felt like I was on the change.
Simple formula - husband dies, wife grieves, she's an all American girl, he's an Irish charmer, she misses him but them comes the twist - he pre-wrote letters ahead of his terminal illness death telling her how to live life and get over him.
Mercifully, the missus informed me that the film was more comedic than a completely slushy book (comedy in these films = no chuckles from us blokes and a few mildly amusing moments) and it only featured a fraction of the letters he wrote in that novel - you mean it oculd have been twice as long!?!?
Lead character Hilary Swank is enjoyable but it's a million miles away from her female boxer role tht brought her to our screens and attention. Ex-Friends star Lisa Kudrow and her chat up style (not disimilar to mine in Kiwi's a few years ago but much more sober!) is funny but just not featured enough. The biggest laugh, or annoynace, comes from the dead hubby's attempt at an Irish accent which he cannot hold or carry off at any time - it makes Dick Van Dyke's mockney seem perfect.
Go if you need brownie points with the missus - mine really enjoyed it and was incredibly loving with me afterwards too so it works on that level - but, believe me, you'd be better off avoiding and waiting for the dvd at home. At least that way, you can get up as much as you like while it's on!
From a Jack to Nowhere - Cardiff and Feeney stuck with each other
Reports from The Wild West suggest that Swansea City will be looking elsewhere for a forward in the transfer window and forgetting their leading scorer, Cardiff City striker Warren Feeney, whose loan spell with them officially ended this week but who is injured uuntil at least the end of February and had already returned to Cardiff for treatment.
Maybe Feeney could be a ball boy?
The striker signed for Cardiff City a year ago and has failed to make an impression, other than bad. Nobody could fault his effort, he's a trier, and seems to be a genuine nice guy but always seemed to be inadequate for a Cardiff City side who were, at that time, chasing Premiership promotion whilst he wasn't good enough to get in a Luton side heading for relegation.
It would appear the key reaon to his arrival here, as with many Cardiff signings, is having previously played under Peter Ridsdale, in his case at Leeds but a poor signing seems to be compunded byt he fact that City and Ridsdale gave the player both a long contract at Ninian Park and hefty wages. By all accounts, Swansea were shocked to learn the player's pay and that, as much as his contract and injury, killed any chance of a move.
Where does it leave Feeney? Quite possibly in complete limbo as he's a player who is possibly not good enough for Championship clubs but too expensive for League One. Right now, his focus must be on getting fit again.
Cardiff City Transfer Window Player Talk
Peter Ridsdale and Dave Jones' trip to Scotland to take in Dundeee United vs Hearts may have proved fruitless as reported key target, the United Polish keeper, left them unimpressed despite having little to do in his side's 4-1 victory. The dynamic duo were said to have been more impressed by Cardiff loan man, Willo Flood, playing as a defender.Attention for a keeper now looks set to turn to another Premierhsip young'un on loan in the Kasper Schmeicel mould with Spurs Ben Alnwick, who played a part in Sunderland's Premiership promotion last term, understood to be one of those under consideration.
Hot topic of the moment is Joe Ledley. So far at least, no big offer has been forthcoming from a Premiership big gun although there is plenty of time. The club, however, are believed to be determined to hang onto their crown jewel and perhaps have a decent tilt at a play-off berth. Peter Ridsdale is believed to have indicated that they would only consider sale if someone offered £5M upfront. Let's hope that is the case.
As an aside to this, surely it would be more beneficial to all if the club actually made this noise public instead of the more negative "if we get a good offer, we can't stop him going" tone they put out instead?
They don't help themselves p.r. wise, Mr P.R. (Peter Ridsdale) is said to be disappointed by the New Year's Day crowd. It could, perhaps should, have been more but when the club continually send out bleak messages of player sales, adminsitration, debts,. legal fights and more with very little positivity after a spell - until recently - of turgid home form, they don't really help matters and should take a look at themselves.
Paul Parry and the club are believed to have declined offers of around £110,000, allegedly from Leicester and Norwich, for the player currently in his best and most consistent Cardiff City form. Parry was said to have been unhappy at the club earlier this season, a time when he also dropped out of Wales squads, but is settled and enjoying himself again and it shows on the pitch.
Chasetown: "Thank you Cardiff City"
It appears fairly obvious that tomorrow's game at Chasetown's Scholars ground is going ahead largely due to major co-operation from Cardiff City.
Rather than try to play the game elsewhere, City have gone out of their way to co-operate by agreeing to an early kick-off, printing match tickets, providing all stewarding, working with the police and local authorities, assisting with health and safety and more. They deserve recogntion for that.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7170389.stm
Rather than try to play the game elsewhere, City have gone out of their way to co-operate by agreeing to an early kick-off, printing match tickets, providing all stewarding, working with the police and local authorities, assisting with health and safety and more. They deserve recogntion for that.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7170389.stm
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
MOVIE: I AM LEGEND
Went to Vue Cinemas in Cardiff tonight to watch the much talked about and hyped I AM LEGEND featuring Will Smith.
