All eyes down it’s a full house

The Cardiff City Stadium will have near enough a full house for the visit of Swansea Saturday tea time the only tickets left are in the grandstand level 4 according to the official website. Swansea has sold out their allocation and the game will be a ‘Bubble’ trip for them for their first trip to the new stadium.

There has been some concern over the time the game has a rule it would kick off much early than the 5:20pm for Saturday’s game. It has been known for the game to kick-off on a Sunday at 11am, the breakfast game it was called. The game is live on Sky Sports so there will be a worldwide audience.

The bragging right for these kinds of games is so important for the fans on either side of the divide, who wants to be on the losing side. In the league the will have played each other 52 times and in the 26 seasons they have played no one has done the double, win twice in a season. Of the 51 game played so far Swansea have won 19 to Cardiff 16 with 16 drawn not much in it.

Treatment room filling up again

With the next big game only three days City boss Dave Jones will have to reassess is plans for the Swansea game. Gyepes is out after picking up a red card against Leicester and his partner in the centre of the defence Blake limped out of last night’s game with a neck injury in the first half and until news to the otherwise could be doubtful for Saturday.

More worrying Jones revealed the Burke was carrying a tight hamstring towards the end of the game and both Etuhu and Kennedy when off with hamstring problems giving the manager something to think about.

Jones will have Bothroyd back from suspension and have the same old, who plays with him Chopra and McCormack it should be McCormack but you can’t tell with Jones. It was rumoured Anthony Gerrard could have been fit for last night game but he didn’t even make the bench the question this will he be fit for Saturday.

Cardiff move on

What a great victory for the City last night at the Cardiff City Stadium they seemed to be walking the game at half time with the score at 2-0 with goals from Ross McCormack and Peter Whittingham. Manager Dave Jones decision to drop Michael Chopra worked with McCormack having a strong game with a goal.

Cardiff stay fourth in the league table but move three points ahead of Saturday’s visitors Swansea and four points of Leicester. The Bluebirds are now eight points in front of seven placed Blackpool with six games left before the end of the season. I don’t think anyone involved with Cardiff City are counting their chickening after what happen last season missing out on a Play-off place by the narrowness of margins.

McCormack got the early goal when Kelvin Etuhu shot was not saved by the Leicester keeper and the ball fell in the path the Scottish international who fired the ball home. Cardiff took the lead in the first 10 minutes and proceeded to dominate the first half looking every inch promotion candidates. McCormack later had a goal bound attempt cleared of the line has City push forward.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones was forced to made a change in the 35th-minute when Darcy Blake came off injured sending on Adam Matthews. It took a while but the second goal came right on half time and who stepped up, it was top scorer Whittingham. McCormack had a hand in the second goal when the Leicester keeper stopped his shot the ball then fell to Gavin Rae, he found Whittingham who calmly put the ball home for his 22nd goal of the season. It could have been 2-1 at half-time when from a corner the ball looked to have crossed the Cardiff line, the Leicester players call for a goal but the officials ruled on goal.

Cardiff deserved to go in at half time with the lead as Leicester look nothing like Play-off contenders they were desperate to get something out of the game after losing the last two games.

The second half under way and it was not long before Cardiff fans had something to concern them when in the 52th-minute the visitors pull one back. Jones made a change soon after the goal taking off Mark Kennedy and replacing him with Tony Capaldi has Leicester push for a second goal. Jones decided to make another change not long after sending on Capaldi bring off Etuhu and Warren Feeney going on.

With 20 minutes to go Cardiff were down to ten men when Gabor Gypes pull down a goal bound Leicester player, he only had the keeper to beat so it was a straight red card and will miss the next three game. Leicester could smell blood and tried to up their game but Cardiff had it covered and the game finish 2-1. It was a great win for the City now it’s Saturday and Swansea next.

Dave Jones after match comments, "I think that was our best performance this season because of the circumstances.
"We deserved our half-time lead and I knew they would come at us after the break, but I didn't expect to lose three players through injury and have one sent off.
"It was a typical Tuesday night game and the place was bouncing because the fans were magnificent.
"The players deserve all the praise going because they were not going to lie down.
"Chris Burke was a passenger with a tight hamstring so really we were down to only eight outfield players by the end, but I can't fault anyone and they are all shattered.
"We had to defend 20 yards out, let them have the ball in midfield, and then defend when it came into the danger area."

Cardiff team v Leicester

Marshall
Quinn Gyepes Blake Kennedy
Whittingham Rae McPhail Burke
Etuhu McCormack

Substitutes
Enckelman, Capaldi, Taiwo, Matthews, Wildig, Chopra, Feeney

City boss Dave Jones is starting Kennedy in defence dropping Capaldi to the bench also dropped to the bench is striker Chopra with McCormack playing along Etuhu.

Wages paid

On the pitch with a small squad our season is on track of a Play-off finish by off the pitch, what a nightmare but they were piad today.

The lateness is that the directors had to have a whip around to come up with the wages which were paid today a day late. With what could be the most important seven days since the last game of last season City have to play Leicester, Swansea and Nottingham Forest. Fans are venting their anger on the situation believing it could affect the morale of the players. It was also revealed last month’s wages were late, that didn’t affect the players to much with the team unbeaten in the last four games.

The club would call this problem a little ‘hiccup’ I would suppose but the fans just want the investment sorted and the tax bill paid. Talking of Malaysian and Dato Chan Tien Ghee (TG) it was rumoured they were to paid the wage bill in full but chairman Peter Ridsdale denied that rumour saying, “The players will be paid by the end of the month. We have money coming from varying sources to pay the wage bill,”

It is planned for TG to be back in the country for the Swansea game Saturday were he will experience the South Wales derby. He will also have more talks about the investment to members of the board and has promised to meet with the Supporters Trust.

Another game hopefully another three points

Allow the fans mind may have jumped ahead to Saturday and the Swansea game there is the little subject of Leicester City tonight to get out of the way. This is our game in hand over most of the clubs around us so a win and three points are really important to secure. A win would see the gap between Cardiff and seventh place with rise from five points to eight with only seven games left to the season.

Cardiff‘s win on Saturday and Swansea’s draw push Leicester from fourth to sixth after the lost to Derby County put a extra edge on the fixture with only a point separating the three clubs. Cardiff form this season has been fair, after losing to them in the league 1-0 at Leicester the City run out 4-2 winners in the FAC played at the Cardiff City Stadium so all square.

Cardiff go into the game on the better form with three wins and a draw out of the last four games while the visitors form was less than perfect with only one win, a draw and lost the last two games.

After the curve ball Jones threw into the mix on Saturday with his team selection will he stick with the same starting eleven? With Bothroyd out and still out of the Leicester game everyone expected that McCormack would have start against Palace with Chopra coming in for Bothroyd. But City boss Jones dropped McCormack to the bench in favour of a Chopra/Etuhu partnership. Etuhu is on a season loan from Manchester City just return from injury.

Jones could have another problem with reports Gerrard is fit and with Blake who has slid into Gerrard spot putting in some man of the match performances in the last three games. It’s a simply case of as Blake done enough to keep Gerrard on the bench. Capaldi has competition for his place now that Mark Kennedy is back after coming on at Palace for the defender. Other than that unless boss Jones has a surprise or two the line-up should be around the same that played at Palace.

WAG'S through the ages

A group of WAG'S from the 50's/60'SPresent day

Snippets from the Sunday’s

In the News of the World they have an article on the Malaysians' wanting Steve Borley to take from Peter Ridsdale went the deal over investment is do. I would be over the short term until they install their own man. An insider speaking to the paper said, “TG had a chat with Steve and asked him if he would run the club until they bring in their own man.
“He never wanted to be Cardiff chairman again but he will do it on a short-term basis if it means securing the future of Cardiff City.”

Dave Jones is planning to gear up for the South Wales derby by going to lunch with is opposite number at Swansea Paulo Sousa reported in the News of the World. The City boss has struck up a friendship with Sousa saying, “Just because we are with rival sides, it doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. I have a lot of time for him.”

