Players loosely link with City ... very loosely

More talk of another player linked with Cardiff City who are pushing for promotion, with one eye on the Premiership it could be good to start eyeing up new blood, but if boss Dave Jones was to say be interested in Brighton striker Glen Murray, I would be worried. Maybe the Cardiff manager knows something we do not no, Champoinship again next season?

If it was true why would Murray with a eye to his further and a big pay-day decline the approach, if one was ever made and stick with Brighton, who look to be going on there way down to life in League Two. Brighton fans must be dancing around their breakfast tables this morning with the news of this loyal player.

I think I have a line on this story, a fishing line that is, could he be up for contract talks in the next week or so, could be putting out feelers for a new club.

They are a lot of worried players out there the credit crunch will hit football hard come the summer, from top to bottom. If I was a player looking to my further something would have to be done has the Players Union are forecasting the biggest number of players unemployed ever this summer with clubs downsizing their squads.

The best shopping for players will be that the end of the season.

Also been linked with the City is Linfield keeper Alan Mannus and in a fight with rivals Swansea for him just to give the story a bid of a kick to it. All these stories are rated boring, even Cardiff boss Dave Jones said there will be no more signing until the summer.

Cardiff players on International duties

Wales 0 - 2 Finland
Joe Ledley started the game and was subbed after 71 minutes

Netherlands 3 - 0 Scotland
Ross McCormack he played the full 90 minutes

Albania 0 - 1 Hungary
Gabor Gyepes did not make the starting line-up or the bench

El Salvador 2 - 2 United States
Eddie Johnson did not make the starting line-up or the bench

Northern Ireland 3 - 2 Poland
Warren Feeney a Cardiff City player on loan to Dundee United scored opening goal subbed in the 83 minute

Sunday papers snippits

Cardiff City are to hand Riccy Scimeca a new deal to keep him at the club. – News of the World

Bluebirds defender Darren Purse will delay a operation on his nose to help Cardiff’s push for promotion. – News of the World

Peter Ridsdale plan’s to open talks with Aston Villa about a permanent move for loan goalkeeper Stuart Taylor. The chairman said, “We’d love to keep Stuart here.
“There are issues to resolve, but his Villa contract is up this summer, and he tells us he wants to stay.” – News of the World

Trialists impress City boss

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones was more than happy with the two trialists Daniel Kolar and Steven Smith at Penydarren Park last night and Kolar even scored one of the goals and played a part in setting up two others during the first half.

They both played the full 90 minutes and with both going back to their clubs, fans at the game were impressed with the young striker from the Czech Republic, with some corsion because of the compertition with it not bing Champoinship quialty. Has for Rangers defender Smith he had a good game at the back and Dave Jones will have them watched for the rest of the season.

The City boss told the press, “Both are technically sound and did well.
“It was well worthwhile seeing them over 90 minutes like this and we will assess them over the rest of the season.”
“It was a good workout and we were delighted to help Merthyr.
“We hope their players are paid their lost wages from the money raised.
“That’s partly why we took such a strong side to Merthyr.”

Ranger’s player plays at Merthyr

Cardiff City have another trialists has been added to the squad for the Merthyr Tydfil friendly tonight with Rangers left-back Steven Smith joining up with the Bluebirds. They, Steven Smith Daniel Kolar and Steven Smith have been given permission to play because the game is a charity match.

Smith only 23 is a close friend of Chris Burke and has had indifferent career since with Rangers in and out of the team he signed a professional contract in June 2002 but it was not until 2005-06 when he establish himself in the first team. He also made his European Champions League and signed a two-year contract extension.

However, a recurring pelvic problem and a hernia operation left him on the sidelines for a year, Rangers hoped to loan him out in January to gain some first team football but he stayed at Rangers.

So, so at the appeals

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones got only one wish today after top scorer Ross McCormack had his red card against Sheffield United rescinded today by the FAW, meaning he will be available for the breakfast time kick-off in 12 days time. Before that, he will be hoping to get into the starting line up for Scotland.

Cardiff were unluckily with defender Gabor Gyepes he was given a one match ban, Gyepes has linked up with the Hungarian national team where if picked he with face an away game with Albania after home to Malta.

Trialists training with Cardiff and Merthyr

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones promised to field a strong line-up for the friendly against Merthyr Wednesday night (7.45 Kick-off) in this charity match to raise funds to help the financial strapped Welsh club.

Cardiff were hoping to have up to three trialists in the squad for the game according to earlier press reports two from Czech Republic and a goalkeeper from Austria. If the story is true or not on the numbers one was named today, Daniel Kolar.

The young Czech Republic Under-21 striker started his carrer with Sparta Prague he currently plays for Czech club FC Viktoria Plzen he jioned up with the Bluebirds for a week. He is hoping to impresses the City boss while he is here.

Expected to play at Merthyr are the likes of captain Darren Purse, Riccy Scimeca, Peter Whittingham, Steve McPhail and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie all featuring with the money raised going to paying some of the players wages and also covering some pending debts.

Jones said, “Every expense will be covered by this football club.
“We are fortunate to be in the position to help out Merthyr Tydfil Football Club and we hope that what is raised will be put to good use.
“We play them in most pre-seasons and have an excellent relationship with them, so we hope it is a memorable evening.
“All the players will be up for autographs and I will be treating the game as one that keeps the players ticking over for the Championship run-in.
“With the double sending off over the weekend, it just goes to show how opportunities suddenly appear.
“So we must be prepared and keep players ticking over. This game is in the international break and is an ideal run out for us.
“I hope the City fans will support a fellow Welsh club and hopefully Merthyr will sort themselves out in the long run.”

Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for under-16s.

City to appeal

It had to be done Cardiff City are to lodge an appeal against the red cards shown to Gabor Gyepes and Ross McCormack in the Sheffield United game Sunday. City boss Dave Jones had better hope that the Compliance Department at the FAW overturns the decisions of referee Paul Taylor controversial judgment. Both could face three-match bans, which could harm Cardiff chances of reaching the play-off. Darren Purse had his red card overturned back in November so there could be a glimmer of hope.

Cardiff manager Dave Jones confirmed last night and said, “We will appeal against both.
“Almost 18,000 spectators voiced their opinion on the red card decisions – and they did it well.”
“The Sheffield United lad checked his run because the ball stuck between his feet.
“Gabor kicked the ball away cleanly and both players tumbled over.
“If the referee had taken time to consult his linesman, he might have made a different decision.”

