A good set of photos appear in the Birmingham Mail tonight of City's weekend defeat at home to Wolves - however they naturally cover the finest finest moments ... not that Cardiff had many moments to recall really!
http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-videos-pictures/birmingham-picture-galleries/2008/11/03/cardiff-city-v-wolves-97319-22173744/
Monday, November 03, 2008
MOST SHAMBOLIC SOCCER SUNDAY COMMENTARY YET
Soccer Sunday is HTV Wales programme showing the Welsh teams (now just Cardiff and Swansea) each weekend. We should be grateful to have such a programme but I don't think I've ever seen a more amateurish sports production.
It's scheduling is all over the place -it's can literally be 9:30am one weekend and 5:30pm the next and all time in-between, the presenation is barely better than 6th form college and sometimes not even that good.
This weekend saw a new low with the Cardiff City vs Wolves coverage which I just watched on
Sky+ for the first time. Even by its ever embarrassing standards, this commentray and coverage had to be a new low.
If you haven't seen it, they used Clive Tyldelsey's mic work on the Championship but he only described the goals, the McCormack (non) penalty incident and 2nd half chances by Roger and Eddie. Tyldesley obviously wasn't there and they dubbed on his comments for the Championship programme clips only.
This was less than a third of the action shown on Soccer Sunday, the rest of it shown in complete silence although you could make out Ian Walsh summarising for Radio Wales.
They failed to show or explain the injuries or substitutions. Soccer Sunday provides the worst service for football fans and continually takes the p*ss! They wouldn't dare do that if they had egg chasing coverage.
It's scheduling is all over the place -it's can literally be 9:30am one weekend and 5:30pm the next and all time in-between, the presenation is barely better than 6th form college and sometimes not even that good.
This weekend saw a new low with the Cardiff City vs Wolves coverage which I just watched on
Sky+ for the first time. Even by its ever embarrassing standards, this commentray and coverage had to be a new low.
If you haven't seen it, they used Clive Tyldelsey's mic work on the Championship but he only described the goals, the McCormack (non) penalty incident and 2nd half chances by Roger and Eddie. Tyldesley obviously wasn't there and they dubbed on his comments for the Championship programme clips only.
This was less than a third of the action shown on Soccer Sunday, the rest of it shown in complete silence although you could make out Ian Walsh summarising for Radio Wales.
They failed to show or explain the injuries or substitutions. Soccer Sunday provides the worst service for football fans and continually takes the p*ss! They wouldn't dare do that if they had egg chasing coverage.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Cardiff City 1 Wolves 2 - how the media saw it
Cardiff v WolvesSportinglife.comCardiff City hit by strikers’ woeWalesOnline
Striker search could be crucial to Bluebirds’ promotion hopesWalesOnline
Cardiff City's squad strength is exposedWalesOnline
Ross McCormack's loss for Cardiff proves Wolves' gainTelegraph.co.uk
Bluebirds boss slams sloppy playWalesOnline
Wolves keep up the chaseTimes Online
McCARTHY SHOCKED BY FINE STARTSportinglife.com
Cardiff v WolvesSportinglife.com
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Championship Game 15: CARDIFF CITY 1 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERS 2
A disastrous opening, defensive gaffes, both main strikers injured and out for some time with hamstring problems saw Cardiff City lose their 2nd league game of the season, this time 2-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in front of Saturday evening live Sky tv viewers.
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Both City's defeats have come at Ninian Park to the current runaway Top 2 sides. Maybe not cause for concern or panic but Cardiff now face a real test of their character and ambition with Bothroyd and McCormack absent for a while.
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This was a clash of 2nd (Wolves) vs 3rd (City) with supposed Premiership and Play-Off ambitions but the quality on show hardly looked Championship standard for the most part. In fact, the amount of aimless punts, misplaced passes, poor control, kicks straight out of play and lack of ideas of display from both sides, it was more suited to Pontcanna Fields than a national tv audience.
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The rather silly start of 5:20pm kick-off time meant Cardiff were down to 6th by kick-off and that's where they stay for now after this setback. I don't understand why Sky show Saturday evening games and have taken off the more preferable Friday night football. Is it really going to get many viewers when Setanta screen a Premiership game at the same time (Spurs v Liverpool tonight) while most households tune to X-Factor or Strictly Come Dancing. Come to think of it, QVC probably had better quality on show.
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Still here we were, desperately trying to pace ourselves reasonably in the pubs as other scores came in on a chilly day which warmed slightly through the day with a swirling wind which caused City more problems than their opponents and drizzle by the end of the evening. The atmosphere, for me, just didn't feel the same as 17,734 punters headed towards the ground at a time we've usually walked away from it but maybe City's shocking start and an equally shocking travelling support of barely 300 (yep, it was coach only and live on tv but that's a poor following although it is believed they were making an understandable point about the restrictions - we can't condone teams coming here on bubble trips when we despise them so much ourselves) had something to do with that too.
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City started with the line-up that finished against Blackpool as the continued absence meant the choice of Joe or Comminges at left back, DJ opted for the former. A couple of players had missed training with a flu-style bug, notably Parry and Bothroyd, but both started. Cardiff:, Heaton: McNaughton-Purse-Johnson-Ledley: Parry-Rae-McPhail-Whittingham: McCormack-Bothroyd. Subs were Enckleman-Blake-Comminges-Gypes-Johnson(Eddie).
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Wolves were runaway leaders with 7 successive wins after an opening day draw before losing 3 of the following 4 but are now starting a new run, this was their 3rd successive win. If it's goals you want, follow the Wolves as their aggregate tally from 15 games is 58 - almost 10 more than any other Championship side and 26 more than Cardiff City games. Manager Mick McCarthy has shrewdly built an excellent squad without splashing the cash via purging the most promising talent from the lower divisions including Welsh internationals Wayne Hennessey and David Edwards were both had to watch from the subs bench. Wolves:, Ikeme: Foley-Stearman-Mancienne-Gray: Kightly-Henry-Jones-Ward: Ebanks-Blake - Iwelumo.
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As usual, Ali asked us to 'make sum noize for the boize' (that's how Noddy Holder would call it!) but we were instead stunned into silence in a devastating opening 10 minute salvo as Wolves did the same to City as we did to them in last season's memorable F.A. Cup charge. However their 2 goal lead owed everything to Cardiff defensive horrors.
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Inside 4 minutes, Heaton's kick up the park was headed back from halfway but Roger Johnson,completely missed heading a return header from a ball bouncing in front of him. Away went CHRIS IWELUMO but to compound the initial poor defence, the played managed to turn Joe Ledley inside the box, Ledders looking afraid to challenge, and fire a shot across Heaton.
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If that was bad enough, much worse was to follow. A simple forward ball from the touchline,. Darren Purse was caught lying too deep and then stepping up for an offside that never was which left EBANKS-BLAKE bearing down on goal albeit at an angle but he kept his cool as Purse chased back to once more fire across Heaton into his far corner. The defending was atrocious both times but you have to also question why Heaton failed to close down the angle either time and was a touch slow getting down to shots within his grasp on both occasions.
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It was effectively game over before things had even started but just to rub salt in the wound, Jay Bothroyd - playing against his former club - pulled up with hamstring pull or tear and there now seemed no way back at all. In a defining moment, Dave Jones didn't throw Premiership-waged Eddie Johnson into the action but introduced Comminges at left back, Joe shuffled up and Paul Parry was made a makeshift forward - by my reckoning, that decision relegated Eddie Johnson to 4th choice striker out of 3 which sums up he is, for many reasons, a woeful loan addition which is holding back City. You can dance around it and try to be more accommodating but that's your reality.
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However, to their credit, City found a way back into the game when the belief and confidence had drained out of the crowd with a smart move and smart goal. Whittingham and McNaughton brought the ball out from deep, McPhail swept it to Comminges who sent a line ball to Paul Parry and his first time whipped cross was taken down in one touch by ROSS McCORMACK who swivelled and fired high past a static Ikeme from 10 yards for his 12th of the season and a quality strike underlining his talent.
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The ground was bouncing and ecstatic, Cardiff responded having the better for the rest of the half but the quality of their football left much to be desired and Rae and McPhail once again performed their vanishing act (it happens far too often if we're to be genuine season long challengers) and resorted to hideous long and high ball tactics.