Jones upset the Cardiff fans earlier in the season over his laid back attitude to the visit the Liberty Stadium with his just a game statement. While the Swansea players were all fired up and were 3-2 winners. Would he have learnt, you would hope so but will this fire up the bellies for the Cardiff City fans, “It’s a big game for everyone. But it doesn’t make or break the season, but we know if you take points off your promotion rivals then it’s a massive bonus.”

In the same paper Swansea striker David Cotterill is have a pop at Cardiff fans for abusing his family the last time he played at Cardiff (old Ninian Park) for Sheffield United. I told the paper he as banned his family from going to next Saturdays’ game. He told the paper, “The Cardiff fans weren’t happy because I scored and celebrated but I don’t know what expected me to do.
“Maybe they were expecting me to miss the penalty because I was born in Cardiff! I’ve never played for them so I don’t know why I was getting so much grief.
“Some fans also gave my dad and wife stick during the game which was out of order.”

He is also joined by Nathan Dyer who is talking about City fans not hounding him out of the game. He is expecting the home fans to give him a hard time over the theft of a handbag for a night club two years ago; he was convicted and was given 60 hours of community service. Speaking to paper, “I’m sure I’ll be a target for the Cardiff fans but it will be water off a duck’s back to me.
“They can chant all the abuse they want, it won’t put me off. They’ll be wasting their time.”

City keep on rolling forward

Cardiff moved up to fourth after their early kick-off this afternoon with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace but will have to wait for the rest of the afternoon results before knowing the final position.

It turned out well for the South Wales club with second place West Brom could only manage a draw away at Reading. Both Leicester and Swansea who at the start of the day were above Cardiff dropped points. Leicester lost 1-0 away a Derby and will be visiting the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night for a top of the table clash. Our rivals from down the road Swansea could only manage a draw 0-0 with relegation threaten Ipswich Town and are now level on points with the Bluebirds. Their (Swansea) next game will see them visit the Cardiff City Stadium next Saturday. Top of the table Newcastle play third place Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Cardiff open the scoring with a scrappy goal from a low corner which was flicked into the penalty box and found defender Gabor Gyepes’ whose weak shot trickled over the line in the first four minutes. It has to be said for most of the game Cardiff had their backs against the wall with the home to putting on the pressure.

A 1-0 lead was never going to be enough and Cardiff were luck to go in at halftime with the slender lead as the Londoners came close to squaring the game a number of times. Cardiff best chance was when Kelvin Etuhu slipped through the Palace defence only for his goal bound shot palmed away by the Palace keeper.

The start of the second half once again saw the home team take up the baton and put the Welshman under the cosh and they soon found away into the Cardiff net when from a set piece of play in the 58 minute when Clint Hill fired home a header at close range to square the game up at 1-1.

This was the catalyst for Cardiff to go more on the attack in search of the lead and around ten minutes later Cardiff retook the lead with a fine goal from Chris Burke a beautiful volley straight passed the keeper into the back of the net. The Bluebirds held on to their lead but it was tense at times.

Everyone involved with Cardiff City must have been relieved to hear the final whistle but it’s another three points secured which is the most important thing no matter how ugly the game was.

Silent Protest (Who Owns Your Club?)

soon to be the Malaysians?????

Cardiff Team v Crystal Palace

Marshall
Quinn Gyepes Blake Capaldi
Whittingham McPhail Rae Burke
Chopra Etuhu

Substitutes
20 Enckelman, 03 Kennedy, 18 Taiwo, 27 Matthews, 28 Wildig, 26 Feeney, 44 McCormack

Dave Jones dropped Ross McCormack to the bench and with suspended Jay Bothroyd out has plumed for Michael Chopra and Kelvin Etuhu who has just come back from injury.

No room to manoeuvre

Will City boss Dave Jones stuck with the same starting for the trip to Crystal Palace well he will be making one change because Jay Bothroyd is out has he starts a two match suspension. Michael Chopra should get the call up for the bench and join Ross McCormack up front if Jones decides to go with two strikers. Mark Kennedy could be doubtful for the Palace game, he did train Thursday according to the Cardiff City Official website but was sore after. So if he is out it could give Tony Capaldi another chance to start the game.

The London club occupy the third relegation spot three points from safety so with a lot to play for. They drew last Saturday 2-2 with Blackpool and drew 1-1 with the City earlier in the season. Palace has their problems they have defender Claude Davis still to serve one more game of his three-match ban. Palace brought in a replacement Matt Lawrence but he is also serving a suspended following his red card at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

Other players unlikely to feature in the game Danny Butterfield, Nathaniel Clyne and Paddy McCarthy That leaves Palace boss Paul Hart with only two recognised defenders according to news deem from Crystal Palace.

Jones for Celtic - Don't bet on it

It would seem the rumour surrounding Dave Jones and Celtic has come via a comment made by ex-Celtic player Frank McAvennie when interview on BBC radio today over the vacancy, "Dave Jones from Cardiff has been flung in.
"Dave Jones is experienced.
"Celtic need someone with experience and knows how to handle the Press and the players."
"But Jones knows of the pressure that comes with a job like Celtic."

The Scottish press have not named the City boss in the list of contenders. The Cardiff City boss Jones was quizzed over the rumour when talking to BBC Sport Wales, "I haven't heard anything and I'm just concentrating on here as I always do.
"It's nice that you get linked with other things.
"It's an appreciation of what you're doing but I haven't done anything at this moment in time here, so I'm trying to get it done now - trying to get to a position where this club's never been."

It is hard to believe but Jones is the Championship's longest-serving manager having been in the job almost five years, just goes to show the turnout in managers in Championship league. He could be tempted with a job offer in the summer if the club fail with the quest of promotion. No promotion could see the break-up of his squad in the summer with players being sold to boost the club cash flow unless there is more money coming from the Malaysians.

Cardiff has fought off interest in Jones before and did so successfully although he was rumoured to be close to a deal with West Brom. Funny enough only last summer he was again linked with the Baggies after their boss Tony Mowbray joined Celtic.

"It should have been a pen" - Bothroyd

While Cardiff boss bemoans missed chances’ last night goal scorer Jay Bothroyd is furious over his yellow card. The referee gave the card for diving but the City striker insisted he did not dive and should have been awarded a penalty.

Bothroyd will now miss the next two games after receiving his 10th yellow card of the season meaning he will miss the next two games through suspension. He also hit out at the stranded of refereeing in the Championship along with manager Jones who also it hit out at the match officials.

Bothroyd on the penalty he said, "Their centre-half [Nyron] Nosworthy said it was a penalty," he said.
"I lined a shot up in the box and he's pushed me on to the ball.
"When you are running at that pace, the slightest bit of contact can knock you off balance and that's what he did.
"I was disappointed first of all not to get a penalty and then second of all that he [Danny McDermid] booked me."
"I'm disappointed because I have to miss two games."

On refereeing in the Championship, "The last two bookings have been totally ridiculous.
"I think that's the difference between the Premier League and the Championship. Players need protection.
"Sheffield United had five guys on yellow cards and they should've had a couple of sendings off - it's inconsistency."

Bothroyd who scored his eleventh goal of the season last night with be sorely missed for is general contribution to the game.

This was a happy outcome to some fans knowing he had a two match suspension hanging over him meaning he will be available of the Easter games with Swansea and Nottingham Forest. The chances of him going the rest of the season with picking up a yellow card would have been impossible so let’s hope the rest of the team can keep going in the right direction.

Super, super Bothroyd we miss the next two games

Cardiff City and Sheffield United cancelled each other out tonight at the Cardiff City Stadium as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw leaving both clubs picking up a point apiece. Cardiff took the lead with a great shot from striker Jay Bothroyd a goal that will be talked about for years right on half time only for the visitors to pull one back mid way through the second half.

Goal scorer Bothroyd picked up his tenth yellow of the season so will now serve a two match suspension missing the Palace game on Saturday and the Leicester game on Tuesday. Is will be a major blow to the team and it will leave manager Dave Jones with a major headache whether to play Chopra and McCormack up front for the next two games. There is a general feeling among the fans that the two cannot play together.