In addition, about the striker Ross McCormack sending off Jones said: “There is no way Ross should have been sent off – his arms weren’t raised.
“The referee was quick to flourish his red card.
“But I am totally confused as to what is a yellow-card offence and what is a red-card offence.
“There wasn’t a nasty tackle in the match and yet two players were sent off and a number booked.”

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell described the sending off’s “harsh.”

Has for defender Gabor Gyepes it was his first career and denounced it has “crazy” saying, “I had the ball, everybody can see that.
“I’m always honest and it was a great tackle, the ball goes off in the other direction, but the referee did not see that.
“Even Henderson got up and told Jay Bothroyd that he thought it was not a penalty.
“I just can’t understand it.
“I took the ball away from Henderson and the ref gives a penalty – it’s crazy.
“I’ve never been sent off in my life, so I can’t understand how this has happened.
“How the referee can make a decision like that from the halfway line I don’t know.
“The referee killed the game and the club will be appealing on my behalf.”

Picture of a card happy ref

Paul Taylor the 'CARD HAPPY ref
SEE HIS STATS

Match Reports - Cardiff City v Sheffield United

Sheffield United take advantage of Cardiff's two red cards – Telegraph Online

Mothering Sunday is a day about cards and fittingly referee Paul Taylor produced plenty of his own. There were no messages of love or lines of saccharine poetry, though, but two the colour of red in the opening half-hour of a game, the result of which will probably end any chance of Cardiff finishing in the top two this season. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Two red cards and three goals – Guardian Online

Like a nagging injury that just refuses to heal, so the shadow of Carlos Tevez continues to hang over Sheffield United. Last week should have been about focusing minds for the run up the final straight, starting out in the Welsh capital against a Cardiff City side level pegging on 63 points. Instead the ghost of two seasons past has once again reared its ugly head leading to the bizarre spectacle of a relegation dogfight from the past making headlines over a present-day tussle for promotion. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

No home comfort for Cardiff's angry Dave Jones - Times Online

Dave Jones, the Cardiff City manager, was left incandescent with rage after witnessing his team suffer only their third home league defeat of the season. Goals from David Cotterill, Jamie Ward and Stephen Quinn enabled Sheffield United to cruise to a comfortable victory even they could not have expected on a controversial afternoon. The win lifted Kevin Blackwell’s side to fourth place in the Coca-Cola Championship and leaves Cardiff trailing two places behind. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Match Report from the Daily Mail >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

United hammer nine-man Cardiff – The Sheffield Star

Cardiff had two players sent off in a nightmare first half for the Welsh as Championship promotion rivals Sheffield United cantered to victory at Ninian Park. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Blackwell pleased as Blades take advantage of dual exit – Yorkshire Post

Sheffield United scored through David Cotterill, Jamie Ward and Stephen Quinn to take full advantage of Cardiff being reduced to nine men for an hour. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Manager's Reactions - Cardiff City v Sheffield United

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones said:

"The game was over when he sent off our second man but it's difficult because I'm totally confused what should be a yellow card as he was banishing them around as if it was yellow card day.

"Someone needs to have a look at it because it spoilt what would have been a really good contest.

"I'll give the referee a little bit of leeway with the penalty because he has got to make a decision but the linesman hasn't given it and Gabor got a touch but I would have been disappointed if I had not have got it.

"The second red was an absolute joke because Ross is holding his ground. There referee said he had a look at the player and smashed him with his forearm. We have watched it from every angle and that has not happened.

"But I thought that the remaining nine men were magnificent as were the crowd."

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell said:

"It was a good game although there were strange decisions.
"I am always happy when I come away from home and win.

"You have to accept these decisions and just get on with it but I thought both red cards looked harsh to me.

"When you are one on one in the box you are always likely to see a red card but McCormack was right in front of me when he was sent off and I honestly don't know why he was dismissed.

"I told the players at half-time that we had to be professional and I was pleased we scored again so early in the second half."

No, No, No

The large crowd at Ninian Park were present to watch one of the craziest first half seen at Ninian Park in many a year. Cardiff started the game with eleven players on the pitch, but just after thirty minutes of play, they were down to nine men and conceded a goal, the game was dead now for the Bluebirds.

The madness started with defender Gabor Gyepes concedes a penalty for a foul on Darius Henderson. The referee Paul Taylor shows him the red card for hauling down the player. Local boy David Cotterill stepped up for Sheffield United and slotted home a well-placed penalty. The Cardiff City boss had to reorganise his team and took off striker Michael Chopra to replace him with defender Miguel Comminges.

Boss Dave Jones made another change on thirty minutes taking off Chris Burke and on went Stephen McPhail and minute’s later Cardiff were down to nine players with the ref sent off top scorer Ross McCormack for an alleged elbow on Kyle Naughton.

The game was now over for Cardiff with little chance of a comeback now the worrying problem now is what will the red cards cost the club. Were a direct red card is shown the player normally faces a one, two or three-match ban depending on the offence.

Oh, yes the visitors won

Saturday 21st Championship top of the teable round-up

Wolves pull away from the rest of the chasing pack with a 1-0 win away to Nottingham Forest in the battle for promotion. Allow the game was reported to have been report has a poor encounter, Forest never looked like levelling the game.

While Wolves were winning Birmingham were dropping points at home to lowly Norwich who a week or so dented Cardiff promotion hopes with a 2-0 victory. It’s normal these days for the Midlands club to be booed off at the end and the fan pile on the pressure on the board, management and players.

Third place Reading had the late kick-off against Crystal Palace with the game being live on Sky Sports which ended 0-0 as they slip up again and now they have only win once in the last five games, raking in only six points.

With third and fourth place Cardiff City and Sheffield United not playing until tomorrow, it was a chance for some of the teams below to take the advantage and put pressure on them. Burnley jumped into the top six with a 2-1 win over Plymouth making it four wins in the last five games, drawing the other. Seven place Preston could only manage a 0-0 draw at bottom club Charlton while eight-placed Bristol City were also away from home and lost 2-1 to Londoners QPR.

Swansea look to be in freefall picking up five points from the last five games and our neighbours from down the road could only draw 0-0 with Sheffield Wednesday rivals of our opponent tomorrow.

New Stadium Named

'THE CARDIFF CITY STADIUM'

The Cardiff City board have finally named the new stadium and announced the stand will be called the Grange End, Canton Stand and the Grandstand while the Bob Bank will be renamed the Ninian Stand.

This is good news for many Cardiff City fans because they felt the football connection would be deluded because of the ground was to be shared by rugby club The Blues who are tenants. Fans were unhappy when only the word Cardiff was marked out in the blue seats in white. Fans thought it was just the start of the grand appeasement towards rugby club who are renting the ground, be today we see Cardiff City in the forefront.