Have to admit I am not the greatest fan of the sci-fi genre and I really wasn't sure how a film would work with, essentially, just one character but this was emotional, gripping, tense, made you thinking and, in my humble opinion as a hopeless film critic, a fantastic piece of work.
Will Smith puts in the performance of his life - far different from his usual jovial roles - and the 100+ minutes of a film that was purposely slow in many parts still film by and had you totally captured by it.
The cinema was packed and I don't hear a single word or noise from the audience from start to finish, many still walking out in silence. It was that sort of film, I'd thoroughly recommend seeing it.
Cardiff Chamber of Commerce into liquidation
Headed by Russell Goodway, the man Hammam would like to intervene in Cardiff City's legal and cash wrangles. How ironic.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7168495.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7168495.stm
Cardiff City look to shine with Polish?
Not a pretty sightAfter the morning nationals speculated two players Dave Jones and Peter Ridsdale rushed to Scotland to watch – see earlier article – the evening local suggested a different target altogether at the same Dundee United vs Hearts fixture.
Polish 31 yr old goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski who changes clubs more often than he has a birthday is out of contract at Dundee United this month, having agreed a one month extension to a 6 moth deal just last week. It is rumoured that Celtic, Hearts and Plymouth are also interested in a deal for him.
Whether he’s the only target, in addition to the others, whether anything will come of this or whether Pete & Dave are just there for the Hogmanay aftermath and a chance to watch almost forgotten City man Willo Flood who is on loan at Dundee United, time will tell.
Meantime, it has emerged that Kasper Schemeicel decided not to extend his loan with Cardiff City for a couple more game. Although that’s the impression he gave to the media, reports suggest he now wants to fight for a first team spot at Manchester City. Other reports suggest Barcelona are interested in him. Regardless, it appears certain we have see the last of him at Cardiff which is a real shame.
Polish 31 yr old goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski who changes clubs more often than he has a birthday is out of contract at Dundee United this month, having agreed a one month extension to a 6 moth deal just last week. It is rumoured that Celtic, Hearts and Plymouth are also interested in a deal for him.
Whether he’s the only target, in addition to the others, whether anything will come of this or whether Pete & Dave are just there for the Hogmanay aftermath and a chance to watch almost forgotten City man Willo Flood who is on loan at Dundee United, time will tell.
Meantime, it has emerged that Kasper Schemeicel decided not to extend his loan with Cardiff City for a couple more game. Although that’s the impression he gave to the media, reports suggest he now wants to fight for a first team spot at Manchester City. Other reports suggest Barcelona are interested in him. Regardless, it appears certain we have see the last of him at Cardiff which is a real shame.
How many Bluebird songs are there?
Loads apparently ... apart form those with Bluebird in their lyrics such as Cheer Up Sleepy Jean, White Cliffs of Dover and Zippety Doo Dah, her'es Bluebirds titled songs.
We'll have to sign all thse down the City in 2008!
As the Bluebird Sings - A Whisper in the NoiseBe Like the Bluebird - Anything Goes 2003 London CastBe Like the Bluebird - (From "Anything Goes") - Cole PorterBeautiful Bluebird - Neil Young Blue Bird Blues - Sonny Boy WilliamsonThe Bluebird - The Allen SistersThe Bluebird - Becky Jane TaylorBluebird - Benny Green & Russell MaloneBluebird - BobomagicBluebird - Bonnie RaittBluebird - The Boo RadleysBluebird - Brian Wright & The Waco TragediesBluebird - Bruce HughesBluebird - Buffalo SpringfieldBluebird - Charlie ParkerThe Bluebird - The Choral ProjectThe Bluebird - David Sneddon Seven YearsBluebird - Denny LaineBluebird - Devendra BanhartBluebird - Doug McArthur Bluebird - Edward ShearmurBluebird - Emily ElbertBluebird - Forrest SwopeBluebird - The Hank Jones TrioBluebird - Helen ReddyBluebird - Ian TamblynBluebird - J.J. CaleBluebird - James Taylor QuartetBluebird - Jim WhiteBluebird - John Lee HookerBluebird - Kasey ChambersBluebird - Kasey ChambersBluebird - Kate VereauBluebird - Kevin KaneBluebird - THE KIDBluebird - KMBBluebird - KTBThe Bluebird - Matthew BarleyBluebird - Miles DavisBluebird - One SelfBluebird - Paul McCartney & WingsBluebird - Peggy WhiteBluebird - RoadtripBluebird - Simply Pan PipesBluebird - Swan LakeBluebird - 13 HertzBluebird (acoustic Guitar) - Tom GuernseyBluebird (Live) - Denny Laine & WingsBluebird Avenue - Sam SimsBluebird Blues - Barkin' Bill Smith & Dave SpecterBluebird Blues - Snooky PryorBluebird in the Snow - James KruegerBluebird Is Dead - Electric Light OrchestraBluebird Is Dead - Todd RundgrenBluebird K7 - KimbustionBluebird of Delhi (Mynah) - Duke Ellington & Duke Ellington and His OrchestraBluebird of Happiness - The AnomoanonBluebird of Happiness - Jan PeerceBluebird of Happiness - Mojave 3Bluebird of Happiness (Orig) - Richard RomeBluebird Revisited - Stephen StillsBluebird Wine - Emmylou HarrisBluebird Wine - Rodney CrowellBluebird, Bluebird - Cedarmont KidsBye Bye Bluebird - Boney M.Goodbye Bluebird - Wayne FontanaHello Bluebird - Judy GarlandHello Bluebird - Lorna LuftHello Bluebird - Teresa BrewerHello Little Bluebird (Re-Recorded) - Donna FargoHello, Bluebird - Josephine BakerI Heard the Bluebird Sing - Daniel O'Donnell & Mary DuffIf You Were a Bluebird - Emmylou HarrisIs a Bluebird Blue - Conway TwittyLittle Bluebird - Little MiltonA Message to Martha (Kentucky Bluebird) - Adam Faith
We'll have to sign all thse down the City in 2008!