The point means Cardiff stay in sixth place five points ahead of seventh placed Blackpool and only two points behind fifth and fourth place Swansea and Leicester. The East Midlands club look to be heading for a draw with Reading but an injury time penalty for the visitors left Leicester pointless. West Brom consolidated their position in second spot with a 1-0 win over Coventry.

Cardiff team v Sheffield

Marshall
Quinn Gyepes Blake Capaldi
Burke Rae McPhail Whittingham
Bothroyd McCormack

Substitutes
Enckelman, Taiwo, Matthews, Wildig, Chopra, Etuhu, Feeney

Surprise, surprise Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has made no change to the team that started the second half of the Watford game. Kennedy out with a rib injury replaced by Tony Capaldi, on the bench Etuhu is back from injury.

Cardiff City v Sheffield United

I cannot see Cardiff City boss Dave Jones making any chances to the team that beat Watford on Sunday unless he is forced to. Mark Kennedy who when off at half time on Sunday is doubtful with a rib injury but there are reports he could be having a late fitness test. If Kennedy is unavailable Jones could turn to Tony Capaldi who came on for the injured Cardiff defender Sunday.

Ross McCormack should get the nod ahead of Michael Chopra again after his recent performances alongside Jay Bothroyd leaving Chopra to the bench.

Possible starting line-up

Marshall
Quinn Gyepes Blake Kennedy/Capaldi
Burke Rae McPhail Whittingham
Bothroyd McCormack

Cardiff will be going for their third win on the trot tonight. Cardiff has not won three in a row in the league since back in early December when they beat Preston, West Brom and Middleborough.

Upcoming games will make or break this season

A victory tonight for the Bluebirds will see them up above Swansea who was well beaten by Blackpool 5-1 on goal difference and if Leicester were to lose tonight Cardiff could jump to forth.

Top of the table Newcastle win away at Doncaster last night and so did third place Nottingham Forest who is 12 points ahead of the City until tonight’s game. Going into the game tonight Cardiff are four points in front of Blackpool and win tonight will increase to 7, a healthy gap with a game in hand on most of the clubs around it City.

The next 12 days can make or break the season with games now all in the must win category. There are three home games and two away games to play. Tonight Sheffield United followed by Crystal Palace away in a televised game on Sky Sports with two home game next.

Leicester visit the Cardiff City Stadium for a Tuesday night fixture and then the big one for the fans the local derby against Swansea, even if there was nothing to play for this is the game both sets of fans want to win. With the bragging rights in the West after they beat the City early in the season, Cardiff fans are now looking to square the bragging rights. The game is on Sky Sports.

On the Easter Monday the Bluebirds have a trip to Nottingham Forest the importance of this game can easily be seen by looking at the table, four of the teams are in the top ten. The Forest game is also to be televised this time on the BBC.

Upcoming fixtures
Tonight, 24 March Cardiff v Sheffield Utd, 19:45
Saturday, 27 March Crystal Palace v Cardiff, 12:45
Tuesday, 30 March Cardiff v Leicester, 19:45
Saturday, 3 April Cardiff v Swansea, 17:20
Monday, 5 April Nottingham Forest v Cardiff, 17:15

Ledley on the mend

Joe Ledley is targeting the last four game of the season for his return from injury. The midfielder is making a fast recovery from his two hip operations and has been given the all clear to start training again. He has been working out his upper body now he can start on his lower.

Ledley who is out of contract in the summer is hope to play a few more game if the City can make the play-off and there could be a trip to Wembley which would lift the hearts of the Cardiff faithful.

Speaking yesterday he said, “My aim is to be back for Reading at home on April 10.
“I’ve worked hard on my upper body fitness and I am feeling good.”
“You can’t rush back after this type of injury, but I have seen the specialist and hope to start running in straight lines soon,” he said.
“The surgeon has warned me against taking chances because so much bone has been taken off my hips.
“He has told me there must not be any pressure on the hips until he gives the go-ahead and I have to stick by that.”

Great win for the City

Before the City’s game got under way there was the small matter of fourth place Leicester taking on Coventry. I looked like a win was on the cards with all three points going to our play-off rivals’ but in the end it finished all square at 2-2 giving the Bluebirds a chance for draw closer to them on points.

At Cardiff City Stadium all the rumours about Chairman Peter Ridsdale and the Malaysians were put to bed has Ridsdale and Dato Chan Tien Ghee took their sit to watch the game. One of the many rumours doing the rounds was that Ridsdale was asked not to attend the game today on the orders of the Malaysians.

On the pitch Chopra was benched on his return from a two match suspension with the City boss sticking with McCormack. Other changes were Blake moving to the centre of defence has Gerrard was out injured along with McNaughton who was replaced by fit again Gyepes. Quinn who was on the bench for the last game was back in the starting line up for the young Matthews making three changes for the defence. With Blake moved to the back four Rae came in to take his place in midfield.

It was Cardiff Scottish international McCormack who got the opened goal, some pay back for the Cardiff boss for giving him the nod ahead of Chopra. From a Whittingham corner McCormack wallop a cracking volley from just outside the box the ball hit the back of the net 1-0 to the Bluebirds.

The goal seem to wake up the visitors has they proceed to put pressure on the home team coming close on a number of occasions. Watford striker Hoskins had a spectacular overhead effort go just over the crossbar. Cardiff were lucky to be going in at half time with the lead, 1-0 just did not look good enough.

Cardiff boss made a change for the start of the second half with Capaldi on for Kennedy; Cardiff fans have seen little of the ex-Plymouth player since his return from a loan spell with Leeds. Unfortunately the game picked up from where the first finished the visitors pushing forward.

Nerves around the stadium with eased in the 63 minute when the league top scorer Peter Whittingham found a cross from Burke and connected perfectly to head the ball home against the run of play but it was now 2-0 to the Bluebirds. Any hope for Watford was killed off in the 78 minute and it was Burke now made sure the three points were staying in South Wales.

Watford got one back in injury time it was disappointment that the game did not end in a clean sheet but will with give everyone a boost before Wednesday game home to Sheffield United.

The only disappointment of the day for Cardiff is that Jay Bothroyd has picked up his ninth yellow card of the season which leaves him one more from a two match suspension, now that will worry manager Dave Jones and the fans.

What a few weeks can do it was starting to look like the City were going to drop out of the play-off. Then a few results go your way and you start winning again the next thing the position looks more consolidated. Looking at the table any can see how important Wednesday game is, a win could put eight points between the two teams.

The others below Sheffield United have big games Doncaster have a tough game against Newcastle while Blackpool and Coventry have to play Swansea and West Brom.

City team v Watford

Marshall
Quinn Gyepes Blake Kennedy
Burke Rae McPhailWhittingham
Bothroyd McCormack

Substitutes
Enckelman, Matthews, Capaldi, Wildig, Chopra Feeney

Injured Gerrard is out and Blake takes over in defence Matthews is on the bench so Quinn back in the starting line up. Rea is back in midfield has Blake moves into defence, Dave Jones has stuck with Dave Jones has stuck with McCormack with the returning Chopra on the bench.

With yesterdays results going kindly for the City a victory today against Watford will see Cardiff move five points from seventh place Sheffield United who are the next visitors to the Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday.

Tale of two papers

It’s the News of the World again putting out the rumour and is one will get the fans hopping mad. They are saying that Ridsdale will lose the chairmanship of the Bluebirds come in with investment but Ridsdale could stay on in the short term.

On the flip side the Sunday Mirror will have the fans tearing their hair out as they rumour of the days is that the Malaysians are urging Peter Ridsdale to say on as chairman. The paper is intimating it will be up to Ridsdale if he stays or goes once the deal is signed and sealed.

If the News of the world story is true the Malaysians would bring in their own man who it is unsure. It was thought Steve Borley would step in for the short term at least has he knows the in and outs of the club and holds the respect of most of the Cardiff City fans. The Mirror story would see Ridsdale still in control but would he be able to stay at a club where he as little or no support from the fans.

I do not get what is going on over these talks, are the Malaysians only investing or is this start of a takeover; £6million is very little money to talk control of a football club. That may be enough cash to save the club this season, but what about next. If the club are banking on the 6,000 season ticket holder yet to buy for next season there could be some disappointment for the club due there. Promotion would be need to shift enough season tickets now but that would be a drop in the ocean compared with the wealth you can receive for the final step up.