A sponsor is still being sort for the stadium and will keep the name ‘Cardiff City Stadium’ in the title for example, ‘The Tesco Cardiff City Stadium’ that doesn’t bother me, as I will always call in The Cardiff City Stadium.

There could be a major backlash from the rugby fans of the Blues or the ‘Tenants’ I call them but Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale said, At the reception area it will read –“The home of Cardiff City Football Club and Cardiff Blues”

Story Sourced South Wales Echo

Match Reports - Cardiff City v Watford

Ross McCormack penalty keeps Cardiff City promotion hopes alive – Times Online

Games in hand can be a valuable commodity if taken full advantage of and Cardiff City managed that — just — against Watford in the Coca-Cola Championship at Ninian Park last night. The Welsh club can thank Lady Luck for playing her part, too. FOLLOW LINK

Ross McCormack keeps cool to deliver three points for Cardiff City - Wales Online (Western Mail)

LATE, late drama at Ninian Park handed Cardiff City a precious victory which keeps their Premiership promotion push very much on track.

This encounter looked to be heading to a frustrating draw for the Bluebirds when deep into added time Watford’s Ross Jenkins handled the ball on the line and the referee pointed at the spot. FOLLOW LINK

City win

Well Cardiff City got there three points but how late was that, a penalty in the last seconds of the four minutes added on slotted home Ross McCormack. It took another three minute to kick-off because of the Watford players were arguing with the ref. When the game finally restarted, it was so late the Watford players who only kicked the ball off the spot before the ref blow up for the end of the game. The points massive boost to our promotion hopes and put the Bluebirds up to fifth level points with fourth place Sheffield United with the same goal different and a game in hand of them.

Watford drew first blood in the tenth minute when former Bluebird Jobi McAnuff was brought down in the penalty area by Stephen McPhail resulting in a 1-0 lead. However, they didn’t have long to settle into their lead because in the Fourteenth minute it was all square. Jay Bothroyd had proved his fitness and squared the up with a well-taken strike.

Cardiff started to take the game to the visitors but found them hard to crack the in-form Watford who have not lost a game in the last seven. Cardiff had the better chances throughout the first half with Joe Ledley, Jay Bothroyd, and Ross McCormack coming close.

At the start of the second half, Peter Whittingham came on for Paul Parry and City took off where they started in the end of the first half looking to break down the Watford defence. The closes to a good attempt on goal was a header that when wide from Roger Jones. With around twenty minute to go Cardiff City boss throw on Michael Chopra in a bit to find the winning goal. The goal did come and the three points banked.

Cardiff City 2-1 Watford

Stuart Taylor, McNaughton, Gyepes, Roger Johnson, Capaldi, Parry (Whittingham 46), McPhail, Ledley, Burke (Chopra 74), Bothroyd, McCormack.
Subs Not Used: Rae, Eddie Johnson, Kennedy.

The Ninian Park roar

With four home games on the bounce Cardiff City player Peter Whittingham is calling on the fans to play their part in the promotion push. He calling on the fans to get behind the team, most fans and players from other clubs thinks Ninian Park is one of the most intimidating grounds in the Football League

“The home fans' singing scared everybody to do with Leeds to death. The volume was unbelievable. Robbie Fowler told me afterwards that he was shitting himself throughout the match” Kelly Jones of Stereophonics Leeds fan after the 2002 FA Cup game

"It has been proven time and again that Ninian Park's atmosphere wins Cardiff big games," Ex Cardiff City player Jason Perry said before the Arsenal FA Cup game 09.

I don’t think the fans will need much to show their support to the lads if they do it on the field, the fans will do their bit in the stands.

International call up’s

World Cup qualifying around the corner means a number of the clubs players jetting around Europe with their respective national teams. For Joe Ledley there will be no travel because both Wales game are that home in Cardiff and he will be training at the Vale to, so the only change really, will be a different boss barking out orders.

Other’s on the international call up list are Gavin Rae and Ross McCormack named in the Scotland squad to play Holland away and Iceland home. Cardiff have also a number of it’s younger players in under 21 squad, Darcy Blake who just had a few first team games but picked up an injury. Defender Aaron Morris who has yet start a game and striker Jonathan Brown who was loan out for a month to Wrexham get some expereance and was done they asked to loan him for the rest of the season.

Another Cardiff City player has got the call but he doesn’t actually play the City at’s Wagen Feeney on loan at Dundee United. He has the call-up to the Northern Ireland squad.

Club v Country again

The old club v country chestnut has reared its ugly head if you believe the report’s in today’s local press with Dave Jones looking to protect Joe Ledley.

Dave Jones it is alleged wants Welsh manager John Toshack to not push his player too hard when he is on international duty. You can see is point Ledley played Sunday at Bristol City and should be in the squad tonight at Ninian Park when Watford visit and only after a few day back on the pitch Sunday for the big top of the table clash at home Sheffield United. After the Sheffield, he then has to join up with the Welsh squad for two important World Cup qualifying games Finland Wednesday 28th and Germany on the 1st April one hell of a schedule. He will then be back hopefully fully fit for because the following Sunday it is the big South Wales derby City v Swansea.

I can see Toshack playing it softy, softly the games are too important to the Welsh team and with such a small player pool, he will want to play his best team and Ledley is in that category and will play.

Honestly, I do not care about Toshack problems I have always been Cardiff City first and if it was a choice of Wales qualify for the World Cup or Cardiff promoted to the Premiership, club wins without trouble.
Dave Jones speaking on the subject said, “I’ll be letting John Toshack know Joe has played a lot of football in a short space of time.
“Yes, he is a much-needed member of the Welsh team, but he has two matches before he joins up with the national squad.
“Wales have two big matches coming up, but we have big games coming up too. My priority is Cardiff City.
“Certainly, Joe needs to be monitored closely and I would appreciate it if John and his team look at that situation.
“A tired player, no matter how influential, is not as good as a fresh one.
“I also understand the predicament of the national team manager with these matches coming up and I know Joe will want to play every game he can.
“But I want the manager to be aware he has played a lot of matches already and there are a lot more to come.”
It is not the first time the two managers have clashed they had a heated exchange of words at Cardiff’s Vale of Glamorgan training headquarters after Bluebirds winger Paul Parry retired from international football. There was also a little spat surrounding the friendlily against Brazil in September 2006 after Toshack played Joe Ledley while carrying a toe infection.
It is normal for international managers to have to fight it out with a club over a play.

Tuseday night’s results

It turned out to be a ok night for the Bluebirds except for the Reading result which was a bit of a let down. After the win Reading are seven points ahead and have one game in hand left.