As the Bluebird Sings - A Whisper in the NoiseBe Like the Bluebird - Anything Goes 2003 London CastBe Like the Bluebird - (From "Anything Goes") - Cole PorterBeautiful Bluebird - Neil Young Blue Bird Blues - Sonny Boy WilliamsonThe Bluebird - The Allen SistersThe Bluebird - Becky Jane TaylorBluebird - Benny Green & Russell MaloneBluebird - BobomagicBluebird - Bonnie RaittBluebird - The Boo RadleysBluebird - Brian Wright & The Waco TragediesBluebird - Bruce HughesBluebird - Buffalo SpringfieldBluebird - Charlie ParkerThe Bluebird - The Choral ProjectThe Bluebird - David Sneddon Seven YearsBluebird - Denny LaineBluebird - Devendra BanhartBluebird - Doug McArthur Bluebird - Edward ShearmurBluebird - Emily ElbertBluebird - Forrest SwopeBluebird - The Hank Jones TrioBluebird - Helen ReddyBluebird - Ian TamblynBluebird - J.J. CaleBluebird - James Taylor QuartetBluebird - Jim WhiteBluebird - John Lee HookerBluebird - Kasey ChambersBluebird - Kasey ChambersBluebird - Kate VereauBluebird - Kevin KaneBluebird - THE KIDBluebird - KMBBluebird - KTBThe Bluebird - Matthew BarleyBluebird - Miles DavisBluebird - One SelfBluebird - Paul McCartney & WingsBluebird - Peggy WhiteBluebird - RoadtripBluebird - Simply Pan PipesBluebird - Swan LakeBluebird - 13 HertzBluebird (acoustic Guitar) - Tom GuernseyBluebird (Live) - Denny Laine & WingsBluebird Avenue - Sam SimsBluebird Blues - Barkin' Bill Smith & Dave SpecterBluebird Blues - Snooky PryorBluebird in the Snow - James KruegerBluebird Is Dead - Electric Light OrchestraBluebird Is Dead - Todd RundgrenBluebird K7 - KimbustionBluebird of Delhi (Mynah) - Duke Ellington & Duke Ellington and His OrchestraBluebird of Happiness - The AnomoanonBluebird of Happiness - Jan PeerceBluebird of Happiness - Mojave 3Bluebird of Happiness (Orig) - Richard RomeBluebird Revisited - Stephen StillsBluebird Wine - Emmylou HarrisBluebird Wine - Rodney CrowellBluebird, Bluebird - Cedarmont KidsBye Bye Bluebird - Boney M.Goodbye Bluebird - Wayne FontanaHello Bluebird - Judy GarlandHello Bluebird - Lorna LuftHello Bluebird - Teresa BrewerHello Little Bluebird (Re-Recorded) - Donna FargoHello, Bluebird - Josephine BakerI Heard the Bluebird Sing - Daniel O'Donnell & Mary DuffIf You Were a Bluebird - Emmylou HarrisIs a Bluebird Blue - Conway TwittyLittle Bluebird - Little MiltonA Message to Martha (Kentucky Bluebird) - Adam Faith
o waste your time playing online games and looking up silly websites
These come courtesy of MoneySavingExpert.com who you think would give better advice!
Websites: Waste time, not money!
Free Games:Archna's Best Games Of The Year!
Websites: Waste time, not money!
Free Games:Archna's Best Games Of The Year!
Jones Backs Mighty Oakes
Personally, I hope we do see more of Kasper or look elsewhere but Michael Oakes gets support off Dave Jones.
In games for City so far, he's been fair though but, here's another pun, Oakes doesn't exactly pull up trees.
Cardiff boss backs keeper Oakes
In games for City so far, he's been fair though but, here's another pun, Oakes doesn't exactly pull up trees.
Cardiff boss backs keeper Oakes
Jones and Ridsdale heading to Scotland?
Rumours are that City are looking to raid North of the Border once more - a popular avenue for Dave Jones have gone there to get the likes of Steven Thompson, Gavin Rae and Kevin McNuaghton in the past couple of years.