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I got vocally angry on a few occasions watching their directionless, lofted passes floating here, there and everywhere. If they've lost their way and resorted to balls pumped forward, at least put some bloody pace and direction on it!!! Wolves boss Mick McCarthy hailed his central defenders of Stearman and Mancienne, the latter on loan from Chelsea looked very good, but we completely played it into their hands. They won't get many easier afternoons on the road this season, that's for sure.
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For all their general dominance for the rest of the half, all City had to show were variable McCormack efforts from distance and a corner where Johnson and Purse impeded each other at a set piece while Wolves were within a whisker of a third goal as Heaton missed a corner leaving McNaughton to clear off the line.
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After the worst start possible, most City followers were just grateful to reach midway and still be in the game.
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H/T: CITY 0 WOLVES 1
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Many fans thought City were unlucky not to get a 2nd half draw and they had good chances while Wolves had no decisive opportunity but I thought Wolves, even though they're far from the best defensive side and didn't impress, contained Cardiff with relative comfort.
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The key moment came early in the half as McCormack was clipped on the heel by a trailing defender as he entered the box. Few realised it but Sky showed it was a likely penalty. The ref didn't consider that and, worse, McCormack pick up a hell/hamstring problem and had to limp out meaning that, this time, Dave Jones had no option other than to turn to the indescribable Eddie Johnson.
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Johnson made an instant impression by flicking on a header towards the box. Paul Parry never anticipated him getting any touch so didn't react. Johnson didn't perform so badly but the jury isn't out anymore, he just isn't the answer. If Cardiff have to play him over the next couple of weeks with the key strikers injured, we have a serious problem.
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Key action was at an absolute premium in the 2nd half but Cardiff sent in a number of crosses but just didn't get on the end of any, other chances came as a handball was denied, Roger Johnson's hapless afternoon continued as he fired wide from close range at a corner when the gap was there and in added time, the ball fell kindly in space form Eddie Johnson but he hit his angled effort too cleanly and at Ikeme who blocked well.
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The half highlighted some of City's key deficiencies.
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Whatever the conflicting opinions on Tom Heaton's occasional erratic keeping, standing on his line and set piece positioning, there is no argument that his kicking is atrocious. It defies belief how, again, he sent a number of kicks straight into the crowd while others flew straight though to his opposite number. This from a Manchester United and England Under 21 keeper.
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At the back, it was good to see Super Kev put in a strong display but our centre half duo, Roger Johnson especially, let us down today with Johnson putting in an uncharacteristically poor error-strewn display while, as well as Purse has played, his mistakes have now cost us a couple of recent goals under close examination.
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There continues to be a key problem in midfield. Rae and McPhail was, once again, anonymous. It happens far too often and will always hold City back if there is to be a season long play-of and promotion drive. This matter is exacerbated by there being no serious competition to the duo. McPhail particularly annoyed by playing far too deep, often so far that he was taking the ball from Heaton including the final minute of added time. Poor play and decision making.
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Then we have the strange case of Joe Ledley. There's a Joe Ledley on the pitch but it's not the one we know and love despite the incredulous tannoy announcement that he was City's man of the match but that merely continued a recent trend whereby City's less effective performer gets the nod - we had Gavin Rae last time. Joe is way below form and on current displays, you can argue whether he even deserves a starting berth.
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Many will declare that his head has been turned and he is affected by the denial of his £6M August deadline day move to Stoke and new rumours that Spurs will pay £8M for him in January. I honestly thought, tv cameras and big opposition, Joe would show us the style today - how wrong I was. I just hope he's not doing an Earnie (our former hero who stopped playing in his final months at City knowing he wanted out and was going). C'Mon Joe - you're way better than this.
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However it's up front with the focus will now lie. Time without McCormack and Bothroyd doesn't bear thinking about but it'll now be the acid test of the ambition around the club to do something about it as City remain 6th but will very quickly fall away if we struggle for points this month and no/little action is taken.
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Over to you Messrs Ridders and Jones.
Dave Jones audio interview after Wolves home defeat
A deflated Dave Jones gives his thoughts on the Wolves loss, City's defensive horrors, both main stikers (McCormack and Bothroyd) facing lay-offs with hamstring injuries and the need to bring in a loan player ... if we can get one.
Last Night's Cardiff City Phone-In Show
Click the below link to listen to, or download, last night's Phone-In previewing today's clash with Wolves and also talking about some possible upcoming battles with our rugby tenants of Cardiff Blues on new stadium issues..
EX-City man tries out Brizzle Roverzz
Ex-Bluebird Richard Langley is trying out his energies with The Gas - he's on trial at Bristol Rovers for the 2nd time this season under his former Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence.
Langley, now aged 28, has had a torrid couple of years mainly due to injury woes. After leaving City in the summer of 2005 to return to QPR, he had a reasonable season but moved on after 1 year to Luton where he started just 18 league games in 2 seasons, last season saw him play their final league game only after crucitae ligament injury.
He initially tried Hereford this summer before getting a trial at Rovers where he ironically pulled his hamstring in a friendly against ... you guessed ... Cardiff City.
Good Luck Langers - I got to know both his parents when he played at Cardiff and it's a shame if talent like his goes to waste.
Langley, now aged 28, has had a torrid couple of years mainly due to injury woes. After leaving City in the summer of 2005 to return to QPR, he had a reasonable season but moved on after 1 year to Luton where he started just 18 league games in 2 seasons, last season saw him play their final league game only after crucitae ligament injury.
He initially tried Hereford this summer before getting a trial at Rovers where he ironically pulled his hamstring in a friendly against ... you guessed ... Cardiff City.
Good Luck Langers - I got to know both his parents when he played at Cardiff and it's a shame if talent like his goes to waste.
Friday, October 31, 2008
DEVO to headline ATP Festival at Butlins Minehead in May'09??
The most unlikely unbelievable post I've puut on this blog but I've stumbled across a message today and then a subsequent website that DEVO are indeed returning to these shores next year.
However, instead of playing the established venues, they are the headliners of an All Tomorrow's Parties weekend at .... wait for it ... Butlins in Minehead!!!!
The official poster is above and the festival website can be found below:
http://www.atpfestival.com/atp/Events/TheFansStrikeBack.php
However, instead of playing the established venues, they are the headliners of an All Tomorrow's Parties weekend at .... wait for it ... Butlins in Minehead!!!!
The official poster is above and the festival website can be found below:
http://www.atpfestival.com/atp/Events/TheFansStrikeBack.php
I have asked the DEVO gurus for confirmation as nothing has been confirmed, or hinted, via any forum, official website or those closest to the group.
It should, however, be remembered that the 2007 UK tour was announced on websites long before DEVO themselves acknowledged or confirmed it.
Still, a minimum £300 for 2 to spend a weekend in Butlins - of all places - is off-putting even if it's an hour from my home. Hioping I can buy a day ticket and that there are other UK dates in the pipleline.
Exciting news though!!!
Would you like a pint with your chips sir?
Had to laugh at this story of an Adamsdown chippy trying to get a drinks licence so punters can have a pint with their chips ... and up until 4am at weekends too.
Still, I guess it's a natural extension form beer battered fish.
Chip shop wants to be first in city to sell beer
WalesOnline
Still, I guess it's a natural extension form beer battered fish.
Chip shop wants to be first in city to sell beer
WalesOnline
BEAGRIE TALKING BLUES
In his weekly Sky Sports column, Peter Beagrie talks of his surprise at Cardiff City's lofty position and his assertion the squad needs additions if it is to be a force over the season.
Read on here:
Ruling the roostSkySports
Read on here:
Ruling the roostSkySports
Thursday, October 30, 2008
McCORMACK HOPES FOR SCOTLAND CALL UP
11 goals scored barely a third of the way into the season (even if 6 are penalties) makes Ross McCormack the Championship's leading scorer. Unsurprisingly, it has brought him to the attention of Scotland boss George Burley who popped into NP Towers to watch him as well as Rae and McNaughton against Blackpool on Tuesday.