Barnsley 3-1 Crystal Palace
Doncaster 0-1 Reading
Ipswich 1-1 Burnley
QPR 1-0 Swansea

Burnley pick only a point was fortunate for Cardiff it was the only game in hand it’s the same with Swansea they wasted their game in hand losing at QPR. It’s down to the City players to do the business home to Watford and get the three points in the bag. Counting the Watford game Cardiff have three games in hand on all the teams above them expect for Sheffield United who still have one game in hand themselves over teams around them. See table >>>>>>

Big night tonight

It is a big night for Cardiff City and they are not playing, there game is tomorrow at Ninian Park against Watford. Three teams around Cardiff, Reading who will go seven points ahead of City, Burnley will put ahead of the City if they win and Swansea will draw level if they won. All Cardiff fans will be praying for the three to lose, I know I will if that was to happen then a win tomorrow would see Cardiff back into the play-off places and back on track.

Bluebirds manager Dave Jones has a lot to ponder over one is who will start up front Jay Bothroyd started against Bristol City but didn’t last the full game and was replaced by Eddie Johnson who later linked up Ross McCormack to help City pick-up a point. Boss Dave Jones wants Bothroyd to prove himself match fit for Watford and he will be able to tell more after seeing him train. McCormack would be hoping his performance against Bristol would have won him the place up front.

Tonight’s games
Barnsley v Crystal Palace
Doncaster v Reading
Ipswich v Burnley
QPR v Swansea

Match Reports - Bristol City 1-1 Cardiff City

Adriano Basso gifts Cardiff City luck of the draw – The Telegraph

For those that have had to buy new shirts after a week at the Cheltenham Festival, this was a match with a banker result. Bristol City have drawn more games at home than any other team in the Championship while Cardiff have had more stalemates on the road than any other. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Cardiff rescue a point from worst of times for Basso – The Guardian

A tale of two cities became the story of two goalkeepers as yesterday's Anglo-Welsh "derby" delivered a dramatic twist in the Ashton Gate sunshine. Stuart Taylor, who enjoyed a fine debut for Cardiff, looked set to finish on the losing side until Adriano Basso's late fumble cost Bristol City dear. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Daily Mail Match Report >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Adriano Basso blunder costs Gary Johnson and Bristol City dear – The Times

Brazilian footballers are heralded the world over and included in most fantasy XIs. At least the outfield players. Yet try to name a renowned goalkeeper from the vast South American country and the well appears dry. Heurelho Gomes, of Tottenham Hotspur, anyone? >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Late Cardiff equaliser is a blow for Bristol City – Bristol Evening Post

Ross McCormack dealt a hammer blow to City's play-off ambitions at Ashton Gate. Leading through Nicky Maynard's stunning 71st minute strike, the Robins looked set to regain their place in the Coca-Cola Championship's top six. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

God landed in Australia to take up his residence at his retirement club North Queensland Fury

Icon Fowler who was briefly at Ninian Park only to turn his back on Cardiff City to join up with a old mate at Blackburn touched Down Under today. The folk of Townsville came out in numbers to salute his arrival he told the local press, "It's a brand new team and a brand new squad that the manager's got together so obviously I'm really excited to be a part of it.

"The fact that I can come here and play football in a lovely part of the world is a little bit special.

"But you obviously want to come here and do well for football reasons."

"The manager's got together a good squad.

"I've never sort of met any of them as individuals but I do know of the majority of the squad.

"Most of them have played in the A-League anyway so it should be an interesting time here."

A decision on the captaincy at the Fury has not yet been decided, "To be fair it's not something that I've thought about to be honest," he said.

"Obviously I want to come here over and play football full-stop, captaincy or whatever, I've not thought too much about it.

"Primarily I want to do well for myself and do well for the team and if that means getting involved in other aspects for the Fury then I'm all for it."

He declared himself 100 per cent fit and will hit the field full of running when pre-season training officially starts on April 1, "I feel good, obviously I've not played as many games as I would have liked lately but that puts me in good stead I think," he said.

"I've kept myself fit so as long as I'm ready for pre-season training and the start of the season then I'm happy with that."

Managers Reaction - Bristol City v Cardiff City

Cardiff boss Dave Jones said after the game “It was a good point for us and I thought a draw was a fair result as we shaded the first-half in terms of chances and they shaded the second-half.

"Our goal was a bad goal to give away and I'm sure Gary will be saying the same about their goal.

"It is important to be back in the top six as we've been there for a long time now, we've got to keep digging deep and keep the players fresh."

"Every game we play is a big game at this time of the season. I don't distinguish between playing at Bristol or at Norwich as any different.
"I think it is more something for the fans as a local rivalry across the bridge.
"It doesn't affect us. We know we are going to play a side that are good at home. However, we have been doing well ourselves. We are trying to approach it in that manner."

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson after match comments, "There are a few disappointed players in our dressing room as we don't like being 1-0 up and losing a goal in the final two minutes.

"We gave away a couple of free-kicks which we should not have done as that put pressure on ourselves.
"It's really sickening to concede late on like that because I felt at 1-0 we had done enough to win the game."
"Stern is one of those players who does a lot of things which go unnoticed.
"He's played in the Premier League and in the World Cup and he gives us that little bit of quality in the final third.
"Sometimes fans want to pick out someone to be a scapegoat and that has happened to Stern on occasions.
"I think it's down to the impression he gives off and it's definitely unfair."

Results don't help the Bluebirds

With Cardiff on a Saturday holiday but back to work tomorrow it was a chance for all the fans to sit back to see what the competition would get up to. I hope that they will all screw it up and drop points it would be very helpfully.

First, there is top of the table Wolves who had bottom club Charlton at home, it has to be a three pointer, but in this crazy league, anything could happen. In the end the midlands club had, and they saved their blushes with a late goal to win 2-1 to keep them at the top of the pile. Birmingham had the late Saturday game live on Sky Sports at Doncaster and they picked up all three points with a 2-0 win. Third place Reading had a home game Ipswich and lost again, which could help the Bluebirds if they win.

The teams around us all gain wins Sheffield United, Burnley and Preston all won and help to push Cardiff out of the play-off places given the game with Bristol City is so important. If they were to win, they would up jump above Cardiff and us the pressure on the games in hand.

Cardiff are now in seventh place with game in hand but they mean nothing if they don’t come with the points.

WAG of the Week No 17 **Updated**

Chantelle Houghton

We have been off the plot with the WAG’s over the last month and we have decided to get back on track and when this one fell into our lap, we had to run with it.