With talk that Thommo could be heading back north, could he be used as a makeweight in any deal? One thing's for sure, we certainly ain't got £1.5M to by anyone as this story suggests that 1 player may be valued at.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=505602&in_page_id=1779
With talk that Thommo could be heading back north, could he be used as a makeweight in any deal? One thing's for sure, we certainly ain't got £1.5M to by anyone as this story suggests that 1 player may be valued at.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=505602&in_page_id=1779
BBC's LOWDOWN ON CHASETOWN
It'll be jst like the old days this weekend, the whole country will be against us ... at least it ain't for hoolie reasons!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7153541.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7153541.stm
DAVE JONES - Joe could go, Kasper may not be back and we need not sign anyone
A suitable Happy New Year message from the boss then as, for the first time this season, we can briefly talk (or dream) of a play-off shot. Ain't life wonderful?
From today's Western Mail
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2008/01/02/jones-unable-to-ease-fears-over-ledley-s-ninian-future-91466-20303954/
From today's Western Mail
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2008/01/02/jones-unable-to-ease-fears-over-ledley-s-ninian-future-91466-20303954/
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
CHAMPIONSHIP: CARDIFF CITY 1 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 0
TUESDAY JANUARY 1st
CHAMPIONSHIP - Game 26/46 - at NINIAN PARK
CARDIFF CITY (1) 1
Ledley
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE (0) 0
AND THE BLUES GO MARCHING ON, ON, ON!!
Cardiff started the New Year just as they finished the old one ... with 3 points thanks to a Joe Ledley winner. This time, a hard fought, unglamorous, gritty but fully deserved 1-0 against a poor Plymouth side who were physical, limited and had you wondering how they started the day in 6th place and a play-off spot.
The win rounded off an outstanding holiday programme where City collected 10 points out of 12 and only the incompetence of overtime played allowing Watford an equaliser on Boxing Day prevented it being a maximum. However it's a fantastic recovery by Dave Jones and his rejuvenated side who have a new found character and resilience about them as underlined by the stats.
Three successive home wins after City could only manage that many in the previous 8 months, 5 wins in the last 7 games after we could only manage a paltry 4 in the first 19, 2 defeats and 5 clean sheets in the past 11 matches and after 7 defeats and 1 clean sheet in the first 15 Championship fixtures.
Few could see this turnaround and transformation coming but Cardiff have miraculously turned themselves around from ominous relegation candidates to, dare I mention it?, play-off chances now standing 11th and only 3 points away from the top 6. Quite incredible but that's the Championship this season. It's average quality in truth - I already fear for whichever 3 get promoted out of this season's crop - extremely inconsistent and there is no outstanding side so any hard working team able to put a few results together - as City currently are - can fly and shine. It's been turmoil this term on and off the pitch at Parc Nin but, at last, Cardiff are starting to meet expectations and how good it all feels.
Dave Jones - serving a 1 match touchline ban - named an unchanged team which included Captain Steven McPhail of whom DJ caused so much confusion after suggesting he was suspended for this game after his 5th yellow card at the weekend (it will be served in the cup at Chasetown instead_. His selection also meant that Thommo. now available after a 3 match ban. started from the bench with Aaron Ramsey, now on a pro contract, making way. City therefore fielded Schmeicel, McNaughton-Johnson-Purse-Capaldi, Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Ledley, Parry-Hasselbaink. Subs were Oakes, Blake, MacLean, Purse,Thompson.
Argyle always strike me as a mid-table side and certainly confirmed that impression in the corresponding fixture at Home Park shown live on Sky where City came away with a 2-2 draw fighting back only after their own ineptitude saw them go two behind. However they proudly took the 170 mile trip to South Wales in 6th spot. Manager Ian Holloway dumped them for Leicester recently but it saw old boss Paul Sturrock return.
They've got there with solid rather than spectacular runs of form but have pulled the odd eyebrow-raiser including previous away wins at Charlton and Watford. Christmas saw them collect 4 points from 2 homes games but lose at QPR before this one. Today's loss saw them pegged back to 7th and 2 points ahead of City.
Supported by a strong following of 1,400 who were as subdued as their team apart from baiting Tony Capaldi, which unlike the earlier fixture, seemed to inspire him this time. Plymouth were Larrieu, Connolly-Timar-Seip-Hodges, Norris-Halmosi-Martin- Abdou, Ebanks-Blake, Easter. David Norris is tipped for a move with rumours of Norwich about to offer £1.5M for him, he was outshone by Joe Ledley. Up font, Fairwater boy and Wales international Jermaine Easter partnered Ebanks-Blake and maybe he would have been better spending the afternoon in Fairwater.
The crowd was 14,965, many nursing hangovers to get there for a 1pm kick-off on a day with no public transport, but Canton pubs were still packed pre-game as it wasn't coffee or soft drinks being downed.
The game was a battle but City are in fighting mood these days and got the upper hand from the off. Playing good football, stopping Plymouth's breaks at source and easily looking the better side when they kept the ball down, their key problem was coming alive in the final third as they were struggling to create openings, the final ball was not quite good enough or in JFH's case, it was bloody awful..