More here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/plymouth_argyle/7696956.stm
More here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/plymouth_argyle/7696956.stm
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
TONIGHT'S CARDIFF CITY PHONE-IN
You can listen to, or download, the latest radio hour discussing all things Cardiff City and, particularly, savoruing last night's late, late win over Blackpool lifting City to the heady heights of 3rd place. Special guest was ex-Labour Leader and City fan Neil Kinnock ... but you can skip past that if you wish.
Listen or Download here:
DEVO RELEASE 1st SINGLE FOR 18 YEARS ... ... on vinyl only
DEVO's corporate computer-brand advert song is about to be released as a vinyl only single.
"Watch Us Work It," made its first appearance as a soundtrack to television commercials for Dell computers, a hit minute long advert. Such was its success that specially commissioned DEVO video of the song was also released.
The tune has remained popular so the group have finally decided to release it in stores across US on December 9th (my birthday!) in DEVO-stylee vinyl only. The single will contain four mixes of the song plus UK act Attery Squash's "Devo Was Right About Everything."
The full track list is:
Watch Us Work It (Teddy Bears remix)
Watch Us Work It
Watch Us Work It (karaoke mix)
Watch Us Work It (Still Working remix)
Devo Was Right About Everything (Devo mix)
Cardiff City legend banned for drink/driving
"Mr. Cardiff City" Phil Dwyer, and always my hero on the field, has been banned for 3 years after pleading guilty to drink/driving - the offence discovered when he called into Rumney Police Station in Cardiff while more than 50% over the limit.
Hopefully, fewer of us than ever consider drink driving to be anything other than complete stupidity.However I don't know whether it's balls, arrogance or the most idoitic thing in the book to drive to a police station working while over the limit.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7697593.stm
* Dwyer featured a special guest on the GTFM CVardiff City radio phone-in just last Friday (Oct 24th). Details and a download of the show can be found at that date in this blog.
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Hopefully, fewer of us than ever consider drink driving to be anything other than complete stupidity.However I don't know whether it's balls, arrogance or the most idoitic thing in the book to drive to a police station working while over the limit.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7697593.stm
* Dwyer featured a special guest on the GTFM CVardiff City radio phone-in just last Friday (Oct 24th). Details and a download of the show can be found at that date in this blog.
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LATEST "INSIDE THE STADIUM" PICTURES
Courtesy of Mike Morris and CardiffCity.com, here's a couple of the very latest pictures showing the latest state of play from the inside of the new Cardiff City stadium.
Given that, little more than 12 moonths agao, it was little more than a couple of beams on one side of the development, what a transformation it is.
DAVE JONES REACTION TO CITY's WIN vs BLACKPOOL
Click the link below for BBC's brief report of Cardiff City vs. Blackpool and Dave Jones audio reaction.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7683931.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7683931.stm
Cardiff City 2 v Blackpool 0 in pictures
A few pictures from last night's encounter courtesy of the Blackpool Gazette.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/CustomPages/CustomPage.aspx?pageID=75878
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/CustomPages/CustomPage.aspx?pageID=75878
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Cahmpionship Game 14: CARDIFF CITY 2 BLACKPOOL 0 match report
Cardiff City delivered a 1-2-3 ... ... that's one ugly show, two beautiful goals and three very welcome points.
That apart, that's really not that much to write home apart from a subdued but very patient and chilled Ninian Park crowd of 17,570 (the Seasiders barely supplying the odd 70 of that number) on a night where temperatures were little above freezing and games in the Midlands fell foul to heavy snow in October. We had all bar given hope of seeing a goals, let alone a victory, until Peter Whittingham and Ross McCormack both popped up inside the final 10 minutes, both goals crackers in their own right.
Until that happened, the game had stalemate written all over it which was, arguably, the most predictable outcome anyway with City having more drawn games than any Championship side and a record, before tonight, of following every league win with a draw. Blackpool, meantime, came to South Wales enjoying a 7 games unbeaten run but with 5 of them being draws.
One of those draws, of course, was against City who were kicked in the teeth by The Tangerine's 94th minute last kick equaliser at Bloomfield Road at the start of the month so at least their minimalist support got to know how that felt, good enough too. It's unusual, if not a first, to have played both league games against any opponent by the 14th game of the season but a quirk of the fixture list saw all Championship clubs playing a reversal of games played just 24 days earlier.
Cardiff went into the day with their frail squad (in numbers terms) having injury worries over 5 key players after that Forest encounter in the shape of Ledley, McPhail, Kennedy, Bothroyd and Purse all picked up knocks at the City Ground, and Jones will wait until early afternoon to select. In the event, only Mark Kennedy did not pull through which saw DJ call up Miguel Comminges to left back - a role where he's often deployed but barely ever looks the part. City were therefore Heaton; McNaughton-Purse-Johnson-Comminges; Parry-Rae-McPhail-Ledley; McCormack-Bothroyd: Subs were Enckleman-Blake-Gypes-Johnson(Eddie)-Whittingham.
Blackpool are now 14th, still better than many predicted for their fate this term, and were able to name an unchanged side after coming back twice from behind to draw at home with Crystal Palace at the weekend. Their side read - Rachubka; Coid-Evatt-Edwards-Barker; Southern-Vaughan- Taylor-Fletcher -Jorgensen; Gow-Burgess.
City won a corner in the opening minute - the first of many where no danger came from it - but Blackpool had the brighter start although Johnson and Purse snubbed any danger. Around the 10 minute mark, City finally showed some signs of life, a strong run by Gavin Rae followed by a 30 yard skimming shot that Rachubka saved comfortably. It was Rae's sole notable contribution of the night. Even by the uncomfortable number of occasions when our central midfield go missing, tonight was a special effort. McPhail fairly anonymous and Rae so invisible that he deserved membership of the Magic Circle.
City, though, continued to make openings with Paul Parry continuing his rediscovered good form, two chances fell for Jay Bothroyd but strong Blackpool defending saw bodies thrown in the way of his goalbound efforts. Not sure where they got those bodies from but they shouldn't be allowed to do that.
The rest of the half was poor to say the least. Until a couple of minutes from half-time, City didn't give Rachubka any work and the crowd any reason to unwrap their arms fighting off the cold. McCormack just missed an early Ledley pass, Ledley himself blazed over twice with unconvincing efforts from distance but Blackpool had the best moment as Taylor-Fletcher beat a couple or challenges too easily before blasting at goal, Heaton doing well to parry a stinging effort as far back as the initial shot came from. Purse got himself booked but McCormack provided the one quality moment as he skipped into the area, delightfully jinked the final defender, his angled shot was blocked by Rachubka and his clever delayed pass across the box was narrowly missed by a couple of blue shirts.
Half-time: CITY 0 BLACKPOOL 0
Cardiff started the 2nd half with wayward shots and wayward crosses. It prompted me to send a text to a few mates saying, "Get Comminges off, drop Ledley back, put Whitts on and pray our central midfield do something!". Did Dave Jones intercept it? Just a couple of minutes later, making a very early change with just 54 minutes gone, off came Miguel, back came Joe and on came Peter. In truth, it wasn't a difficult change to see - there was no partnership between Comminges and Ledley, the latter too dropping deep for the bal and to help. Blackpool were also picking out the poor positioning of Comminges and drilling balls into space beyond him aiming to pick up an opportunity. Comminges is a good squad addition but I don't rate him as a left back at all.
Was it really any surprise that, change made, City now started getting some momentum and more width? It was almost exclusively to the left as Joe and Whitts linked well and McPhail was feeding them but it had the effect of pushing the visitors back. Whitts had three quick efforts, the first bringing a scrambling save from the keeper as City finally made chances but were undone by poor shooting. Parry finding the City fans in the Grange from the Grandstand side, Bothroyd finding Blackpool fans from the Bob Bank side but that was bettered by his delightful turn in the box and shot that almost smashed the clock on the Grange End roof.
Blackpool weathered the relative storm - even if it was little more than a light flurry - and hope was passing fast. I was starting to fear whether the visitors would nick it as they appeared to fancy their chances on the break, Heaton having to block a shot by Welshman David Vaughan was worrying but not as worrying as Dave Jones bringing on Eddie Johnson for the final 12 minutes for Paul Parry. In It's A Knockout terms, that's akin to playing the Joker. Johnson soon annoyed but not just failing to run about but by not putting in any meaningful challenge as he closed down play - he could be forgiven a touch more for his many deficiencies if he at least put in a reasonable shift and 110% effort but he falls short on that criteria too.