The serial WAG master Jermain Defoe has down grade from Danielle Lloyd to Chantelle Houghton of Celebrity Big Brother (she was the non-celebrityin the show). She famously told the world she was out to pull a Premiership footballer so she could become a her dream a full time WAG. She did pull on the show itself but on a football and she ended up marring him but he only had a band and it did last long. The funny thing was the main reason for the break-up for her manager was she didn’t like Brighton where her husband was based and missed her family and friends, Defoe how plays for Portsmouth the famous London club.

It has taken her a while to become a WAG and it not for the want of try, she can be seen going in and out of all the favorite hang-out for your highly paid Premiership footballers but with the form of Defoe she could find herself on the bench. There are more than a few big busted blondes out there for her to worry about with the shelf life of a young WAG is not very long.

She dump him in Feb 08 and with a week the player was at her door with his to tongue hanging after seeing seeing some new lad mag shots of her

WAG rating 9.25

City loan out Defender

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has loaned out Darren Dennehy to Hereford and since his move from Everton, he has been the invisible man at Ninian Park.

He joined the Bluebirds June 2008 and is yet to play but the 20 year old was about to sign professional contract with Everton before Cardiff came a calling and good on the youngster he felt he had a better chance of breaking through to first team football at Ninian Park. He will join Hereford for a one-month spell with the League One club.

Another Loan Keeper

The South Wales Echo is carrying a story the Cardiff City boss has brought in a another loan keeper has ruthless Jones stems to banish recent mistakes made by City ‘s other loan keeper Demitrios Konstantopoulos. Fans believed that Kasper Schmeichel could be returning for a second spell on loan at Ninian Park but Manchester City are reluctant to let him out on loan.

Cardiff has swooped to sign-up Stuart Taylor form Aston Villa who was in talks last night with the Cardiff boss. Taylor has only played two games this season and is third choice keeper at Villa behind Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan. He started his at Arsenal but never cemented is place in the team and was loan out in the early part of his career. He spent time at Bristol Rovers, C Palace, Peterborough and Leicester and then joined Aston Villa where he was again a bit part player and in 12 years player around 80+ games. STUART TAYLOR STATS

Demitrios Konstantopoulos has pick-up a injury according to the paper, but some fans are jokingly suggesting he was targeted in training after is gaff at Norwich. Cardiff now have three goalkeepers in the treatment room.

Severnside Derby and a Sunday kick-off, live on Sky

There could be good news for the Cardiff City fans at Bristol City on Sunday in this top of the table clash with word Kevin McNaughton is back from injury and eager to go. McNaughton has been one of the manager Dave Jones consistent fullbacks in this season’s campaign and will be happy to have him back. McNaughton proclaimed his readiness for Sunday by saying, “I’m looking to be back on Sunday.” While McNaughton has been in the treatment room Dave Jones has used Miguel Comminges and Darcy Blake who was injured in the Norwich game.

Along with McNaughton, the Cardiff boss is hoping to be able to recall Jay Bothroyd who went off injured in the game against Doncaster Rovers last weekend. The press is speculating the Jones could also recall Stephen McPhail to his midfield spot after a poor display in midfield at Norwich.

Manager Dave Jones is also hoping to recall Jay Bothroyd from injury, while he is surely pondering a return for after Cardiff were overrun through midfield during their 2-0 defeat against Norwich City in midweek.

With Cardiff, not winning any for their televised games on Sky Sports his season all fans can hope that this game breaks the season duck. The Bristol City boss is promising the Bluebirds the mother of all battles with them looking to get into the play-off places. They are only two points below Cardiff and the two fought out a goals draw back in August and they have not lost a home game in the league since just before Christmas.

A win would set Cardiff up nicely with for games up next making Ninian Park a busy place of work with Watford, Sheffield United, rivals Swansea Derby all visiting South Wales.

Being Cardiff City v Bristol City the game is a Sunday kick off mainly because of the history between the two sets of fans making a trip to Ashton Gate high on the list of the polices radar. The game is and was always going to be a ‘bubble trip’ ground-to-ground official transport only with little chance for a punch-up. So why not play the game on a Saturday with a 3 o’clock kick-off.

Sky picked up the game which is ok, more City fans will be able to watch and it’s a nice 1:15pm kick-off not like the next game on Sky when Welsh rivals Swansea City visits Cardiff with a Breakfast kick-off at 11am, wonder if Cardiff will drop the pies and replace them was a full English.

It's all driving me mad

Shot in the foot is how Cardiff City boss Dave Jones must be feeling this morning along with his players. On paper the game against Norwich was next to an easy win you can get in football, bottom living club struggling for win, it had disaster all written over it for the Bluebirds.

It would seem the defeat is being laid at the door of keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos who made a dreadful error kicking thin air after realising he was too far out to gather a through ball (you can see the goal – see link below). It is not the second time he has cost Cardiff points, against Wolves after he lost his grip on a cross only to watch the ball drop over the goal line. In the games in between these two, he received praise from the manager and fan alike.

It’s very easy to blame the keeper but what was going up front Michael Chopra and Eddie Jones they looked to be a non-event for the whole game has the Norwich defence shut them out. Cardiff had seven corners in the game while Norwich had a big fat zero, which would lead some to thing all the pressure with coming from the visitors. If you read, what match reports there are it was the other way around Norwich were the better team according to the guy watching the game for Sky News.

The Cardiff boss was also disappointed with the whole performance not just the loan keeper Konstantopoulos saying, “We never really got going, we did not create enough and the players did not perform to levels they are capable of.”

The real disappointing thing about last night was Cardiff failing to take advantage again of slip-ups from the teams above us they all dropped points. Birmingham played out a 1-1 with Nottingham Forest who are just above the bottom three and Reading could only draw 2-2 at home against bottom of the league Charlton while top of the league Wolves forth out a 0-0 draw with Ipswich.