The chances that did arrive in the opening half-hour were Steve McPhail having a crack, his shot was blocked but an attempted clearance hit him and rebounded inches over, Roger Johnson (who else?) got up at a corner and was blocked, another Johnson header across goal at the far post could not quite be turned home and Hasselbaink hit the roof of the Canton Stand with an effort as accurate as his woeful distribution all afternoon.
Plymouth offered little in response other than Ebanks-Blake appearing to think it was a WWF contest as he laid into Johnson and Loovens and three times, went through them as they were mid-air clearing headers. Dangerous but he earned no more than a talking as he did when he twice kick the ball away. Lee Martin, on loan form Man U, woke up everyone with a 25 yard hit that flew narrowly wide with Kasper scrambling.
On the half hour however, joy at last, all we need is a team of Joe Ledley's! Joe, showing power, energy and flair more than most who appeared to be showing signs of tiredness with the Xmas programme, motored down the left and, to his credit, Tony Capaldi advanced with him and created the overlap. Played in, Capaldi was now advancing on goal and for the first time in his CCFC career and against his old club, had a shot! Good one too low across goal which Larrieu could only Parry, the ball fell to JOE LEDLEY who purposely picked his spot and placed home between goalie and 2 defenders for his 4th City goal of the season but what turned out to be his second successive winner for the Bluebirds.
Ledley celebrating at the Canton Stand end with that "aeroplane wings" shuffle he's been doing for Wales and City. If Craig Revell-Horwood were there, I think it would score a 1 (or 0.1) as far as goalscoring celebrations go. What is that all about?
I think the script was that City would now go onto show their difference in quality but they appeared to relax and were almost hit from the restart when Norris' 20 yarder appeared to hit the inside of the post, strike Schmeicel on his back as it flew across goal and go out the other side for a corner. We are enjoying luck that we were missing earlier this term.
In another scare and escape, Ebanks-Blake pulled the trigger as he got behind City's defence but the inspirational Roger Johnson bravely put his face in the way to head behind and got a boot, treatment and several stitches for his troubles. City fought like tigers, Gavin Rae acting an emergency centre-half, until he returned and then Glenn Loovens spent the last couple of minutes hobbling badly after another challenge, our centre-halves were certainly in the wars but, to their credit, they always came back for more and dominated.
One brilliant Schmeicel placed goal kick beat the entire Plymouth back-line and set Parry free but City were unable to capitalise, his cross was just about cut out.
Plymouth fans raised their last chant of the afternoon - an anti-Hasslebaink tune with the same sentiments we had about Ebanks-Blake. Watching Jimmy's awful display which included failing to move for the ball, failing to jump for headers, no hold up play at any time and still moaning at others in top of his terrible distribution, I was wondering if any City fans joined in with them?
The only shock was, after a few stoppages, the ref only found 2 minutes of added time. If only we had him at Watford last week!
H/T: CITY 1 PLYMOUTH 0
If there was little telling action to write about in the first half, the second half produced even less. It was scrappy, ugly and a battle with both sides looking jaded but bottom line was Cardiff looked hungrier to hold onto what they had than Plymouth were to strike back and that won the day. I wish City could kill teams off, make they undoubted better football tell and take their chances more clinically when they arrive but they are failing to do that at present and, today, they missed three golden chances for the killer second goal which would have made life far easier.
City started well, Jimmy failed by a fraction to get a boot to the ball meeting a Rae lob which the keeper gratefully collected, Peter Whittingham narrowly failed to meet a super Parry cross but he didn't really show enough determination to get there first and Parry himself fired wide.
Plymouth made a double like for like sub on 55 with Doumbe replacing Timar who seemed to tweak his hamstring last 1st half and Nallis on for Man U loanee Lee Martin who was playing well and showed disgust coming off which included storming straight down the tunnel. Perhaps he was enraged he missed that infamous Man U Xmas party to be stuck in deepest Devon!
Cardiff had a major escape on the hour when Roger Johnson got wrong side of Easter - one of his bad habits which he is eradicating - lost out on a bounced header and Easter was away when he really shouldn't have been but Schmeicel came to the rescue spreading himself with his brilliant star jumps, the shot hitting his body and going behind for a corner. Many would have been beaten.
With Jimmy now at snail's pace and the ball coming back at us, his change was obvious. Bringing on MacLean instead of Thommo was not as we really needed someone to hold p play and give Plymouth's defence something else to think about. The bloke behind me shouted out, "Oh no, we're taking off someone who won't jump and bringing on another who's the same". Within moments, he was proved right.
However a few minutes later on came Thommo to a huge reception for Peter Whittingham who was very disappointing to partner MacLean with Parry switched wide. Whitts was thoroughly disappointing and did little today, he's either superb or not in it, this one was the latter. He's done very well recently but has to find better consistency. Thommo's more abrasive style was soon getting at Argyle who had their last throw of the dice with Nadjim Abdou replaced by Lucas Jutkiewicz - those Devon/Cornish names eh?