Into the final 10 and a worrying moment as Darren Purse quickly conceded a couple of free-kicks, the second of which was the type that often earns yellow cards and would have meant red in his case. Purse himself looked worried, flinging his arms in the air, then on his head and running away quick but the ref let it go but then, without any anticipation, came relief and celebration.
City broke down the left, again, the ball fed into the box sent Bothroyd wide but he was magnificent running away from goal then turning tight and chipping a superb ball into the centre of the box that saw the unlikely source of PETER WHITTINGHAM get there to divert a low header past the helpless keeper. Credit both players, Jay showed superb touches all night (only his shooting let him down) while Whitts showed intelligence and great running himself to be pop up in the position that he did. I can only recall him scoring once with his head before and that was a touch on the line against Barnsley a couple of seasons ago.
It was virtually the same time, 7 minutes to go, that City took the lead at Blackpool but thoughts The Tangerines could have the last say again evaporated as Cardiff put it beyond doubt just two minutes later. McCormack went on a mazy charge and felled on the edge of the box to the left. Whitts and McCormack lined it up but McCORMACK took it and his execution was sublime clearing the wall and tucking the ball inside the near post with Rachubka fumbling for it like a teenager trying his first experience.
Ninian erupted and celebrated like it had been a classic game but we were simply relieved and joyous although a good number felt it safe to beat the cold and traffic and get away early.
At Forest and again tonight, City didn't play well but found a way to win on each occasion and kept it tight at the back. In a division that includes far too many similar teams, perhaps this, along with strong work ethic is what places us ahead of the rest at present. As much as I love City and am enjoying our lofty position, it's hard to think of a more unspectacular third place side. I guess we'll hear the line trotted out again that the side are better than this and finding their form but as we're now a third of the way into the season, is it likely to infinitely improve over this performance-wise?
What is, perhaps, interesting is that all of City's 6 wins this season to date have been against clubs in the current bottom 11 including 4 against the current bottom 5. Perhaps, to prove their credentials more, they need to turn over one of the leading sides - what better opportunity than this weekend in a live Saturday evening Sky game when new leaders Wolves come visiting.
That apart, that's really not that much to write home apart from a subdued but very patient and chilled Ninian Park crowd of 17,570 (the Seasiders barely supplying the odd 70 of that number) on a night where temperatures were little above freezing and games in the Midlands fell foul to heavy snow in October. We had all bar given hope of seeing a goals, let alone a victory, until Peter Whittingham and Ross McCormack both popped up inside the final 10 minutes, both goals crackers in their own right.
Until that happened, the game had stalemate written all over it which was, arguably, the most predictable outcome anyway with City having more drawn games than any Championship side and a record, before tonight, of following every league win with a draw. Blackpool, meantime, came to South Wales enjoying a 7 games unbeaten run but with 5 of them being draws.
One of those draws, of course, was against City who were kicked in the teeth by The Tangerine's 94th minute last kick equaliser at Bloomfield Road at the start of the month so at least their minimalist support got to know how that felt, good enough too. It's unusual, if not a first, to have played both league games against any opponent by the 14th game of the season but a quirk of the fixture list saw all Championship clubs playing a reversal of games played just 24 days earlier.
Cardiff went into the day with their frail squad (in numbers terms) having injury worries over 5 key players after that Forest encounter in the shape of Ledley, McPhail, Kennedy, Bothroyd and Purse all picked up knocks at the City Ground, and Jones will wait until early afternoon to select. In the event, only Mark Kennedy did not pull through which saw DJ call up Miguel Comminges to left back - a role where he's often deployed but barely ever looks the part. City were therefore Heaton; McNaughton-Purse-Johnson-Comminges; Parry-Rae-McPhail-Ledley; McCormack-Bothroyd: Subs were Enckleman-Blake-Gypes-Johnson(Eddie)-Whittingham.
Blackpool are now 14th, still better than many predicted for their fate this term, and were able to name an unchanged side after coming back twice from behind to draw at home with Crystal Palace at the weekend. Their side read - Rachubka; Coid-Evatt-Edwards-Barker; Southern-Vaughan- Taylor-Fletcher -Jorgensen; Gow-Burgess.
City won a corner in the opening minute - the first of many where no danger came from it - but Blackpool had the brighter start although Johnson and Purse snubbed any danger. Around the 10 minute mark, City finally showed some signs of life, a strong run by Gavin Rae followed by a 30 yard skimming shot that Rachubka saved comfortably. It was Rae's sole notable contribution of the night. Even by the uncomfortable number of occasions when our central midfield go missing, tonight was a special effort. McPhail fairly anonymous and Rae so invisible that he deserved membership of the Magic Circle.
City, though, continued to make openings with Paul Parry continuing his rediscovered good form, two chances fell for Jay Bothroyd but strong Blackpool defending saw bodies thrown in the way of his goalbound efforts. Not sure where they got those bodies from but they shouldn't be allowed to do that.
The rest of the half was poor to say the least. Until a couple of minutes from half-time, City didn't give Rachubka any work and the crowd any reason to unwrap their arms fighting off the cold. McCormack just missed an early Ledley pass, Ledley himself blazed over twice with unconvincing efforts from distance but Blackpool had the best moment as Taylor-Fletcher beat a couple or challenges too easily before blasting at goal, Heaton doing well to parry a stinging effort as far back as the initial shot came from. Purse got himself booked but McCormack provided the one quality moment as he skipped into the area, delightfully jinked the final defender, his angled shot was blocked by Rachubka and his clever delayed pass across the box was narrowly missed by a couple of blue shirts.
Half-time: CITY 0 BLACKPOOL 0
Cardiff started the 2nd half with wayward shots and wayward crosses. It prompted me to send a text to a few mates saying, "Get Comminges off, drop Ledley back, put Whitts on and pray our central midfield do something!". Did Dave Jones intercept it? Just a couple of minutes later, making a very early change with just 54 minutes gone, off came Miguel, back came Joe and on came Peter. In truth, it wasn't a difficult change to see - there was no partnership between Comminges and Ledley, the latter too dropping deep for the bal and to help. Blackpool were also picking out the poor positioning of Comminges and drilling balls into space beyond him aiming to pick up an opportunity. Comminges is a good squad addition but I don't rate him as a left back at all.
Was it really any surprise that, change made, City now started getting some momentum and more width? It was almost exclusively to the left as Joe and Whitts linked well and McPhail was feeding them but it had the effect of pushing the visitors back. Whitts had three quick efforts, the first bringing a scrambling save from the keeper as City finally made chances but were undone by poor shooting. Parry finding the City fans in the Grange from the Grandstand side, Bothroyd finding Blackpool fans from the Bob Bank side but that was bettered by his delightful turn in the box and shot that almost smashed the clock on the Grange End roof.
Blackpool weathered the relative storm - even if it was little more than a light flurry - and hope was passing fast. I was starting to fear whether the visitors would nick it as they appeared to fancy their chances on the break, Heaton having to block a shot by Welshman David Vaughan was worrying but not as worrying as Dave Jones bringing on Eddie Johnson for the final 12 minutes for Paul Parry. In It's A Knockout terms, that's akin to playing the Joker. Johnson soon annoyed but not just failing to run about but by not putting in any meaningful challenge as he closed down play - he could be forgiven a touch more for his many deficiencies if he at least put in a reasonable shift and 110% effort but he falls short on that criteria too.
Into the final 10 and a worrying moment as Darren Purse quickly conceded a couple of free-kicks, the second of which was the type that often earns yellow cards and would have meant red in his case. Purse himself looked worried, flinging his arms in the air, then on his head and running away quick but the ref let it go but then, without any anticipation, came relief and celebration.
City broke down the left, again, the ball fed into the box sent Bothroyd wide but he was magnificent running away from goal then turning tight and chipping a superb ball into the centre of the box that saw the unlikely source of PETER WHITTINGHAM get there to divert a low header past the helpless keeper. Credit both players, Jay showed superb touches all night (only his shooting let him down) while Whitts showed intelligence and great running himself to be pop up in the position that he did. I can only recall him scoring once with his head before and that was a touch on the line against Barnsley a couple of seasons ago.