The investment of the £6million will hit the clubs coffers at the end of April according to all reports; it seems a long time to wait for the cash.

Who will partner Bothroyd

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones will have to decide between Ross McCormack and Michael Chopra to partner Jay Bothroyd for the Watford game Sunday. Chopra is back from his two match suspension and is ready to rejoin the battle to keep City in the play-off places.

Until recently the Scottish international has been playing in a wide/midfield role but is partnership with Bothroyd over the last few games have yielded no goals. The return from the forward line this season has been fair poor with the backbone of the goals coming from midfielder Peter Whittingham who is the Championship’s top scorer.

Chopra has been scoring goals intermittently throughout the season he has played 33 games so far this season scoring in eight of these games due to multiple goals. Compared with Whittingham who has played the same number of games scoring 17 times spread over 15 games.

Sometimes the manager is hard to guess, he was annoyed with Chopra for his two match suspension so will the City striker start from the bench, Jones has preferred a Chopra/Bothroyd partnership all season will he go with them again. McCormack had a good game on Tuesday night at Coventry he had a few chances, failing to score but his work rate around the pitch was high will he get a start or even make the midfield. One person knows but the fans will have to wait until a hour before kick-off Sunday.

Focus on football: Judgement day for Cardiff

Fingers crossed for investment

So what is going to happen today will the Malaysians ride to the rescue or will they walk away leaving Cardiff just drift on to the final outcome, administration. Somewhere a high power meeting this rumoured to be taking place with the future of the club at stake. The only way the club can be saved is with some investment or a takeover would be better but on likely so with all these consortiums and individuals chasing clubs throughout the leagues why do they all seem to bypass the Bluebirds.

The supporters groups the Supporters Trust and CCSC have released a statement today ’Follow Link’

The talks between the club and the Malaysians have been greatly increase in the past few week with Steve Borley going out for talks but these negotiations have been long and drawn out going back months. It reported there is £6m on the table if to help get the City to the end of the season, from there who know what will happen. What happened to the Americans? There were others to being touted as being interested but we hear nothing about where they have disappeared to.

The latest of many rumours is if the investment does not happen the players do not get paid and that will force the club into administration.

City team v Coventry

Marshall
McNaughton Gerrard Kennedy Matthews
McPhail Burke Blake Whittingham
Bothroyd McCormack

Substitutes
Enckelman, Quinn, Rae, Capaldi, Taiwo, Wildig, Feeney

No change for the City tonight

Every game is a must win now

How important is the game tonight, I would put on the critical list as a must win no pressure there then. Are away record is dismal of late the last time City won away from home was the massacre of Bristol City back at the end of January.

Last season the Bluebirds did the double over tonight’s opponents Coventry City and we beat the earlier in the season and fingers and just about everything else cross for tonight. Like always Cardiff manager Dave Jones is waiting to see who is fit and who is not has the games are coming back.

One player out is Michael Chopra who is serving his second suspended game Kevin McNaughton is reported to be doubtful for tonight with a thigh problem. Gyepes Gypes miss the game Saturday has a injection to ease the pain to his back injury and is hopeful for the game Adam Matthews should also be available he did go off in the 1-0 defeat on Saturday.

Jones was happy with the return of Stephen McPhail and Peter Whittingham against Leicester City both came through the game without a reaction to their previous injuries both will play.

It is a full fixture list for the Championship excluding Newcastle v Scunthorpe which is a Wednesday game. Victory for Coventry tonight would see them up above Cardiff in the table and push them out of a play-off place. Fifth place Leicester are away tonight at Crystal Palace while seventh place Blackpool face a trip to ninth place Sheffield United

Is it a false dawn

The South Wales Echo has taken up the story that was in the News of the World regarding the possibility of chairman Peter Ridsdale leaving the club. In the News of the World the story was that, he would have to leave if the club was to receive the rumoured £6m of investment from the Malaysian. The story in the Echo is not so get out of the here just say he could go by the end of the month.

The Malaysian is due in Cardiff within days according the Echo and that could mean tomorrow’s game against Coventry could be Ridsdale last has chairman or at the latest Watford on Saturday. This all depends on the story being true and the £6m turning up.

From the both stories it looks like an investment more than a buy-out and the club through Ridsdale and director Alan Whiteley have been keeping in close contact with Dato Chan to move things along there has been no official comment for the club but for a source. The latest offering from the source, “Peter Ridsdale said from the start that his job was to help ensure the new stadium was completed – and bring in new investment.
“He will leave when those two factors are completed – and that could be as early as the end of this month.”

If Ridsdale were to go, Steve Borley would step in to help on the football side of the club, but would that be as chairman?
Some fans are already starting to celebrate planning to embellish the stadium with Malaysian flags but until it is official, I will be keeping my powder dry.

Ridsdale has been with the club for five years and all but the last few months since the ‘Golden Ticket’ fiasco most fans were happy with his stewardmanship at the club.

Ridsdale friendless in the East?

Turn to the back of the News of the World and what joy, if it is true, can I believe the headline, ‘PAY AS YOU GO’. It is only a rumour but it sounds unlikely but if the investment was to lead to a takeover that is a completely different kettle of fish.

The story in the paper is that Chairman Peter Ridsdale would be shown the door has part of the conditions of the Malaysian property tycoon Dato Chan Tien Ghee investing the £6m in the Bluebirds.

Once again, it is a club source that is breaking the news to the paper it must be a new source has the club are reported to have caught the source back some months ago, but this new source said, "Ridsdale must be removed from the helm for there to be a hefty investment. He's living on borrowed time."

Fans where asking on the clubs messageboard why was it that director Steve Borley when out to Malaysia when it was Ridsdale who has been dealing with them in the past. Dato Chan Tien Ghee is due to fly in on Thursday for more talks that could see the Malaysian take control of the club with a buy-out. The fans would love to see the back of their chairman have lost any faith in him and if his friends out in the East have even up on him he must see writing is on the wall. >>>>> Link to News of the World Story

Still sixth but only just

Just a quick look at the table shows the City are dropping into a major battle for the five teams above pull away. Newcastle and Swansea dropped points while Nottingham Forest lost only West Brom and Leicester picked up points today there is now a five-point gap between Cardiff and the top five. Even though the Bluebirds lost at Leicester, they retained the sixth spot but have a host of teams in striking if Cardiff were to slip up any further.

Cardiff have to play Coventry Tuesday night one of the most improving teams in the Championship although there could only draw with Plymouth this weekend a win for the Sky Blues and they will jump above City pushing them out of a play-off spot.

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones said after today’s game, "We controlled the game for long spells. I know they had their spell, but it was a mistake that cost us and a little bit of inexperience from the throw-in.
"But I can see us starting to come back and once our returning players start to get sharper and have a few more games and a few more training sessions, then watch us go.
"The result is a big disappointment for us but I've seen some experienced players such as Stephen McPhail, Peter Whittingham and Mark Kennedy come back and show the form that is needed. That was the big light for me at the end of the tunnel.
"The players are angry and annoyed after that defeat but they shouldn't be disappointed. We have good determination but it is unfortunate we didn't come away with something."

Cardiff team v Leicester City

Marshall
McNaughton Gerrard Kennedy Matthews
McPhail Burke Blake Whittingham
Bothroyd McCormack

Substitutes
Enckelman, Quinn, Rae, Capaldi, Taiwo, Wildig, Feeney

No Gyepes in defence but McNaughton starts today. In midfield, Whittingham is in for Rae and McPhail is in for McCormack who starts in attack alongside Bothroyd in the aspects of Chopra.

Not for the weak the run-in to the end

Forget about the last 34 games they are done and dusked. However, the next eight games from today until the 5th April will make or break the season for Cardiff City. Those eight games are spaced in the next 24 days, a game round every 3 days a tough call for a team with such a small squad.