What should be worrying Dave Jones is that the team below and catching the Bluebirds up in the race for points, Sheffield United jump above Cardiff into fourth place while Swansea, British City and Burnley won and Preston with a point and it looks like any of these nine team vying for the three promotion spots

Match Reports - Norwich v Cardiff City

Bluebirds crash as Greek goalkeeper bears sad gift - South Wales Echo

CARDIFF City suffered a serious blow in their quest for promotion after another error by Dimi Konstantopoulos. The Greek goalkeeper failed to deal with a hopeful long ball down the middle before Norwich opened the scoring and manager Dave Jones admitted: “That first goal killed us. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Out of touch Cardiff shocked by Canaries – Western Mail

What is it with Cardiff City and sides fighting for survival at the bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship? Last time out on the road it was Southampton, then one place off the bottom who dented the Bluebirds’ promotion aspirations.>>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Norwich win - Evening News 24

Alan Gow proved that fresh faces may just be what Norwich City need as he inspired a vital Carrow Road victory for the Canaries. The Scot was a breath of fresh air in a season in which so much has been stale, adding a touch of guile, a hint of something different that has been so sadly lacking. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Manager's Reactions

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones felt his side could have no complaints about a second successive away defeat against a side struggling at the foot of the table.
"It was a very disappointing performance," he said. "We never really got going and handed the initiative to them with a really poor first goal.
"It was a nothing through ball that should have been dealt with but Dimi hesitated when he should have put his boot through it and their player nipped in to score.
"The second goal was also poor because it was another nothing ball that we should have defended but for some reason we tried to play offside.
"Overall the players did not perform nearly as well as they can do.
"They were lethargic, made too many errors and didn't create enough.
"Teams down the bottom will always make life difficult for you if you don't get it right yourself and that's what happened tonight.
"But there is still a long way to go and we are still chasing hard."

In the other dugout the Norwich manager Bryan Gunn was happy with the outcome of the night’s work.
"That's exactly what I asked for from the players," said the Norwich boss, whose side had slipped five points adrift of safety after a dismal 2-0 defeat at Blackpool on Saturday.
"When you look at the Blackpool performance sandwiched in between a great win at QPR and another one tonight, you do scratch your head.
"But there's no point looking back now, it's about looking forward.
"We have got to maintain that level of commitment and performance for the rest of the season, starting with another very important game against Plymouth on Saturday, and if we do that we'll have a chance.
"It was a great win tonight and we'll all enjoy it but it will soon be a question of getting everyone's feet back on the ground again and start preparing for the next game.
"We've now set the standard and we've eight games left and 24 points to play for. We have got to keep it up."
"It was a dream debut for Cody and I'm delighted for him because he has been like a breath of fresh air since coming to the club.
"He's a real livewire in training, and always gives the other players a headache with his enthusiasm and he thoroughly deserved his chance tonight.
"I'll probably have to get him down from the clouds, but I'm sure he'll be ready for the next game.
"David came over from Ireland with an excellent reputation for scoring goals and you could see what he was all about tonight.
"We owe Steve Coppell a debt of gratitude for letting him come here on loan, but hopefully Steve will benefit as well with his player getting games and scoring goals."

UP for it .............. I hope

Tonight’s game is a big one just like every game left until the end of the season in by book because I want automatic promotion, I have a bad heart and can’t handle the play-offs. It is wrong, but I am start to smell the Premiership, its well within our grasp and it excites me more than my wedding night. Manager Dave Jones said he doesn’t want to put pressure on his players but they can see what we the fans can see if they can eke out enough wins from the remaining games, PARTY time with the goal of reaching the Premiership close at hand.

Norwich are second from bottom of the league and are fighting for their lives it will be no pushover tonight, we lost to Southampton who were in the same position has them before we gifted them a bit of a lifeline with three points. Norwich have no major injury worries after they 2-0 defeat at Blackpool on Saturday but will have to make one change after Jonathan Grounds returned to his club Middlesbrough after his loan spell with the Norfolk club. They have only won one game in the last nine and that was against QPR and of the other eight drew four.

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is calling for the fringe players in his squad to step up has injuries take their toll, with games coming thick and fast their few opportunities for players to rest. At Carrow Road first-teamers Michael Chopra, Jay Bothroyd, Mark Kennedy, Chris Burke and Kevin McNaughton all look, to be sidelined according to press reports. On the injury problem Jones said, "It's at times like these that the whole squad is needed. When there's injuries and chances for others, the most important players are the ones that aren't playing. "They have to be mentally and physically ready to be called upon at any point.

"If they don't take their opportunity, then it won't be my fault. You just hope the things we've instilled into them will mean whoever we put in will be up for it straight away."

Chopra and Bothoryd

Some possible good news on the injury front with both Jay Bothroyd and Michael Chopra are adamant they will be fit for the Norwich City game at Carrow Road Tuesday. They both limped off in the excellent win over Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

Saturday game was the first game back after missing the last three for Bothroyd since the Wolves game where he went off injured in the first half. Having just come back from injury the Cardiff City manager could leave him out to give him time to recover for the Bristol City game on Sunday. He as Eddie Johnson, Ross McCormack and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie all ready to step in if need. The player told the press, “My calf felt tight and I came off immediately.

“Thankfully, I came off before it became any worse and it was no more than a slight tightness.

“I will be ready to play against Norwich.”

Michael Chopra is fired up for the Norwich game. He in the South Wales Echo he promised he woulf be ok for Tuesday after suffering with his ongoing heel problem again on Saturday. Dave Jones said last week that the City striker would have to live with the heel injury at least until the end of the season when he can look into treatment for the problem.

In the end, it will be down to manager Dave Jones to decide what will happen and he will decided after todays training session before flying to Norwich.

Match Reports - Cardiff City v Doncaster Rovers

Bluebirds in the mood to leave happy Ninian memories – Western Mail

HOT buttered toast, Jim’ll Fix It on the telly and my nan waiting at home with a towel to dry my hair just in case I catch cold. That is what this game is all about, this is what it means to live the Cardiff City life and this is what is summoned up when everything goes right. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Out of tune in Land of Song – The Yourshire Star

DONCASTER Rovers fans had little to sing about in the Land of Song as their team were well beaten by the Bluebirds at Ninian Park. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

O'Driscoll dismayed as Doncaster's excellent run hits buffers at Cardiff – Yorkshire Post

DONCASTER Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll could not hide his disappointment after his side's capitulation at Cardiff City. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Official Cardiff City Match Report >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Eddie Johnson strikes as Cardiff City hit three again – Wales on Sunday

FUNNY old game, this football. Cardiff City wait the whole season to score three goals and then suddenly two batches of them come in the space of a week. Perhaps even more bizarrely, March 7, 2009 at Ninian Park will be remembered as the day Eddie Johnson scored ... his first goal in British football. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Leo, Leo, Leo

An old Cardiff City favourite and Ninian Park cult hero 37- year- old Leo Fortune-West has found a new club, his 19th club of this career after signing for North Ferriby United. The club play in the Unibond Premier and are chasing for a play-off spot and they feel his experience could help them clinch a spot.

Fortune-West who has played non-league football for Cambridge United and York recently and his last team was North Alfreton in the Blue Square league scoring five goals in 15 appearances.

North Ferriby chairman believes the addition of the towering 6ft 4ins striker will boost the club’s promotion hopes and said, Even at 37 was are certain big Leo will be a massive asset to the squad in the season’s final few months.