It was virtually the same time, 7 minutes to go, that City took the lead at Blackpool but thoughts The Tangerines could have the last say again evaporated as Cardiff put it beyond doubt just two minutes later. McCormack went on a mazy charge and felled on the edge of the box to the left. Whitts and McCormack lined it up but McCORMACK took it and his execution was sublime clearing the wall and tucking the ball inside the near post with Rachubka fumbling for it like a teenager trying his first experience.
Ninian erupted and celebrated like it had been a classic game but we were simply relieved and joyous although a good number felt it safe to beat the cold and traffic and get away early.
At Forest and again tonight, City didn't play well but found a way to win on each occasion and kept it tight at the back. In a division that includes far too many similar teams, perhaps this, along with strong work ethic is what places us ahead of the rest at present. As much as I love City and am enjoying our lofty position, it's hard to think of a more unspectacular third place side. I guess we'll hear the line trotted out again that the side are better than this and finding their form but as we're now a third of the way into the season, is it likely to infinitely improve over this performance-wise?
What is, perhaps, interesting is that all of City's 6 wins this season to date have been against clubs in the current bottom 11 including 4 against the current bottom 5. Perhaps, to prove their credentials more, they need to turn over one of the leading sides - what better opportunity than this weekend in a live Saturday evening Sky game when new leaders Wolves come visiting.
FOREST APOLOGISE TO DAVE JONES FOR THE LATEST ABUSIVE CHANTS AT HIM
Nottingham Forest have apologised to Cardiff City boss Dave Jones for the chants amongst an element of their supporters during City's 1-0 win at the Forest Ground last weekend.
Dave Jones, as the whole of football knows, was the subject of investigations after time spent out of the game working at a children's home. Charges took years to bring to court and were dropped immediately with Jones completely exonerated and the judge scathing that the matter ever got there anyway.
It's not the first time this has happened to Jones, Stoke fans behind Jones were particularly venomous away last season, and it may not be the last, such is the nature and type of some who follow the game. As Jones points out, he is thick-skinned to their ignorance and sees it as self-defeating but when his wife and children are at games, as they were last weekend, he is right to express concerns for the effect it has on his family. They have no place in the game and you'd like to think the club will be pro-active enough to identify the perpetrators and take some action to go with its apology.
Unfortunately, while I can be damning, it's hard for Cardiff City fans to claim any moral high ground on matters like these. City fans have sung the same chant which upsets Jones although thankfully, not for a long time. A sub-human section in the Grange End and at some away games still delight with an occasional Harold Shipman chant although, again, I've not heard that in a while.
Here's all the coverage of the incident and aftermath (in reverse order) from Wales Online
Forest apologise to Dave Jones over fan chants
FA investigate Dave Jones taunts
Dave Jones has last word over ‘morons’
What would Cloughie have said?
Dave Jones, as the whole of football knows, was the subject of investigations after time spent out of the game working at a children's home. Charges took years to bring to court and were dropped immediately with Jones completely exonerated and the judge scathing that the matter ever got there anyway.
It's not the first time this has happened to Jones, Stoke fans behind Jones were particularly venomous away last season, and it may not be the last, such is the nature and type of some who follow the game. As Jones points out, he is thick-skinned to their ignorance and sees it as self-defeating but when his wife and children are at games, as they were last weekend, he is right to express concerns for the effect it has on his family. They have no place in the game and you'd like to think the club will be pro-active enough to identify the perpetrators and take some action to go with its apology.
Unfortunately, while I can be damning, it's hard for Cardiff City fans to claim any moral high ground on matters like these. City fans have sung the same chant which upsets Jones although thankfully, not for a long time. A sub-human section in the Grange End and at some away games still delight with an occasional Harold Shipman chant although, again, I've not heard that in a while.
Here's all the coverage of the incident and aftermath (in reverse order) from Wales Online
Forest apologise to Dave Jones over fan chants
FA investigate Dave Jones taunts
Dave Jones has last word over ‘morons’
What would Cloughie have said?
Monday, October 27, 2008
TONIGHT'S CARDIFF CITY PHONE-IN with TOM HEATON
City's on-loan # 1 keeper, Tom Heaton, was the special guest on tonight's Cardiff City phone-in and made for a very interesting listen.
You can listen again or download it here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?dozndktnxmh.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A tale of two former City strikers
Michael Chopra says a few words about his recent personal hell
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/10/26/ex-city-player-tells-of-his-hell-91466-22117918/
Robbie Fowler puts his Cowbridge property up for sale, hoping to make money while prices crash
Fowler’s counting on a home victory
WalesOnline
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/10/26/ex-city-player-tells-of-his-hell-91466-22117918/
Robbie Fowler puts his Cowbridge property up for sale, hoping to make money while prices crash
Fowler’s counting on a home victory
WalesOnline
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Championship Game 13: NOTTINGHAM FOREST 0 CARDIFF CITY 1 - match report
First things first, this is a curtailed match report. I went on a Jolly Boys Outing with the Tony Jefferies T.I.T.S. (Tony's Independent Travel Services), the first time I'd done it in a long while and, boy, did I have a thoroughly good time. I needed a blast and I certainly had it, the fact City beat Forest 1-0 only served to make the day even better.
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I believe ours was the first coach to leave South Wales, we were on our way at 7:30 while others didn't go for more than 2 hours later. Tony had arranged a village pub in the quaint village of Gotham (yep, we had loads of Batman chants even though I believe it's pronounced "Go-Tham" and the locals get annoyed by visitors asking for the Batphone or where they can find the Batcave.
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We settled into a good session and our group also moved onto another village pub. These were typical old school village pubs - no quiz machines, no fruit machines, no pool tables but they had dartboards and did serve ploughmans lunches.
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Then it all became hazy and a blur although I did ring the world on the way home to tell them I loved them and ran out of battery long before getting back to Cardiff and I sang my heart out in support of City.
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Cardiff were lucky. Even in my state, I recognised that but I always felt they would succeed and never felt Forest would score. Forest are now firmly rooted to the bottom and have gone 10 games without a win, City are up to 4th - one goal is usually enough against them and we had the nous to grab that and keep them out at the other end.
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City made one change recalling Joe Ledley after his hamstring absence in place of Whitts and lined up with Heaton; McNaughton-Johnson-Purse-Kennedy; Parry-Rae-McPhail-Ledley; Bothroyd-McCormack. Subs: Enckelman, Whittingham, E Johnson, Comminges, Gyepes
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FOREST: Camp, Perch, Lynch, Wilson, Morgan, Anderson, Fletcher, McGugan, Cohen, McCleary, Garner. Subs: Chambers, Tyson, Earnshaw, Davies, Thornhill. There was some pre-game hype about the girl Andy Cole wanting to exact revenge on Darren Purse after the pair were embroiled in an infamous incident at Burnley last season and Cole's subsequent hissyfit about wanting to face Purse one more time but he's not even good enough to get in their 16 and aftermatch reports emerged that he may be quitting the club and football altogether. Ah bless. Earnie, City's ex-hero Rob Earnshaw, was on the bench returning from injury.
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The crowd was 17,000 but more than 2,000 Bluebirds made all the noise and a terrific racket too. Post-game news was all about the vile chants of a section of Forest followers to Dave Jones from a personal viewpoint, I never even heard them as it was drowned by our singing.
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As for the game, Forest took the match to City and gave us a general run around but Heaton made two comfortable saves while other efforts were of the high, wide and ugly variety and it was City who had the best chance to score as a blocked cross fell perfectly for Jay Bothroyd in front of goal, his technique was excellent but his shooting didn't match it as he blazed wide of an inviting goal. Some reports laughably talked about Forest hitting the post and it was included in the stats count too but the player was offside and flagged before he shot.
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The second period saw Darren Purse limp out to be replaced by Gabor Gypes at last getting some action after signing from Northampton in August and he acquitted himself well. He played in a similar style to Purse and looks a very useful addition. Forest also made a change, bringing on one-time City target Nathan Tyson who created one chance that was blocked and fired just wide with another attacking towards the City end.