How City didn't finish them off, only MacLean can explain. Played through on goal by a truly outstanding Joe Ledley ball as he popped up on the right, it looked easy but he lacked all confidence but placed his effort right at Larrieu, he had to do far better than that. Parry was ext through but in attempting to replicate goals where he's cut inside ad blasted across goal, his effort was easily cut out then MacLean missed another sitter after, once again, Ledley did brilliantly to set him up, this time he blazed wide.
Joe was awarded man of the match and was a class apart once more but I would have given it to Kevin McNaughton the Magnificent who, second half especially, handed out a lecture in first class defending. How many headers did he win against guys bigger than him? How many times did he turn like a compass leaving opposition players floundering behind him? How many times did he knock the ball against Plymouth men to win throws and goal-kicks to relieve pressure? His passing was brilliant and he topped it all with a magic moment with an overhead dummy as, facing goal, he flicked the ball up over his and Ebanks-Blake's head, went around him and left him for dead.
It underlined the new found attitude in City that would have seen us unable to close out and win ugly in games like these only a few weeks ago. The spirit is immense, the work ethic is great as we chase and close down all over the field and our players are putting their bodies on the line as exemplified by skipper and much improved Steve McPhail who threw himself to block one shot, he's working so hard on top of the pretty stuff he does and even Tony Capaldi, it must be said, is much improved, this was probably his best outing for City.
Three minutes added time was all going to plan until a thrown level with our 6 yard box and everyone there. In it came, a header flicked it in and Jutkiewicz flicked an overhead kick at goal but through the melee, enter Schmeicel the hero to charge out spread himself again in the middle of everyone and block it. Brilliant, brilliant work.
Another good win, the celebrations on and off the pitch emphasising the joy and pleasure at how City have turned things around and are rescuing what had been a miserable and disastrous season. As we celebrated, Ali on the tannoy rushed out an announcement of thanks for Kasper Schmeicel as his official loan ended. Despite newspaper suggestions to the contrary, it did sound as if that was it and it will be a huge blow as, without question, Kasper has been one of the pivotal players in our resurrection and seen our back line improve immeasurably. If it was your last, thanks Kasper, you won't be forgotten here.
Costs:
Tickets: (2) £38
Travel: £5
Programme: SOLD OUT - here we go again
Food/drink: £8
Total: £51
CHAMPIONSHIP - Game 26/46 - at NINIAN PARK
CARDIFF CITY (1) 1
Ledley
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE (0) 0
AND THE BLUES GO MARCHING ON, ON, ON!!
Cardiff started the New Year just as they finished the old one ... with 3 points thanks to a Joe Ledley winner. This time, a hard fought, unglamorous, gritty but fully deserved 1-0 against a poor Plymouth side who were physical, limited and had you wondering how they started the day in 6th place and a play-off spot.
The win rounded off an outstanding holiday programme where City collected 10 points out of 12 and only the incompetence of overtime played allowing Watford an equaliser on Boxing Day prevented it being a maximum. However it's a fantastic recovery by Dave Jones and his rejuvenated side who have a new found character and resilience about them as underlined by the stats.
Three successive home wins after City could only manage that many in the previous 8 months, 5 wins in the last 7 games after we could only manage a paltry 4 in the first 19, 2 defeats and 5 clean sheets in the past 11 matches and after 7 defeats and 1 clean sheet in the first 15 Championship fixtures.
Few could see this turnaround and transformation coming but Cardiff have miraculously turned themselves around from ominous relegation candidates to, dare I mention it?, play-off chances now standing 11th and only 3 points away from the top 6. Quite incredible but that's the Championship this season. It's average quality in truth - I already fear for whichever 3 get promoted out of this season's crop - extremely inconsistent and there is no outstanding side so any hard working team able to put a few results together - as City currently are - can fly and shine. It's been turmoil this term on and off the pitch at Parc Nin but, at last, Cardiff are starting to meet expectations and how good it all feels.
Dave Jones - serving a 1 match touchline ban - named an unchanged team which included Captain Steven McPhail of whom DJ caused so much confusion after suggesting he was suspended for this game after his 5th yellow card at the weekend (it will be served in the cup at Chasetown instead_. His selection also meant that Thommo. now available after a 3 match ban. started from the bench with Aaron Ramsey, now on a pro contract, making way. City therefore fielded Schmeicel, McNaughton-Johnson-Purse-Capaldi, Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Ledley, Parry-Hasselbaink. Subs were Oakes, Blake, MacLean, Purse,Thompson.
Argyle always strike me as a mid-table side and certainly confirmed that impression in the corresponding fixture at Home Park shown live on Sky where City came away with a 2-2 draw fighting back only after their own ineptitude saw them go two behind. However they proudly took the 170 mile trip to South Wales in 6th spot. Manager Ian Holloway dumped them for Leicester recently but it saw old boss Paul Sturrock return.