Emergency Ward CF11 – New admission

The first class victory over Doncaster today could have a cost, after three key players picked up injuries the Cardiff City boss Dave Jones will be hoping none of the injuries are serious.

Miguel Cummings replaced defender Mark Kennedy in the 26th minute after pulling up with a hamstring injury, which could see him out of the reckoning for a while. Jay Bothroyd had to leave the field around five minutes after scoring and giving the Bluebirds a 2-0 lead, with a calf strain giving Eddie Johnson a chance to come off the bench. In the second half, Michael Chopra was forced to go off with his ongoing problems with his heel with all three doubtful for the Norwich game on Tuesday.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones said about injury crisis, “We are disappointed to lose those three players. Any time you make a substitution through injury it’s a worry. We hope they aren’t too bad, but will have to wait and see.
“Kennedy looks like he may have pulled his hamstring. Jay’s calf has tightened up, so we got him off.
“Chops went as long as he could. He is going to have a heel problem until the end of the season.
“But it’s too early to say that they will miss the game.”

Managers Reaction City v Doncaster

Cardiff manager said Dave Jones, "We showed two sides of our game today with some super football for an hour before changing slightly just to close the game down.
"We knew they were on a good run but we tinkered a little and it has worked superbly for us.
"It is now all about results not necessarily performances and it was a comprehensive victory for us today.
"I have said many times that it is not just the 11 out on the field but those on the bench that will pull us through and the players who came on today were superb.
"It is a nice problem to have such good professionals not just from the bench but also sitting in the stand."

Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll said post match, "That was the worst performance by the team not just for this season but last season as well.
"We didn't start well and in all areas we were second best."

City off to Merthyr ......

For many season the first ground Cardiff City in Pre-season was to head of Merthyr, well it could be happening again in a few weeks as Cardiff City have offered to play a fund-raiser for the crisis hit club. The Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has vowed to field his best available first-team squad for a fund-raising match with crisis club Merthyr Tydfil during the international break at the end of the month.

The Martyrs had to call off their last home game after the electricity was cut off, the club has stated they will for full the away fixture Saturday and plan to do the same for the next home game next week. Martyrs are reported to be in excess of £300,000 with the debts mounting weekly, on top of that, the players have not been paid for six weeks.

“We are in the fortunate position to help one of our fellow Welsh clubs out,” said Jones. “I will field a strong side.
“Obviously our internationals will be away, but it will keep the players ticking over for the return of the Championship fixtures.
“As a club, we have been monitoring the situation at Merthyr and, hopefully, this fixture can help them out a bit.
“Our supporters have been fantastic, both home and away, and I already know that, with the links we have with Merthyr, this fixture will be well supported by our own fans.”

The Merthyr club secretary Anthony Hughes said he was thankful of the help from the Bluebirds and told the press, “Cardiff City have been absolutely superb to us. This friendly fixture will make at least a four-figure sum that would get the electricity back on and would go a substantial way towards this club finishing the season.
“Cardiff allowed us to make bucket collections outside the ground at the Queen’s Park Rangers game and that money went directly to keep out the bailiffs in respect of council tax owed to the local authority.
“In times of trouble, Cardiff City have been our biggest friends and playing them in pre-season friendlies has always been our biggest money spinner.
“This is a great gesture by the club and it’s great that a club like Cardiff can help us in our hour of need.
“There are thousands of Cardiff City fans in Merthyr and the surrounding area that supports both teams and this fixture is a lifeline for the club.
“All we can say to City is thanks very much.”

The wound stack-up

Cardiff’s win last night could be costly with some key players picking up injuries. Paul Parry and goal scorer Michael Chopra had to be subbed in the second half with some knocks and Gavin Rae limped off the field at the end with an old recurrence of a hip injury.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones will be hoping they will be available for Cardiff next home game on Saturday against Doncaster and it would be nice if Stephen McPhail, Chris Burke, Jay Bothroyd and Kevin McNaughton who missed the win over Doncaster because of injury will be in contention for a place Saturday.

Jones said "We've picked up a couple of knocks in Paul Parry, Chops [Chopra] and Gav [Rae] with his hip again, I saw him limping off at the end.
"So we'll just have to wait and see how they are, but we've got a few more days... Thursday, Friday we'll get them up and running again."

Match Reports - Cardiff City v Barnsley

City give Barnsley the chop yet again - South Wales Echo

CARDIFF City scored three goals for the first time this season and climbed back to fourth place in the Coca-Cola Championship. Joe Ledley, Michael Chopra and Peter Whittingham scored for the Bluebirds on a night when Barnsley had Swansea-born manager Simon Davey and Iranian midfield player Andranik Teymourian sent off. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Johnson seals cult hero status as Bluebirds see off Barnsley – Western Mail

Cardiff City 3 Barnsley 1

THERE maybe no such thing as a routine victory in the Championship, but three points do not come more prosaically than this. That, though, is doing a match in which some amazing things happened a disservice. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Simon Davey ref rage as City get back on track – The Mirror

Cardiff 3-1 Barnsley

Barnsley boss Simon Davey was sent off at halftime and watched from the stands as the Tykes crashed to defeat last night. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Match Report from the Daily Mail >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Times are hard at Darlington and meanwhile at Merthyr

I don’t care which team it is but I take no pleasure in teams hitting hard time, well maybe Luton are the exception. Darlington is the latest team to go into administration last week.

It look all a few years back, a new stadium with capacity of 25,000, the crowds started to turn up but on the field, it was mediocre so the fans started to walk. The average this season is below 3,000 so the Darlington board have decided to close a stand, up the price of match day programmes and limited the number of complimentary tickets given out. However, what would start a riot at Ninian Park the board are scrapping sales of draught beer on the concourses and calling time on “happy hour” promotions in the club bars.

Closer to home Merthyr Tydfil had to call off tonight’s game with Farnborough after the game was called off because the electricity was cut off for an unpaid bill. However, the game would have been called of because the ref declared the Penydarren Park pitch not playable,

The Merthyr Tydfil Supporters Trust have made a bid to take over the club with them offering to shoulder the club's debts should Holloway agree to the no-cost deal. Owner Holloway admits he has no more money to finance the Martyrs, insisting: "I haven't got a bottom-less pit."

Football everywhere if you are a Cardiff fan

Games are coming thick and fast for Cardiff City with another chance to get a win other the belt tonight against Barnsley. The Yorkshire man are not having a good season and are in the bottom half of the table but their Jack born manager Simon Davey is playing up their chances for tonight saying, “We will keep their fans quiet, we will frustrate them and came away with the win.
“I am confident we will win. The points mean more to us than Cardiff.”