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However on 56 minutes, the breakthrough. A City attack was innocuous but as McPhail tried to beat a player inside the box, a poor lunge saw him caught and it was another penalty. Our 7th of the season already, I honestly cannot recall a time we have had so many but all were merited. ROSS McCORMACK stepped up having scored 6 of them but missed the last one in midweek as the Watford keeper dived the same way - to his right- that Ross had sent every one. Forest's keeper, Lee Camp, dutifully did the same thing too but McCormack finally varied it and shot down the middle to take his season's tally into double figures.
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From that point, it was easy to forsee City would look to shut up shop and they did so despite losing Mark Kennedy and having to put Comminges on at left back. Forest were getting nowhere so brought on Earnie for the final 15 to an ovation all around the ground and a bigger one from City's fans than Forest's - hilarious to see him immediately ayatollah on request!
Earnie almost rescued it as he was one on one against Heaton but the keeper made an outstanding save to reach the shot across him and divert the ball over the bar while he stood firm as Earnie hit another effort thankfully close enough for him him to grab.
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So City go striding on and we headed home in party mood on the battlebus ... was my head sore all Sunday! Happy Daze!!
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I believe ours was the first coach to leave South Wales, we were on our way at 7:30 while others didn't go for more than 2 hours later. Tony had arranged a village pub in the quaint village of Gotham (yep, we had loads of Batman chants even though I believe it's pronounced "Go-Tham" and the locals get annoyed by visitors asking for the Batphone or where they can find the Batcave.
.
We settled into a good session and our group also moved onto another village pub. These were typical old school village pubs - no quiz machines, no fruit machines, no pool tables but they had dartboards and did serve ploughmans lunches.
.
Then it all became hazy and a blur although I did ring the world on the way home to tell them I loved them and ran out of battery long before getting back to Cardiff and I sang my heart out in support of City.
.
Cardiff were lucky. Even in my state, I recognised that but I always felt they would succeed and never felt Forest would score. Forest are now firmly rooted to the bottom and have gone 10 games without a win, City are up to 4th - one goal is usually enough against them and we had the nous to grab that and keep them out at the other end.
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City made one change recalling Joe Ledley after his hamstring absence in place of Whitts and lined up with Heaton; McNaughton-Johnson-Purse-Kennedy; Parry-Rae-McPhail-Ledley; Bothroyd-McCormack. Subs: Enckelman, Whittingham, E Johnson, Comminges, Gyepes
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FOREST: Camp, Perch, Lynch, Wilson, Morgan, Anderson, Fletcher, McGugan, Cohen, McCleary, Garner. Subs: Chambers, Tyson, Earnshaw, Davies, Thornhill. There was some pre-game hype about the girl Andy Cole wanting to exact revenge on Darren Purse after the pair were embroiled in an infamous incident at Burnley last season and Cole's subsequent hissyfit about wanting to face Purse one more time but he's not even good enough to get in their 16 and aftermatch reports emerged that he may be quitting the club and football altogether. Ah bless. Earnie, City's ex-hero Rob Earnshaw, was on the bench returning from injury.
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The crowd was 17,000 but more than 2,000 Bluebirds made all the noise and a terrific racket too. Post-game news was all about the vile chants of a section of Forest followers to Dave Jones from a personal viewpoint, I never even heard them as it was drowned by our singing.
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As for the game, Forest took the match to City and gave us a general run around but Heaton made two comfortable saves while other efforts were of the high, wide and ugly variety and it was City who had the best chance to score as a blocked cross fell perfectly for Jay Bothroyd in front of goal, his technique was excellent but his shooting didn't match it as he blazed wide of an inviting goal. Some reports laughably talked about Forest hitting the post and it was included in the stats count too but the player was offside and flagged before he shot.
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The second period saw Darren Purse limp out to be replaced by Gabor Gypes at last getting some action after signing from Northampton in August and he acquitted himself well. He played in a similar style to Purse and looks a very useful addition. Forest also made a change, bringing on one-time City target Nathan Tyson who created one chance that was blocked and fired just wide with another attacking towards the City end.
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However on 56 minutes, the breakthrough. A City attack was innocuous but as McPhail tried to beat a player inside the box, a poor lunge saw him caught and it was another penalty. Our 7th of the season already, I honestly cannot recall a time we have had so many but all were merited. ROSS McCORMACK stepped up having scored 6 of them but missed the last one in midweek as the Watford keeper dived the same way - to his right- that Ross had sent every one. Forest's keeper, Lee Camp, dutifully did the same thing too but McCormack finally varied it and shot down the middle to take his season's tally into double figures.
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From that point, it was easy to forsee City would look to shut up shop and they did so despite losing Mark Kennedy and having to put Comminges on at left back. Forest were getting nowhere so brought on Earnie for the final 15 to an ovation all around the ground and a bigger one from City's fans than Forest's - hilarious to see him immediately ayatollah on request!
Earnie almost rescued it as he was one on one against Heaton but the keeper made an outstanding save to reach the shot across him and divert the ball over the bar while he stood firm as Earnie hit another effort thankfully close enough for him him to grab.
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So City go striding on and we headed home in party mood on the battlebus ... was my head sore all Sunday! Happy Daze!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
TONIGHT'S CARDIFF CITY PHONE-IN with PHIL "Joe" DWYER
Just 24 hours after he was in the news once again for the wrong reasons off the pitch - a drink drive arrest - my all-time Cardiff City hero on the pitch, Joe Dwyer faced the questions and gave his opinions on the Cardiff City phone in.
Listen or download via the link below.
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Thursday, October 23, 2008
CARDIFF CITY - CURRENTLY AMONGST FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST UNDER-ACHIEVERS???
The Football Pools companies have released a report of who are the biggest over-achievers and under-achievers in the football leagues and declared Cardiff City as 81st out of the 92 clubs and 20th out of the 24 in the Championship.
Effectively, despite being at the top end of the Championship currently and in the F.A. Cup Final this year, we're declared as under-achievers.
The report can be seen here.
http://www.footballpools.com/football-fever/FootballFeverRep ort4.pdf
Each club has its own summary and Cardiff's makes for interesting reading;"When you compare 1992 with 2008, it's easy to assume that Cardiff City have over-achieved. In 1992 they finished 9th in the Fourth Division and had average gates of around 6,200. In 2008 the Bluebirds finished 12th in the Championship and reached the FA Cup Final. Average crowds were close to 14,000.But when you look at how much has been invested in the club in the past eight years, and the players they've signed (Hasselbaink and Robbie Fowler being just two), it's hard to avoid the conclusion that Cardiff City have, in fact, been among football's biggest under-achievers in recent times. The fans should probably expect more."
Each club has its own summary and Cardiff's makes for interesting reading;"When you compare 1992 with 2008, it's easy to assume that Cardiff City have over-achieved. In 1992 they finished 9th in the Fourth Division and had average gates of around 6,200. In 2008 the Bluebirds finished 12th in the Championship and reached the FA Cup Final. Average crowds were close to 14,000.But when you look at how much has been invested in the club in the past eight years, and the players they've signed (Hasselbaink and Robbie Fowler being just two), it's hard to avoid the conclusion that Cardiff City have, in fact, been among football's biggest under-achievers in recent times. The fans should probably expect more."
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At least those who accuse the fans of sometimes being over-realistic and that "we've never had it so good" - a regular defence mechanism from within the club when under fire - can see that this report verifies that's not the case at all.However it's a strange message to talk about "all the investment" when, for most of us I'm sure, we feel as if the club have significantly under-invested in the team in recent times.
CARDIFF CITY LEGEND EDWARDS PASSES AWAY
A Bluebirds legend, George Edwards, has passed away at the age of 87. He was uniquely both a player and director for Cardiff City whom, I'm fairly sure, appeared on the pitch just a few weeks ago as the club introduce former stars with this being the final year of Ninian Park life.
Sad to hear but a good life and good innings. Condolences to his friends and family.My parents knew him as he was a customer of theirs but they always talk about what a great player he was for City and how he was a true gent.
RIP George
Ex-Cardiff director Edwards dies
BBC Sport
Sad to hear but a good life and good innings. Condolences to his friends and family.My parents knew him as he was a customer of theirs but they always talk about what a great player he was for City and how he was a true gent.