The games are,
Today Leicester A
Tuesday, 16 March Coventry A
Sunday, 21 March Watford H
Wednesday, 24 March Sheffield Utd H
Saturday, 27 March Crystal Palace A
Tuesday, 30 March Leicester H
Saturday, 3 April Swansea H
Monday, 5 April Nottingham Forest A

All but two of which involve teams above us in the league table or just below looking for a play-off place. Three of the games are live on TV, Palace Sky Sports, Swansea Sky Sports, and Nottingham Forest on the BBC let’s just hope we are still involved with the fight

The final four games
Saturday, 10 April Reading H
Saturday, 17 April QPR A
Saturday, 24 April Sheffield Wed H
Sunday, 2 May Derby A

WalesOnline - FootballNation - Cardiff City - Swings and roundabouts leave Bluebirds team selection in a spin

WalesOnline - FootballNation - Cardiff City - Swings and roundabouts leave Bluebirds team selection in a spin

Big game against Leicester

Every season there is always make or break game, a game that could kill off your season, and I think the game at Leicester tomorrow is the one followed by the trip to Coventry on Tuesday.

If City were to lose, tomorrow the gap between them in fifth and us in sixth will extend to five points and we still have to play them at the end of the month. If that scenario plays out and Blackpool win Cardiff will drop of the play-off places for the first time since the home defeat to Ipswich back in November.

We have on met in the league so far this season but we have beaten them in the FA Cup 4-2 but the Walkers Stadium is a tough nut to crack having lost just three at home and the last time in early December. They lost last Saturday when relegated threaten Sheffield Wednesday were the victors.

Cardiff with be without Michael Chopra who is suspended for is and the Coventry game for picking up his 10th yellow card. According to boss Dave Jones on the Official website, Gabor Gyepes could be a doubt for tomorrow with back injury and he is concerned over Kevin McNaughton and Adam Matthews.

On the upside, midfielder and top scorer Peter Whittingham is fit to play after his groin injury and manager is hopeful for Mark Kennedy and Stephen McPhail to return. In thing we can expect Ross McCormack should step into Chopra's boots.

The off the field stuff is still a worry but still the club stay silent.

WAG 22 Diana Póth

Diana Póth a former Hungarian champion figure skater and married to Cardiff City defender Gabor Gyepes. The Hungarian press call them Backs and Posh of Hungary when they first started dating. She has done a few photo shoot for the likes of FHM Hungary and others plus some catwalk modeling.

During her career, Diana was never out of the top three of the Hungarian Championships winning it twice. She took part in a number of major tournaments but never the Winter Olympics. After retiring, she took part in the Holiday on Ice shows, did some coaching, and is still believe to be coaching.

Talking about how she was getting on living in Cardiff, she told the interview, “Very well, Cardiff is a beautiful and lively city well, and deal with, he loves, as figure skating,”

Ridsdale must have heard the 'ch-ching'

It is only a small story, come rumour, but it must have warmed cockles of chairman Peter Ridsdale heart this morning. Just the thought of Manchester City being interested in one of your players can get you a slap on the back from your bank manager.

The young Cardiff defender Adam Matthews is the rumoured target of cash laden blue side of Manchester, he is the only Cardiff player being linked with offer. The top half the Premiership is crazy for Matthews leaving the player looking forward to than interesting summer.

I just hope these links pan out and not disappear like last summer when Joe Ledley was left high and dry after a lot of rumours but no offers.

Silent from the club

Is it our club or not the club were in court fighting for its survival but the people in change has stayed silent. Not even an official statement of the club website with Chairman Peter Ridsdale tell us how he saved us again cannot be seen. He was at the court yesterday and true to form, he left the building without comment. However the board and Ridsdale are “delighted” with the 56-day adjournment they are confident they can pay the £1.9m with the time limit if they do not the club WILL get a wind-up order.

Most fans are think more along the line of administration than Ridsdale coming to the rescue with the betting along the line of we kick-off next season with a -10 points start and with a team made up of freebie players from the lower division or Scotland and without manager Dave Jones and no investment. Who would want to invest in this club when any money from transfer would go straight to paying debts?

The court were told that the club have players worth £30m now that is a joke, every manager in the league will know come the summer the club will have to sell with no money coming in and the club will be in no position to play hardball over fees.

We need a total buy-out, there is money out there, but for some reason Cardiff just are not attracting it. I believe any serious interest would be waiting to see if the club go into administration, why by now when you could buy cheaper later. What as happen to Keith Harris, "football's favourite financier" he was brought into Cardiff as a non-executive director of Cardiff City came to help find investment and people interested in purchasing a football club. He seems to be spent all his time and energies trying to buy Manchester United with his ‘Red Knights’ group.

This £6m possible investment thrown to the court yesterday was a bit of a surprise but talk of money coming in is what got the club into this position in the first place. These Malaysians have being pulling on the club cord for far too long if true all the club has seen so far is £500,000 that bought Malaysian businessman Datuk Chan Tien Ghee a place on the board. Nevertheless, talk of investment has been in the air since the summer and it never leads anywhere but to more disappointment.

The final COUNTDOWN

Well Chester City was wound-up just before the Cardiff case this morning but they were a dead duck anyway having been kick out of the Conference. Southend were given 35 days to pay their debt. So how did Cardiff City fair? Chairman Peter Ridsdale was hoping to make a part payment again but the taxman was not happy but lost out but get another chance to wind-up the Bluebirds in just 56 DAYS.

Cardiff paid half the debt today after they had promised to clear the debt the last time they were in court. The club should have paid off £1.85m of the original £2.7m leaving the taxman just £850.000 to collect. Nevertheless, it is never easy when you take on the taxman and Ridsdale has incurred more debt with the taxman the club had defaulted on its ongoing obligations to pay PAYE and VAT, incurring a further debt of £1.053m. We now have to pay £1.903m within the 56 days.

That the High Court Cardiff has 56 days to settle their debt or they will be wind-up so this ongoing pain will carry on until Monday 6 May. This looks to be a final chance now and come the 6th May the club will be winded-up so where is the money going to come from.

Counsel Matthew Smith, for the HMRC said the club were "plainly insolvent" and went on to say the club were “robbing Peter to pay Paul”.

In defence of the club Elaine Palser, point out the club had received £500,000 for an Asian investor and indicated he will invest another £6m. She told the court, "We are confident that these funds are coming in. This is not an insolvent company. There is £36m of net assets, and the players are worth about £30m."

Hearing the case, Mrs Registrar Derrett issued a warning to Cardiff City she was going to grant one last adjournment but the debt must the paid or the club will have a winding up order place on it. She said: "On the face of it this company is not able to pay its debts as they fall due. The only basis, I’m being told, on which there is a prospect of this being resolved is through a third party investor, but there is no evidence before the court.
"However, I take note that it is only the second hearing. I will grant an adjournment for 56 days and that is for settlement in full."

No comment from Peter Ridsdale was anyone expecting any, we will have to wait and see the official statment.

Cardiff did ask for the 6,000 season ticket holders yet to buy season tickets for next season but they have been very quiet on the uptake, which is rumoured to be next to none but they still have until the end of the month. Steve Borley is believe to be in Malaysia with the begging bowl let’s hope he returns with the £6m the court were told about.

Chopra a naughty boy

Last night was a disaster all round for Cardiff last night at Portman Road, first defeat and it was a poor defeat with Cardiff never in the game and looked anything like play-off contenders. Michael Chopra has incurred the wrath of manager Dave Jones who called him ‘stupid’ for picking up is tenth yellow card, suspended for the next two games. He will miss the all-important game away to Leicester on Saturday and Coventry on Tuesday. On the official Cardiff City website, boss Jones did not mince his word, “It’s a stupid booking. There was no reason for what he did.
“It’s a silly, silly booking. It’s a frustration booking. He’s got to be a better professional than that because that’s a crazy booking to pick up.
“He’ll miss two games now because of his lack of professionalism. But it might give someone else the opportunity to stake their claim.”

That will give Ross McCormack his chance up front with Jay Bothroyd may he could liven up the forward line who have been hit and miss this season.
Some good news again from the official website the treatment room could be about to lose three customers with news Peter Whittingham, Mark Kennedy and Stephen McPhail could be back for the trip to Leicester on Saturday. Jones said, “Hopefully they’ll be back. We must be careful that we don’t expect too much from them, especially Steve, but they might put the jitters up one or two players and get them worried about whether they can keep their place.”