They've got there with solid rather than spectacular runs of form but have pulled the odd eyebrow-raiser including previous away wins at Charlton and Watford. Christmas saw them collect 4 points from 2 homes games but lose at QPR before this one. Today's loss saw them pegged back to 7th and 2 points ahead of City.
Supported by a strong following of 1,400 who were as subdued as their team apart from baiting Tony Capaldi, which unlike the earlier fixture, seemed to inspire him this time. Plymouth were Larrieu, Connolly-Timar-Seip-Hodges, Norris-Halmosi-Martin- Abdou, Ebanks-Blake, Easter. David Norris is tipped for a move with rumours of Norwich about to offer £1.5M for him, he was outshone by Joe Ledley. Up font, Fairwater boy and Wales international Jermaine Easter partnered Ebanks-Blake and maybe he would have been better spending the afternoon in Fairwater.
The crowd was 14,965, many nursing hangovers to get there for a 1pm kick-off on a day with no public transport, but Canton pubs were still packed pre-game as it wasn't coffee or soft drinks being downed.
The game was a battle but City are in fighting mood these days and got the upper hand from the off. Playing good football, stopping Plymouth's breaks at source and easily looking the better side when they kept the ball down, their key problem was coming alive in the final third as they were struggling to create openings, the final ball was not quite good enough or in JFH's case, it was bloody awful..
The chances that did arrive in the opening half-hour were Steve McPhail having a crack, his shot was blocked but an attempted clearance hit him and rebounded inches over, Roger Johnson (who else?) got up at a corner and was blocked, another Johnson header across goal at the far post could not quite be turned home and Hasselbaink hit the roof of the Canton Stand with an effort as accurate as his woeful distribution all afternoon.
Plymouth offered little in response other than Ebanks-Blake appearing to think it was a WWF contest as he laid into Johnson and Loovens and three times, went through them as they were mid-air clearing headers. Dangerous but he earned no more than a talking as he did when he twice kick the ball away. Lee Martin, on loan form Man U, woke up everyone with a 25 yard hit that flew narrowly wide with Kasper scrambling.
On the half hour however, joy at last, all we need is a team of Joe Ledley's! Joe, showing power, energy and flair more than most who appeared to be showing signs of tiredness with the Xmas programme, motored down the left and, to his credit, Tony Capaldi advanced with him and created the overlap. Played in, Capaldi was now advancing on goal and for the first time in his CCFC career and against his old club, had a shot! Good one too low across goal which Larrieu could only Parry, the ball fell to JOE LEDLEY who purposely picked his spot and placed home between goalie and 2 defenders for his 4th City goal of the season but what turned out to be his second successive winner for the Bluebirds.
Ledley celebrating at the Canton Stand end with that "aeroplane wings" shuffle he's been doing for Wales and City. If Craig Revell-Horwood were there, I think it would score a 1 (or 0.1) as far as goalscoring celebrations go. What is that all about?
I think the script was that City would now go onto show their difference in quality but they appeared to relax and were almost hit from the restart when Norris' 20 yarder appeared to hit the inside of the post, strike Schmeicel on his back as it flew across goal and go out the other side for a corner. We are enjoying luck that we were missing earlier this term.
In another scare and escape, Ebanks-Blake pulled the trigger as he got behind City's defence but the inspirational Roger Johnson bravely put his face in the way to head behind and got a boot, treatment and several stitches for his troubles. City fought like tigers, Gavin Rae acting an emergency centre-half, until he returned and then Glenn Loovens spent the last couple of minutes hobbling badly after another challenge, our centre-halves were certainly in the wars but, to their credit, they always came back for more and dominated.
One brilliant Schmeicel placed goal kick beat the entire Plymouth back-line and set Parry free but City were unable to capitalise, his cross was just about cut out.
Plymouth fans raised their last chant of the afternoon - an anti-Hasslebaink tune with the same sentiments we had about Ebanks-Blake. Watching Jimmy's awful display which included failing to move for the ball, failing to jump for headers, no hold up play at any time and still moaning at others in top of his terrible distribution, I was wondering if any City fans joined in with them?
The only shock was, after a few stoppages, the ref only found 2 minutes of added time. If only we had him at Watford last week!
H/T: CITY 1 PLYMOUTH 0
If there was little telling action to write about in the first half, the second half produced even less. It was scrappy, ugly and a battle with both sides looking jaded but bottom line was Cardiff looked hungrier to hold onto what they had than Plymouth were to strike back and that won the day. I wish City could kill teams off, make they undoubted better football tell and take their chances more clinically when they arrive but they are failing to do that at present and, today, they missed three golden chances for the killer second goal which would have made life far easier.
City started well, Jimmy failed by a fraction to get a boot to the ball meeting a Rae lob which the keeper gratefully collected, Peter Whittingham narrowly failed to meet a super Parry cross but he didn't really show enough determination to get there first and Parry himself fired wide.
Plymouth made a double like for like sub on 55 with Doumbe replacing Timar who seemed to tweak his hamstring last 1st half and Nallis on for Man U loanee Lee Martin who was playing well and showed disgust coming off which included storming straight down the tunnel. Perhaps he was enraged he missed that infamous Man U Xmas party to be stuck in deepest Devon!