RIP George
Ex-Cardiff director Edwards dies
BBC Sport
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Watford 2 Cardiff City 2 - how the media saw it
WalesOnline
WalesOnline
Sportinglife.com
Vitalfootball
ClubFanzine
Watford Observer
Sportbox
HE'S NOT REAL - SHOCK, HORROR, PROBE
Found this on a job website, what devastatng news.
Father Christmas
Job number
128138155
Posted
21/10/2008 (11:18)
Job type
Contract
Contract length
N/A
Salary/rate
£9/hour
Start date
22.11.08
Agency/Employer
Acorn
Location
Cardiff, Wales
Contact name
Pamela Owen
Ref no
006969
Telephone
02920 251000
Fax
01633 660001
Description
We have a a vacancy for 2 part time Father Christmas's to work in Santa's Grotto in Cardiff City Centre. You must have a Full CRB Check and available to work every weekend up till Christmas. You should have a friendly personality and be approachable.
Father Christmas
Job number
128138155
Posted
21/10/2008 (11:18)
Job type
Contract
Contract length
N/A
Salary/rate
£9/hour
Start date
22.11.08
Agency/Employer
Acorn
Location
Cardiff, Wales
Contact name
Pamela Owen
Ref no
006969
Telephone
02920 251000
Fax
01633 660001
Description
We have a a vacancy for 2 part time Father Christmas's to work in Santa's Grotto in Cardiff City Centre. You must have a Full CRB Check and available to work every weekend up till Christmas. You should have a friendly personality and be approachable.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Championship Game 12: WATFORD 2 CARDIFF CITY 2 (report)
CARDIFF CITY may still not have won at Watford's Vicarage Road for 35 years but tonight saw a point gained that felt like a victory as the boys fought back from a 2-0 half-time deficit and second half penalty miss to earn a 2-2 draw thanks to a Jay Bothroyd double in the final 20 minutes. This was a dramatic riposte to Watford, courtesy of hari kari defending, grabbing their goals in the opening 20 minutes but a turning point came as Watford's Priskin got a straight red card for throwing a hand in Darren Purse's face at a free-kick. City seem to be dealing in the world of strange football. All This immediately followed Coventry’s goal that never was, Blackpool’s last kick equaliser and Charlton’s 9 men
City were (surprise surprised) unchanged. There was paper talk of Joe Ledley possibly being involved but he has been saved and wasn't even on the bench. That gave us Heaton, McNaughton-Purse-Johnson-Kennedy; Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Parry; Bothroyd-McCormack. Subs were Enckleman-Blake-Comminges-Gypes-Eddie Johnson.
The Hornets are having a troubled season. Former Chairman/Owner recently criticised the Board who have put the club up for sale after £8M profit last season and sold players for £12M over summer without major investment in the team. On the field, their problems had been on the road as they had taken a solitary point from 5 aways but won 3-0 at Southampton at the weekend. At home, their record was 3 wins, a draw and a loss to Plymouth.
City, backed by 800 fans making all the noise (literally, all the noise listening to it on the radio), pressed and won a corner inside 20 seconds but were behind after 90 seconds from a Watford corner. City had chances to clear, failed to do so, Purse and Johnson apparently both left it and JONJO O’NEILL forced the ball home.
The worst start seemed to inspire City to take the game to Watford but they threatened and got sloppy in equal measures, failing to test the home keeper and then it was double-disaster as it became 2-0 on 18 minutes thanks to comedy defending. A simple route one ball wide saw McNaughton miss its flight, the lively Hoskins tamely helped it on but Darren Purse stick a boot out and diverted the ball past Heaton. It should be an own goals by rights but it has been credited to HOSKINS.
Watford won 3-0 at Southampton with all the goals in the first half last weekend and must have been wondering if they were on for more of the same as they won a dangerous edge of area free-kick but Priskin foolishly elbowed Purse and players lined up, the linesman saw it and after consultation with the ref, he received a straight red card. It became one way traffic but City going round in circles, that all too familiar story of a lack of telling moments in front of goal.
City ended the first half almost reducing the deficit as Roger Johnson brought the best out of Hornets keeper Lee but doesn’t it just sum up City that a half of possession and pressure produced just one meaningful effort on goal. At the start of the 2nd half, City came close again as a dipping McPhail volley had Lee beaten but flashed narrowly wide, the home side restarting minus their captain who was subbed, presumably due to injury.
On the hour, hope arrived and then a choker as City won a penalty, a potential major turning point, when Whittingham was brought down by a defender. McCormack spotted the ball aiming to score his 10th of the season but agonised as Richard Lee, who saved 2 penalties last weekend, made a superb stop which was compounded by Whittingham putting the rebound wide. Lee then produced an astonishing save for the second time from Roger Johnson on the third of four successive corner kicks won and Whittingham then put a free header over from a Parry cross.
As that chance was missed, Dave Jones made his first change as Eddie Johnson, of all people, was introduced for Whitts (injury or tactical?) as City went 4-3-3 with McCormack pushed wide.
On 71 minutes, Cardiff finally grabbed the lifeline and the way Lee was playing, it was no surprise that it was a fluke. McPhail found BOTHROYD, he advanced and drove from outside the box but it needed the help of Eustace whose stretched leg deflected the ball up and over his helpless keeper and joy became double joy as a Parry corner was helped on by Johnson
With 7 minutes remaining, City had their closest moment yet to going ahead as McCormack skinned a defender and found Bothroyd who hit a post for what would have been a hat-trick as City won another barrage of corners taking their 2nd half corner count to 11. McCormack going close with one of them but that was their final assault and it was the home side who had the final say, Heaton saving from Harley.
The result saw City drop a place to 5th at the top end of 10 clubs separated by just 2 points. Watford, in 16th, are 4 points adrift. Next up is a visit to bottom of the Championship Nottingham Forest on Saturday. I'm sure that won't be easy but they have to go looking for 3 points.
AARON RAMSEY SCORES IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, GLENN LOOVENS DOESN'T
Two ex- Cardiff City stars, who both featured in the F.A. Cup Final for us, had contrasting fortunes in the Champions League as Glenn Loovens and Aaron Ramsey, collectively sold for £7.5M this summer, appeared for their new clubs.
Aaron Ramsey, scoring of a stunning goal for Wales Under 21's vs England last midweek, came on as a late sub in Arsenal's equally stunning 5-2 success against Fenerbace in Turkey, Rambo neeting the final goal with a sweet shot off the post.
Glenn Loovens, who has scored 2 already in his limited Celtic appearences, played in their Championships League game at Old Trafford against Manchester United due to injury of their skippe, Cladwell, but Celtic were outclassed while Loovens struggled too and got a yellow card as United powered home 3-0 and it could have been more.
Still, well done to both. I wish they were both still with City but you can't deny it is career progression.
Monday, October 20, 2008
TONIGHT'S CARDIFF CITY PHONE-IN
Use the link below to listen to, or download, the latest GTFM Cardiff City phone in show. As well as reviewing the weekend victory over Charlton Athletic, special guest was Olympic Silver Medalist, Swimmer and Bluebirds devotee David Davies.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Championship Game 11: CARDIFF CITY 2 CHARLTON ATHLETIC 0 match report
A quarter of the season gone and Cardiff City find themselves in their best position yet, upto 4th spot, after Charlton Athletic self-destructed at Ninian Park in the strangest of games. 2-0 it was, City's biggest win of the season, thanks to a Ross McCormack double. That took his season's tally to 9 - a figure which coincided with the number of players Charlton had the final quarter of the game after two were sent off compounding their sloppiness as a goalkeeping gaffe set up McCormack's opener while his 2nd came after their men jumped out of the way and over his free-kick.City should have undoubtedly scored more but facing those 9 men, they dropped the pace and strolled about to ensure the win - negative tactics which made for frustrating viewing but Dave Jones muttering something about a previous experience of his at Southampton when 9 man opponents equalised against his side. The odds of a repeat were similar to mine of pulling Cameron Diaz. Some will call it being professional, others will acknowledge it was job done and well done but argue it highlights the one dimensional, dourness and sterile tactics of DJ's set up. That latter group certainly includes me.