Last night showed how much they are need and the others in the treatment room. Last night there was not much on the bench that could have made a different on the field, the only change Jones made during the game was to send on Capaldi after the second goal. Most are biding their time has they know they will be on their way out in the summer.

Not a good night

Fifth place Leicester had no mid-week game this week but it did not matter as the Bluebirds could not take advantge of the situation to jump above them after tonight's defeat. Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were game less to but West Borm and Swansea both win moving futher away from sixth place Cardiff,

Scott Minto covering the game for Sky Sports Soccer Special asked at half time what was Cardiff’s contribution to the first half, he replayed “nothing”. Cardiff was 1-0 down within 18minutes when on loan Daryl Murphy form Sunderland opened the scoring.

The best bet for any improvement by the visitors was if manager Dave Jones could shake them up for the second half.

If Dave Jones kick ass in the dressing room at half time it did not seem to have work, as there seem no improvement. Ipswich were in full control, there was no surprise when Murphy got his second on the 58 minute again ask were the Bluebirds pick up the game, “No” and after a short pause said no only a Chopra over head kick.

At 2-0, there was no chance of Cardiff scoring three goals there would be trouble if it were 0-0 and Cardiff just about to score one goal.
Chopra picked up his ten yellow cards, which means a two-match suspension just what Dave Jones did not need.

Cardiff assistant boss Terry Burton admitted: "Ipswich were by far the better team.
"They played better on the night and 2-0 flattered us.
"Everyone uses it as an excuse but we've got a lot of injuries, including players who would normally be in our starting 11.
"We never got going, though.
"We were second best in every area and there was so much wrong that he (boss Dave Jones) could be talking to the players until midnight."
Burton added: "We can still make the play-offs, but we'll certainly be a lot happier when we get some of our injured players back."

Cardiff team v Ipswich

Marshall
Matthews – Gyepes – Gerrard - McNaughton
Burke – Rae - Blake - McCormack
Bothroyd – Chopra

Subs: Enckelman, Quinn, Taiwo, Wildig, Feeney, Capaldi, Meades,

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones made no changes like predicted from Saturday line-up

Victory tonight and tomorrow would be nice

The next 24 hours are all-important for the Bluebirds today they need to keep the winning way after Saturday victory over Middlesbrough and secure the three points against Ipswich to night.

Early reports suggest both Peter Whittingham and Mark Kennedy with the missing again leaving the eleven from Saturday the most likely starting line-up.

Tomorrow there is the all important court case at the High Court in London the rumour doing the rounds is at Chairman Peter Ridsdale is after striking a part payment again and with the way the taxman went after Portsmouth, could be a mistake. Since the last court case were a rumoured £1m was paid off the £2.7m the land deal was to bring in £1.8m enough to pay the taxman off. There is also the FA Cup money for the Chelsea game including a share of the TV money all of which is paid out at the end of the season I believe.

They is normal a lot of tooing and throwing been between parties has a deal is sort if the taxman holds out for full payment they will take the case to court. They is a chance the club could face administration and a 10-point deduction should a winding-up order be made.

Cardiff’s case will be up before whoever after 11am, can see Sky Sports News being camped outside like for Portsmouth and the only other team in with the City is Chester City remember them.

The only comment from within the club was from manager Dave Jones, "I hope everything is okay.
"The players are trying to get some good times around the football club rather than the doom and gloom.
"It is difficult times for everybody but if you look back at the past of this football club, it always seems to be difficult times.
"This hasn't just happened, it has been going on for a long, long time. Before I arrived there were demonstrations outside Ninian Park and that seems to be forgotten.
"It is nothing new to this football club, a lot of it is old debt and we're trying to sort it out.
"I've not been told anything about the court case, I've just got my head down and got on with the football.
"I've let the hierarchy deal with that as there has been no crossover. There is nothing I can do.
"I have to keep getting the best out of the players and if we do that and the results keep coming it means hopefully we're more attractive for the people that are looking at coming into the football club."

Jones must be hoping for the taxman being paid off in full so the transfer embargo could be lifted and if there was any loan left in the kitty for some loan players, bring in a few to boost his squad.

The Shooting Man - Film

We done to celebrity Bluebirds fan Jonathan Owen when in his latest film project he was asked to portray a Bristol City fans he said no, turn the character into a Cardiff City fan.

The film called The Shouting Men is a road trip movie about a misfit group of Gillingham fans travelling to Newcastle for their dream FA Cup tie. Not sure how a Cardiff City fans fits in this but having seen the trailer it looks good.
City said Owen, “The film is great, and a lot of fun and football is going to be huge this summer with the World Cup.
“I thought this film would go straight to DVD but British films seem to be popular.
“When this part came up it was for a Bristol City fan. Well I wasn’t having that, so I got them to change it to a Cardiff City fan. There is no better team to support than Cardiff City.
“The fans of the club are like family, my brothers and sisters, and the welcome I get there is always amazing.”

The Cardiff link in the film occurs when Cardiff fans run into the Gillingham fans on their way to Norwich at the service station. But is it Cardiff City supporters club they run into or the Soul Crew wait and see.

Long trip to Ipswich for the City

The Bluebirds have a Tuesday night trip to Ipswich not one of the best mid-week fixture you can have for the travelling fans with only 250 expected to travel or the players either unless they are flying.

The Cardiff boss Dave Jones revealed he was so short of fit players for the Middlesbrough game he had four injured players on the bench. He was pleased with the hard work his players put in on Saturday. Jones will have little choice but to play the same eleven that started on Saturday.

There is plenty of low moral sweeping around Portman Road, they lost Saturday 1-0 at Blackpool and are only a point way from a relegation spot. That the start of the season Ipswich was one of the favourites to make the top six, but how wrong was that prediction. However, they did come to the Cardiff City Stadium back in November and walked away with all three points after a 2-1 victory.

In addition, we still own them a good beating after last season for spoiling the last ever-competitive game played at Ninian Park with a 3-0 win.

Matthews a dead cert to go in the summer - but where

FA Cup semi-finalist Aston Villa are the latest Premiership club rumoured to be interest in Cardiff’s highly rated 18-year-old defender Adam Matthews. Financial the club need to sell, so they will be hoping it is not all talk.

He is happy to stay with Bluebirds has he told the South Wales Echo last month he knows if he was to transfer to one of the ‘bigger clubs’ his chances of first team football would be limited to Cup games and possible early round of a European competition. Although the chances of him being a Cardiff City player next season are next to none but the club are in talks with the player about a new improved contract offer.

With a host of clubs rumoured to be waiting in the wings the club have a value the player at £4m/£5m however Manchester United are rumoured to have done a deal with the Bluebirds if this is true we will see in the summer. Four others we are lead to believe are in the chase are Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and who knows who else would like the chance to sign the young defender. All he needs is Chelsea to show an interest and he will have a full house.

We can only hope that if the transfer goes ahead, it will go to auction to maximise the fee unlike the Aaron Ramsey deal. The club set a fee of £5m with two clubs, Manchester United, and Arsenal vying for his signature and it looked to be off to the Manchester club only at the last minute to pick Arsenal. If I were chairman, I would call for sealed bids over £5m with a sell on clause. The money has to be up front none of this spread over three years or something base on games played, Internationals, and all that rubbish.

He will not be the only one up for grabs in the summer.

March a success and three points

The day started with nearly 2,000 fans or maybe more any 2,000 fans depending who you talk to marching to the Cardiff City stadium. The marchers set off with banners, plenty of chanting and even a coffin to voice their opinion to chairman Peter Ridsdale who had earlier call on the fans protesting not to march. He also called on fans to “look themselves in the mirror” he also revealed his belief the march and protest could scupper hopes of attracting investment.

With all the off the field stuff going on the game was the most important after two really bad defeats, it was a must to take all three points today against Middlesbrough who could have jumped over us in the league table and out of a play-off place.

It is only the second time this season Cardiff has done the double over a rival, home, and away victories. It was a nail biting afternoon with Cardiff winning this all-important game but with the only goal scored in the third minute it made for a tense afternoon for the home fans.