Big talk for a team looking to beat the drop out of the Championship, but the fact show is team are knocking together some results only dropping two points in the last three games. Barnsley fans are still smarting from the FA Cup semi-finals, losing out to Cardiff City last season. Barnsley are likely to be unchanged from the team at played in the 2-1 home win over QPR but have Darren Moore and Jamal Campbell-Ryce available again after suspension.

The Cardiff boss is not that lucky, he has told the press he his thinking about chances but with injuries he could find it a tad difficult. In yesterday’s Echo Dave Jones was saying it was time for American striker Eddie Johnson on loan from Fulham to show is metal and performs he maybe a bench warmer but he has yet to score a goal for the club Dave Jones said, "He's here to score goals and he hasn't. There's no hiding place for anybody in football and it's no good not talking about it." Jones will be hoping Michael Chopra will be fit for tonight’s game along with Stephen McPhail but is reported to be leaving it late to decide whether Chopra and McPhail. Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Chris Burke are fit after shaking off knocks picked up at Southampton

Two players out of the reckoning are Jay Bothroyd and Kevin McNaughton.

The Cardiff boss is back on is favourite subjects again, the fans and he told the Western Mail, “We have suffered one defeat in 14 matches and it’s as though we’ve been hit by a sledgehammer.
“Relax. We are in a fantastic position. One loss isn’t going to end our season.
“There is a lot of football to be played in the toughest division of all.
“People who say the Championship is a poor division are talking rubbish. There is a lot of quality in the Championship.
“Look at the teams near the bottom – Charlton Athletic, Norwich City and Southampton. All three have played in the Premier League and that shows how difficult the division is.
“Just because we lost on Saturday doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.
“I felt one or two players felt they had to turn up at Southampton and the result was going to happen.
“We had a meeting and the players were able to give their side of things. We are an open club and if they feel what I said after the game was unfair they can tell me.
“It’s what I said and it’s what I felt.
“Only four outfield players turned up on Saturday.
“I am entitled to have a moan and groan at them.”

Streaking

And they say European football is boring ........... Ok it is the class of the streakers are A1. We get some plonker he playing Cupid in some Valentine's Day streaking stunt and now faces a three year ban and after all his troubles was dumped by his girlfriend. A Belgium guy did the same thing at a game and he lost his job and is girlfriend. Most streakers I have seen have been drunken guys or that bloke from Liverpool who must run a streaking business the amount of time his bits have been see on a football pitch.

In Europe the quality is much better because they have a lot of woman streakers and not a beer belly insight. It could be the British weather putting off the British woman streaking has they normal come out for cricket and golf. Erica Roes is the most famous woman streaker in the country and she did it in the 70's. Thre were a couple about Europe last weekend in a Bundesliga 2 game between TSV 1860 Munchen and FC St Pauli a couple invaded the pitch at half-time wearing only the painted-on colours of the two teams.

Over in Italy to level of the streaker was all I can say che bello

Mad, Mad, Mad weekend

Well that was interesting weekend Cardiff City boss Dave Jones was talking about not putting too much pressure on this players and he said before the QPR game it was, ‘not a must win game’, I found that comment unbelievable but I think they all get the message loud a clear now by looking at the table. Has for the Southampton game, who that the time were second from bottom in the league looked a banker on paper, with their poor form and with Cardiff unbeaten in donkey’s years, well thirteen games it was a three pointer to most fans as well but then again it could been one of ‘not a must win game’.

Lucky for Cardiff and Dave Jones it was one hell of a crazy weekend in Championship with all the teams above Cardiff having their own ‘annus horribilis’ weekend.
A short brief on what happy this weekend, first top of Wolves lost at home to lowly Plymouth 1-0 on Sunday second place Birmingham had a chance to go joint top but missed out losing 2-1 at Sheffield United who jumped over the City in the table and help push Bluebirds out of a play-off place. Third place Reading also lost at the weekend and to another club in problems at the bottom end of the table, home to Nottingham Forest.

Looking at the table below, you can see the case for ‘what if’ we had won the last two games, we would still be in fourth place and within striking distance of the top two spots and the automatic promotion spots. It’s not impossible with still have two or three games in hand over most of the teams above us, every game has to be a ‘must win game’ from now on

Cardiff 1-0 defeat at Southampton was more than step backwards than the QPR draw in mid-week because of the poor performance of the team, Dave Jones said after the game, "I don't think we performed anywhere near what we are capable of. I think possibly four out-field players did their jobs and the rest didn't turn up today.”

There have been calls from Dave Jones and the players for the fans to step up to the plate but the fans do home and away, maybe the players should they often talk about wanting to play in the Premiership well win the games and you will. If the players are under pressure so are the fans. Boss Jones of complaining about the booing after the QPR game and he was right to, the Londoners played well and most neutrals would say the draw was a fair result on the night and if Cardiff had won the game and playing badly, no one would care.

After years of trying Cardiff are on the verge of taking the final step up to the Premiership but that will not happen without points, no points no promotion. It has to be said most fans I have talked to believe this could be the season and the pressure is building with them to, fans stuck a lot into their team.

The Championship is wide open like another season, it looked like Wolves and Birmingham were going to run away with it but it’s all changed now with the top thirteen club with a shout of at least a Play-off place.

Match Reports - Southampton v Cardiff City

Saints go marching over Cardiff City's proud run - Wales on Sunday

CARDIFF City’s promotion push hit the buffers at St Mary’s in one of their poorest displays of the season. Yet again, other results going their way means their campaign is far from derailed, despite dropping to sixth in the table. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Southampton snatch another victory at home – The Times

BEFORE last Saturday, with only one win at home all season, Southampton’s players and fans would have happily switched their remaining Championship fixtures to away grounds. But after two home victories in eight days, their fortunes may be changing. They will be calling it Fortress St Mary’s soon. Cardiff slipped to a first Championship defeat since November. Having worked their way into the playoff places, they have struggled in the past three or four weeks. Jones said: “We didn’t deserve anything today.” >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

Cardiff flops – The People

Dave Jones laid into his Cardiff flops after the beaten Bluebirds messed up a golden chance to close the gap on stuttering league leaders Wolves. >>>>> FOLLOW LINK

David McGoldrick hands Saints a lifeline – News of the World

MARK WOTTE was in dreamland after David McGoldrick’s penalty handed struggling Southampton a vital three points. The Saints manager said he had been getting a good night’s sleep since last weekend’s home win against Preston. >>>>>> FOLLOW LINK