Cardiff had a major escape on the hour when Roger Johnson got wrong side of Easter - one of his bad habits which he is eradicating - lost out on a bounced header and Easter was away when he really shouldn't have been but Schmeicel came to the rescue spreading himself with his brilliant star jumps, the shot hitting his body and going behind for a corner. Many would have been beaten.
With Jimmy now at snail's pace and the ball coming back at us, his change was obvious. Bringing on MacLean instead of Thommo was not as we really needed someone to hold p play and give Plymouth's defence something else to think about. The bloke behind me shouted out, "Oh no, we're taking off someone who won't jump and bringing on another who's the same". Within moments, he was proved right.
However a few minutes later on came Thommo to a huge reception for Peter Whittingham who was very disappointing to partner MacLean with Parry switched wide. Whitts was thoroughly disappointing and did little today, he's either superb or not in it, this one was the latter. He's done very well recently but has to find better consistency. Thommo's more abrasive style was soon getting at Argyle who had their last throw of the dice with Nadjim Abdou replaced by Lucas Jutkiewicz - those Devon/Cornish names eh?
How City didn't finish them off, only MacLean can explain. Played through on goal by a truly outstanding Joe Ledley ball as he popped up on the right, it looked easy but he lacked all confidence but placed his effort right at Larrieu, he had to do far better than that. Parry was ext through but in attempting to replicate goals where he's cut inside ad blasted across goal, his effort was easily cut out then MacLean missed another sitter after, once again, Ledley did brilliantly to set him up, this time he blazed wide.
Joe was awarded man of the match and was a class apart once more but I would have given it to Kevin McNaughton the Magnificent who, second half especially, handed out a lecture in first class defending. How many headers did he win against guys bigger than him? How many times did he turn like a compass leaving opposition players floundering behind him? How many times did he knock the ball against Plymouth men to win throws and goal-kicks to relieve pressure? His passing was brilliant and he topped it all with a magic moment with an overhead dummy as, facing goal, he flicked the ball up over his and Ebanks-Blake's head, went around him and left him for dead.
It underlined the new found attitude in City that would have seen us unable to close out and win ugly in games like these only a few weeks ago. The spirit is immense, the work ethic is great as we chase and close down all over the field and our players are putting their bodies on the line as exemplified by skipper and much improved Steve McPhail who threw himself to block one shot, he's working so hard on top of the pretty stuff he does and even Tony Capaldi, it must be said, is much improved, this was probably his best outing for City.
Three minutes added time was all going to plan until a thrown level with our 6 yard box and everyone there. In it came, a header flicked it in and Jutkiewicz flicked an overhead kick at goal but through the melee, enter Schmeicel the hero to charge out spread himself again in the middle of everyone and block it. Brilliant, brilliant work.
Another good win, the celebrations on and off the pitch emphasising the joy and pleasure at how City have turned things around and are rescuing what had been a miserable and disastrous season. As we celebrated, Ali on the tannoy rushed out an announcement of thanks for Kasper Schmeicel as his official loan ended. Despite newspaper suggestions to the contrary, it did sound as if that was it and it will be a huge blow as, without question, Kasper has been one of the pivotal players in our resurrection and seen our back line improve immeasurably. If it was your last, thanks Kasper, you won't be forgotten here.
Costs:
Tickets: (2) £38
Travel: £5
Programme: SOLD OUT - here we go again
Food/drink: £8
Total: £51
Media Cardiff City v Plymouth Argyle match reports
Sportbox.com
Cardiff 1-0 Plymouth
BBC
Cardiff 1-0 Plymouth
Plymouth official website report (they love us!)
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10364~38 851,00.html
ICWales.co.uk
http://tinyurl.com/ywkw8x
Cardiff 1-0 Plymouth
BBC
Cardiff 1-0 Plymouth
Plymouth official website report (they love us!)
http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10364~38 851,00.html
ICWales.co.uk
http://tinyurl.com/ywkw8x
My New Year Message to City Fans
Stupid and cheesey but if you’re up, getting over your hangover and not left home for the Plymouth game, you can see my message wishing all Bluebirds Worldwide a Happy and Hammam Free(!) 2008 on the big sign at Piccadilly Circus in the morning.
So pop over Pic Circus now or see it here between 11 - 11:15
http://www.coca-cola.co.uk/piccadilly/sendmessage.aspx
So pop over Pic Circus now or see it here between 11 - 11:15
http://www.coca-cola.co.uk/piccadilly/sendmessage.aspx
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda (Happy New Year)
Just got up. The morning after the night before.
Had a party at home, not too manic ... or so I thought. But my head is buzzing and the recycle bin is overflowing with cans & bottles. That explains my panda eyese then.
Wishing you and yours a very happy and joyful 2008.
Had a party at home, not too manic ... or so I thought. But my head is buzzing and the recycle bin is overflowing with cans & bottles. That explains my panda eyese then.
Wishing you and yours a very happy and joyful 2008.
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