Jay Bothroyd popped up to score the early goal when a Darcy Blake cross-found the striker who scored an easy tap-in, Blake got the start in place of the injured Peter Whittingham.

Cardiff now face a long trip to Ipswich for the Tuesday night game they lost 1-0 at Blackpool today and have drawn their last three home games. The following day it is back to the High Court for a rematch with the taxman.

City Team v Middlesbrough

Marshall
Matthews – Gyepes – Gerrard - McNaughton
Burke – Rae - Blake - McCormack
Bothroyd – Chopra

Subs: Enckelman, Quinn, Taiwo, Wildig, Feeney, Capaldi, Meades,

Cardiff boss Dave Jones has made changes to the Team that start against Preston week. Out goes, Peter Enckelman to the bench and back comes David Marshall in goal while in defence young Adam Matthews gets the nod over Paul Quinn who it was reported has been offer a contract extension.

In for the injured Peter Whittingham is Darcy Blake

Paul Quinn in line for a contract extension ????

Cardiff City are preparing for next season by offering full back Paul Quinn a contract extension that could see him stay at the Cardiff City Stadium until 2013. It is a bit early for the club to do this as he is only one year into a three-year contract.

He has not had an easy time since joining the Bluebirds for Motherwell in a £300,000 deal last summer. A section of the fans has been giving him a hard time under rating him and questioning Dave Jones selection at times. Last week push in the penalty area at Preston that lead to the first goal did not help and he lost out to young defender Adam Matthews for some games along with Kevin McNaughton when he is fit.

The South Wales Echo where the rumour started is suggesting the move to cover the expected sale of Matthews in the summer to Manchester United who along with a number of Premiership club have checked the youngest out. The rumour is that the Manchester club has done some secret handshake with the Bluebirds for them to have first call on the young defender.

With not many people talking with the Echo a source close to the player told the paper, “Paul has been made a good offer and he’s keen to remain and build on what he has done so far with Cardiff City.”

If he does sign and stay he find himself lonely if the fortunes of the club do not pick up, eight players are out of contract in the summer and along with any player worth any value up for grabs and could also find the door opened for them

Here one minute gone the next

**The Statement which was post on the net has been take down**

Cardiff City released a statement within the last hour about the protest tomorrow. He is asking why he is, that is Annis Abraham asking for questions in his adverts place in the local press about the Club’s finances when the questions were answered at the recent EGM.

The statement goes on the take about the good things at the club listing at in the last five years the fans have celebrated, a new stadium, state of the art training facilities, a FA Cup final and the best league finish since 1971.

In the statement, they state they are still seeking outside investment with the club having short-term cash challenges.

I have to say under the leadership of Peter Ridsdale has been good until the winding-up order. Like me many fans were understood the need to sale players to generate cash unlike bullshit Hammam and his ‘crown jewels’ rubbish. The non-sale of Joe Ledley seem to have started it all off, Ridsdale and the board were hoping to sell two players in the summer it looked to be McCormack and Ledley but in the end it turned out to be defender Roger Johnson.

Although I support the fans right to march, I cannot see the point of marching the target knows he is unloved but if even with all our troubles were to win promotion his troubles would melt away along with the protest.

The protest march

Off the field Cardiff City, fans will be protesting again this time before the game in the form of a match from the Canton area of Cardiff starting at 2pm. The organisers are hope of over 2,000 to take part with Chairman Peter Ridsdale the main target of anger.

The organisers have more than fifty banners up made ready for the match and each fan on the march will receive fake £10 note with Ridsdale’s face printed on it instead of the Queen and as a gesture will throw the notes away at the ground.

One of the main fans involved in the protest is Annis Abraham via his website (See Link) he called for a vote of confidence at the recent EGM. A season ticket holder for 37 years, Abraham’s is calling on Ridsdale and the board to listen to the fans. Talking to the South Wales Echo he said, “This will be a march to show our passion for the club. We will be here way beyond the tenure of the present chairman Peter Ridsdale.
“People went to the recent shareholders meeting and asked questions to which Ridsdale would only reply ‘too sensitive to answer’.
“However, the golden ticket scheme was the last straw for the supporters.
“We have been in contact with the South Wales Police about the march and they have been superb.
“We will walk up to the main reception to make our point. After 10 minutes, I will then ask the supporters to enter the ground and support our team on the pitch.
“We want our club to do well, of course we do. But don’t pull the wool over our eyes is what we are saying.
“We have a right to voice our concerns about how the club is being run.”
“If people think this all about the new generation they are wrong.
“We have people in their sixties and seventies saying they will turn up to make their points.”

Peter Ridsdale has made no comment and his unlike to not all City fans are in tune with the protest saying it is time for the fans to pull together with the club in mire.

Jones looking for an improvement

The official site is keeps us well informed with the announcement at two players are out of contention for the Middlesbrough game today. The hapless duo is Peter Whittingham and Mark Kennedy

League and club top score Whittingham is out torn groin muscle and Kennedy a torn calf muscle leaving the manager with squad problems in his ever-decreasing squad. Boss Dave Jones is missing seven squad numbers long with the two named to day allow Ricky Scimeca retired.

Jones will be looking for a vast improvement over the last two games after a disastrous February. Cardiff only managed to collect four points out of a possible fifteen, not promotion form and Cardiff are luck to be still in a play-off place.

Speaking before the game tomorrow the City boss said, “We’ve got to be strong, stand up and take responsibility.
“We have a lot of games coming up in a short space of time and whoever plays will have to knuckle down. Football is a fantastic breeding ground for the blame culture but everybody has to look at themselves and ask themselves: ‘Am I doing enough? Can I do more?”
“At the moment, certain people aren’t doing what’s expected of them and what they’re capable of doing. They need to roll their sleeves up, pull their socks up and get on with it.”

We need some luck

There was a time when more than half the Bluebirds squad would be away on international but how times have changed only three players were called-up for the mid-week games.

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones maybe had more at risk this time than any other time has both his goalkeepers were called into their national squad. If they were to get injured even now before the end of the season it would be a disaster, no keepers and with a transfer embargo in place no hope of bringing one in.

Lucky for Jones only one of the three players featured in their game that was keeper Peter Enckelman who plays the first half of Finland 2-1 victory over Malta, the Maltase’s goal was scored in the first half. Defender Gabor Gyepes played no part in Hungary`s 1-1 draw against Russia or did David Marshall who sit out Scotland’s win on the bench. Warren Feeney was wanted by Northren Ireland but withdrew from the squad that lost 1-0 in Albania to be with his heavily pregnant wife.

With all the injury worry’s on the mind of the Cardiff boss he can add another one as two bigger problems could be coming his way with striker Michael Chopra on nine yellow cards just one from a two match suspension while is striking partner Jay Bothroyd is on eight, two away. They will just have to hope they don’t come across a card happy referee, other than that keep out of trouble which is unlikely

Lucky Blues fans

I have to admit when I saw the headline in the South Wales Echo ‘Now Blue’s fend off a winging-up order’ I did have a little chuckle to myself as I stood in the queue at Tesco. Could they own the Bluebirds rent money of the use of the Cardiff City stadium and the City take them to court.

A representative from the Blues said the tax bill relates to before Christmas and was paid immediately the count case was known about. The case was then dismissed the financial director at the Blues admitted to the Echo they were a month behind with a repayments at the end of last year.

It got me thinking what about the rent money, we have never been told (probably chairman Ridsdale would say it was business sensitive) what they are paying for the pleasure of playing in the new stadium. When they pay at the end of the season or like with the Wales friendly we keep the money and pay them straight away or at the end of the season.

Non- City .... Pamela Anderson banned video

I have seen worse

A barney us ... no way

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has put a full stop on the whole Deepdale dressing room sage.

Talking to the BBC the City boss said it was not some much an argument more a heated discussion which is now behind them after a clear the air meeting. Jones speaking to the BBC said, "It's over-exaggerated and everything else, but we have heated discussions. We have arguments because we care - people think you don't care.
"If I argue with the people that are around me, then it's better than going home and arguing with the wife."