A fortnight's break was a blessing for City. Varying injuries and non-selections meant only Comminges was away on senior international duty with Guadeloupe where he helped them qualify for the Caribbean Cup meaning he will also be absent most of December until the Xmas period. Youngsters Heaton, Blake and Brown were part of that thrilling England v Wales Under 21 play-off but the 'holiday' meant the likes of McNaughton, Rae, McPhail and Kennedy could complete recoveries while another boost came as Tony Capaldi and Riccy Scimeca returned to full-time training after lengthy absences. The only absentee was Joe Ledley whose hamstring problem means he's likely to miss more games post-Charlton.
City's side really selected itself. We know who Dave Jones favours and realise the squad is too small with few genuine options and challenges at present so it was Heaton, McNaughton-Purse-Johnson-Kennedy; Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Parry; Bothroyd-McCormack. Subs were Enckleman-Blake-Comminges-Gypes-Eddie Johnson.
The Sarf Londoners of Charlton have made an unconvincing start to the season but hoped for repeat success against City having got a double last term (their 3-0 and 2-0 successes both ranked amongst City's worst displays of that season and put real pressure on Dave Jones). They visited having lost half their 10 games compared to 1 by Cardiff but just 2 points behind. However their poor away form extended, this latest defeat making it 4 out of 6 on the road. It must now put pressure on their under-performing side and boss, Alan Pardew, particularly with heightened talk of a Dubai consortium takeover.
They started with a 4-4-1-1 system which altered to 4-5-1 as City attacked featuring Weaver, Youga- Hudson-Primus-Cranie; Bailey-Holland-Ambrose-Bouazza; Gray; Varney.
And so to the game on a mild mid-October grey afternoon which started in light drizzle giving a greasy suface where the crowd looked below par but then filled as the game started to 17,310 with just 400 or so travelling in support of the Addicks. These who were present from London would have had genuine hopes as the game started very open with Charlton showing a touch more flair and having the better of it in the centre of the park where Bouazza was shading out Paul Parry as the liveliest performer early on and it wasn't just because of his garish green boots.
City had early openings and carried a threat but never turned them into efforts on goal while Charlton, playing in white and black instead of their traditional red, really should have gone ahead around 10 minutes as that man Bouazza 'skinned' Mark Kennedy and sent a ball to the far post where Luke Varney was left alone completely unmarked but our first piece of luck as he stumbled and that was enough to give Heaton that fraction of time to get out and smother the eventual shot. Before that, Holland and Bouazza went close while Roger Johnson had to be at his best to cut out Varney as he threatened to burst through. Bothroyd decided 10 minutes into the game that he was wearing the wrong boots so changed them and was off pitch for a while, isn't that what the warm up is supposed to decide?
However after Parry and McCormack were blocked as they tried to charge behind Charlton's defence in various attacks but I particularly enjoyed Bothroyd's effort which skied onto the Canton Stand roof, caught a kerb as it landed pitchside, bounced into the Canton Stand and then ricocheted off seating back onto the pitch. How's that's for a trick shot?
The break City needed came on 18 minutes as they moved forward where McPhail teed up Whittingham. His angled shot from 25 yards was straight at Weaver but skidded on the greasy top, the experienced keeper should have done far better than parry it straight back out but it was fantastic awareness by McCORMACK to be first onto it at an angle and his finish was sublime rolling the ball across the prostrate keeper into his far corner when he must have expected it to go the other side. A classy piece of skill and finishing by a very classy player who deserves a far better chant than the bog standard do-do-do-do Ross McCormack one that we also use for Roger Johnson. C'mon singers of the City, show some originality!
The goal settled Cardiff who proceeded to play some good pass and move football without getting close to adding a second although Whittingham's fierce volley which smashed Bailey full on the forehead and sent him sprawling backwards onto the deck as if he'd been caught by Joe Calzaghe was highly entertaining while McPhail and McCormack volleyed wide with spectacular efforts.
Half-time: Cardiff City 1 Charlton Athletic 0
Once the half-time show was out of the way (a first half video rewind, a kids game, more kids trying to score from corner-kicks, Olympic swimming medallists and City fans David Davies and David Roberts with their coach getting a standing ovation plus Cardiff City former stars Phil 'Joe' Dwyer (still my hero) and Richie Morgan saying a few indecipherable words over the p.a., we were back to the action. (Thanks to Ali by the way for the half-time birthday request for my nephews)
Charlton made a sub as Simedo replaced Cranie but within 5 minutes, he was back in the dressing room with a straight red card and the most controversial of incidents. Bothroyd flicked on well, McCormack chased through and went down for what looked like a clear penalty. However, ref Friend (who was nobody's Friend today) decided it was a couple of inches outside the box which looked completely wrong. Having wronged us however, he then decided to make two wrongs into a right as he showed a straight red to Simedo for his lunge but with another player close by, was he really the last defender?
If City felt aggrieved by free-kick instead of spot kick, it eventually didn't really matter as McCORMACK hit his shot low, Charlton's wall disintegrated and Weaver was static as the ball flew inside his near post instead of being blocked to effectively make it game over.
That was his 9th of the season, we look set to be eating our words that we didn't have a 20 goal striker as the wee man is getting better and better. He's exciting to watch and is, thankfully, spending more time in and around the box. Those who commented he wouldn't have been in position to net the rebound for his first goal a few weeks ago certainly have a point. The worry now is that, similar to when Chopra was here, there is nobody who is going to weigh in with another decent return to back it up. As well as Bothroyd played and worked hard, he doesn't get enough shots away and never seems to be on the end of anything in the box.
Linvoy Primus who looked a veteran defender today, vintage = slow and sluggish, could have hauled Charlton back into it but he fluffed a far post free header but if it wasn't already game over, it certainly was as his fellow centre back Mark Hudson got himself 2 yellow cards in 2 minutes for catching Parry then Bothroyd as they turned and got away from him but neither in dangerous positions making his challenges silly even if the overall red card was harsh.
Playing against 9 minutes for the final 23 minutes (plus 5 minutes of added time), it really should have set City up for a storming finish and a much needed goal difference boost even if it is debatable whether that should matter after 46 games but they infuriatingly dropped a gear and never really hurt their opponents. Inexplicably, they never kept 2 men hugging the wide touchlines to spread play as Parry and Whittingham continually came inside nor did Dave Jones take the opportunity to give someone like Darcy Blake a deserved run out in midfield. It also made sense to rest a couple really with 3 more key Championship games coming up in 10 days but what do we know eh? Instead, DJ waited until 5 minutes left to give Comminges a small run and added time for Eddie Johnson to come on. The fact he refused to use a Premiership striker being paid silly money by City any game time is a damning indictment on Johnson himself as well as Jones and the club for bringing him in.
City mustered a couple of shots only - Whittingham and McPhail blocked, Bothroyd hitting the side netting after doing the hard work and Rae rolling a shot wide clear on goal moments before matchday sponsors The Echo picked him out as City's man of the match to the collective groan of 17,000 people (The Echo have a habit of making a silly choice when they sponsor a game). They largely bored us into chatter amongst ourselves, watching in disbelieving silence or seeing enough and heading home early or to the pubs. In fact, it was Charlton who came closest of all to scoring as Gray danced around McNaughton in the box, cut back and it was a superb Whittingham intervention that denied Holland slotting into what was an open goal.
A poor effort indeed - as I say, some call that doing a professional job. Largely those, who feel it's negative and disloyal to point out that final quarter was complete tosh.
However good and acceptable win. We were doing the business 11 v 11 anyway and I always felt we would have won without the red cards as we were in the ascendency before that started. Everyone played their part but I thought Purse looked peerless at the back - the guy has taken enough criticism over the past year or two so let's give credit and praise where due - while McCormack creates a buzz every time he has the ball (he must be miffed by our ending as a hat-trick was there for the taking). Bothroyd showed his class several times and for a player with a past reputation for laziness, you have to admire his work-rate and effort for City but he needs to get efforts on goal, this was another game where he didn't manage any. If it were not for SuperMac's goals and skills, then you'd have to give Whitts a shoe-in for what was probably his best 90 minutes all season for City. Not flitting in and out of the game, he was heavily involved and is such a class act when on song.
The league table looks very pleasing and, let's hope, this marks a period where City turn too many draws early season into a few wins instead. Those next 3 games (Watford and Forest away followed by Blackpool at home Tuesday week) certainly offer a great opportunity for City to cement their current lofty status - if you mean business, grab it lads.
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