Both men took the chance to have a full discussing over the current situation with the club on and off the field of play. With everyone, silent and tight-lipped over what is going on with the club the mind of fans are left to run wild.

With this out of the way now Jones has to knock down now has Cardiff have a busy few weeks ahead, after Middlesbrough and until April 5th will be playing Saturday/Sunday plus a midweek game. If Cardiff are to keep up the push for a play-off the small squad will have to stay injury free the best they can.

There a number of important games coming up, Cardiff have to play fifth place Leicester City twice plus Swansea (Home) and Nottingham Forest (Away)at the bringing of April but games will be televised along with the Crystal Palace game the Saturday before the Swansea game.

Get your season tickets

Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale must the thick shined because he will be in line for shed loads of abuse over the latest statement on the official website.

He has called on supporters who did not buy their season ticket during the ‘Golden Ticket’ offer to renew their season tickets for next season. Only 10,000 Cardiff City fans took up the offer, 6,000 of the current 16,000 season ticket holders have yet to pledge their money, and the club would like to get there hand on it and you have only until March 31.

It will be hard to see them jump in to get new season tickets for next season after what happen to the previous money, which was promise to boss Dave Jones for new players for the final push that have been lacking before. The money ended up paying wages and the taxman, which lead to protests and the call for Ridsdale to go.

The club are calling on fans to ‘back the club’ in particularly the 6,000 season ticket holders however the fans I can predict the 6,000 will not be smashing down the door to the ticket office to get a ticket. The club always have a second shot at season ticket sales after doing a special deal but to shift this lot will need promotion. The whole thing smacks of extreme anxiety on the clubs part, but this time there are no grand promises about the money there is surely only one place for that to go, paying off debt. The club are saying they can pay the taxman be why wait until the court day sure they are not going to make another part payment if the taxman will agree to one again.

Cardiff's official website read, "In looking for external investment we are concerned to demonstrate the strength of our supporter base. We clearly recognise the recent negative publicity surrounding the club has given some supporters cause for concern, however it is now extremely important that we move on and work together to secure the future success of this football club.
"As part of this it is important that as many existing, as well as new season ticket holders, purchase their ticket for next season before the end of March." >>>>> Link to Cardiff City Statement

Will he stay or will he go

Probably a reaction to the Jones/Ridsdale spat at the weekend but the Daily Mirror in its Football Spy column there is a suggest Cardiff City boss Dave Jones will review his future with the City in the summer.

The paper is linking the club’s financial plight to this rumour unless Cardiff put off a miracle and gain promotion (PLEASE DON’T LAUGH IT COULD HAPPEN) the cash strapped club will have major problems in the summer. The taxman is still on the clubs back with another court appearance in the High Court on March 10.

It there is no takeover or investment the money will soon dry up, the season ticket money for next season has gone. The only money coming in will be from the walk up crowd, food and drink sale, the club shop, and other bits and pieces the money made on the sale of player, which will need to keep up debt payments.

There will be a mass sale of players in the summer any player with a price on his head will be going, eight are out of contract in the summer which will help the wage bill somewhat but who will replace the players going. Free transfer on low wages players of on Division One/Two or non-league, maybe Jones will do is shopping in Scotland or Ireland.

No like the Mirror, I believe he will be off in the summer after five years in the hot seat. Like him, I thought this was the season especially when the season ticket deal was announced, then the pack of cards the clubs finances was built on started to collapse.

Cardiff City and FAW to talk

Cardiff City were taken back to hear the Welsh FA have concern about money owed to them from the Wales and Scotland friendly back in November at the Cardiff City Stadium. The game ended with a 3-0 victory for the young Welsh team and remember if for anything else the wonder goal by Aaron Ramsey.

A source at the Football Association of Wales said they have a receipt for money owed to them but yet to be paid. A spokesman Cardiff City said "We are surprised to hear that there is concern over money owed to the Welsh FA."

The City plan to meet with the FAW Tuesday to discuss the outstanding payment according to reports the club bore the cost of stewarding, policing, and ticketing and received a percentage of gate receipts.

In a statement the Bluebirds said, "A meeting has been arranged for Tuesday to work out the exact amount owing, this is known as a reconciliation process.
"The club had to bear the cost of items including stewarding, policing, and ticketing. The club also take a percentage of gate receipts.
"The amount due to the FAW will be arrived at on Tuesday. Once that figure is settled, the FAW will be paid the amount owing.
"Cardiff City were pleased and proud to host the Wales v Scotland international and we look forward to co-operating with the FAW in future."

The Scotland at the new stadium was deem to be a success by the Welsh management, the players and the FAW they were more than happy with the facilities. Cardiff City hope to receive a few of the 2012 European Championship qualifying games.

Father Phil

Ex-Cardiff City player Phil Mulryne I say player loosely because from joining the Bluebirds he only started one game the rest of his stay, which was 19 months, was beach warning when he got the chance.

According to press reports, he has started instructions to be ordained a Catholic priest, which could take up to seven years. He once dated model Nicola Chapman (see photo) and said about her at the time, “It’s obvious what her best asset are .... Her eyes!
“Just kidding. She’s got lovely eyes but there’s just no getting away from these breast – they’re fantastic.”

He joined the Bluebirds along with eight others back in July 2005,

Jeff Whitley - loaned to Stoke City then Wrexham before joining the North Wales club. Believed to be playing for Northwich Victoria.
Glenn Loovens - joined the Bluebirds for £250,000 from Feyenoord he was later sold to Rangers for £2.5million.
Neil Cox - joined Cardiff for Watford on a free transfer no longer in football.
Jermaine Darlington - after a season with the Bluebirds he dropped into non-league football with AFC Wimbledon, now with Maidstone United.
Andrea Ferretti - back in Italy playing for Pavia
Jason Koumas - at Wigan Athletic
Darren Purse - with Sheffield Wednesday
Kevin Cooper - was with Newport County but now with Neath FC

Protest march plans

The Cardiff City United march for next Saturday is gaining pace in todays in the sports section of the South Wales Echo this is a full-page ad taken out by Cardiff City fan and local businessman Annis Abraham. (See left)

This will be the third protest the last two were after the game but organiser were disappointed in the turnout but this time they a hopeful of a much bigger turnout, up to 2,000 as the Canton area is popular with Cardiff fans.

Fans will meet up around 1.30pm in the car park at the back of the Admiral Napier pub Cowbridge Road East and the match to the ground will start around 2pm. If you are walking to the ground or drinking in the Ninian Park pub why not just join the match. Fake bank notes £5 and £10 featuring the face of Peter Ridsdale will be handed out to fans during the protest.

Speaking to the Echo Abraham said, “We are expecting 2,000 people there on Saturday. It’s going to be huge.
“This is about the board’s handling of our finances.
“I think the way the club is being run is making us look a joke.
“This is not about the players, this is not about the team - this is about the whole board.
“As soon as the game kicks off, we will be in the ground supporting the team.” >>>>> Link to Echo story

Peace conference at the Vale

After the battle of the away dressing room between chairman Peter Ridsdale and manager Dave Jones peace talks are rumoured to be about to take place. By all accounts, it was an astonishing push-up after an angry Ridsdale burst into the dressing room after the game to lambast the players over the poor performance at Deepdale.

The under pressure Ridsdale normal visit’s the dressing room after games but this time told all in earshot exactly what he thought of the game. Jones and his assistant Terry Burton were reported left shocked by the outburst during which the City manager told Ridsdale he had no right to speak to his players like that.

Jones when straight from the dressing room to the team coach forgoing the post match press conference he was incensed by the row and helpfully missing press question about the row. Ridsdale left the stadium without commenting and the players were told not to talk to the press has they left the ground.

The players were in mid bollocking from Dave Jones when the chairman entered the dressing room and giving a passionate and emotional outburst. To be honest most if not all of the 600+ City fans at the game would have given them the same treatment after they just caved in to 10 men Preston who were all 1-0 up before the sending-off.

The press is reporting Ridsdale will be going to the training ground at the Vale of Glamorgan for clear the air talks.

Happy St David's Day

Happy St David's Day to all Welshman and women all over the world.