Three-point boost Saturday would be handy

McNaughton

Kevin McNaughton said in today’s’ Echo there must be an improvement on the playing side or the club could fall short for the third time with promotion. The Scotsman admitted there was some loss of confidence among the players something I am sure Cardiff City boss would not agree with.

He agreed with the fans and the non-playing staff they were awful, and everyone as seen them on the slid for a number of games until they hit rock bottom Tuesday night. It is surprising that City have managed to keep hold of second place in the league, thankfully the teams below have had their cognisance problems.

Talking to the South Wales Echo McNaughton is reported as saying:

“We might have a few players out, but we are just not firing on full cylinders. We aren’t under any doubt that things aren’t going as well as they should be at the moment

“The quality going forward is not good enough and we are not cutting out sloppy things and it seems to have spread throughout the team.

“We haven’t put a good performance in for a few weeks. I wouldn’t even say Hull was a vintage Cardiff performance.

“Before that we were knocking the ball around well, playing well, but since then it’s not really happened for us.

“We’ve had a few injuries; a few coming back, but the more it goes on the more it affects confidence.

“There is no lack of effort, it’s just that the quality is not good enough. We seem to just be playing the easy option too much.

"It’s probably a case of confidence which might be because we had a couple of poor results. Maybe we have been dwelling on things and you can’t do that. I’ve been here when we have gone through bad spells in mid-table so the fact we are still up there has to be a good thing.

“But it doesn’t take much to fall down that table so we need to sort things out as soon as possible. You don’t want other teams pushing ahead. Having to start chasing becomes difficult.”

But for the players who could get an international call who could pick-up injuries boss Dave Jones should have a full squad to call on for the Bristol City game at the Cardiff City stadium.

There are good noises coming out of the club treatment room about Craig Bellamy and appearance against Barnsley Saturday is not out of the question. Midfielder Danny Drinkwater out with a thigh injury since the Portsmouth game as missed five games in total. Striker Michael Chopra as been in the same boat with an ankle injury missing the same number of league games as Drinkwater. Both have pencil in the mid-day clash with Bristol City for a return in seventeen days time.

Bellamy to miss Wales games

No Wales this time

Cardiff City and boss Dave Jones can let out a sigh of relief Welsh boss Brian Flynn will not be calling up Craig Bellamy for the upcoming Wales Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Bellamy is believe to be close to playing and could play some part in the Barnsley trip Saturday. He has missed the last five games with his ongoing knee trouble which was aggravated while playing for Wales. It could be a risk to play him Saturday so will the manager hold him back for the first game after the international break.

The welsh boss told BBC Sport Wales:

"Craig will be unavailable for the two matches next week.

"I had a really long, excellent conversation with Cardiff manager Dave Jones just over 10 days ago...and we made the decision that Craig will not be available due to his fitness.

"He has an ongoing knee problem and hasn't played for the last five games.

"Obviously we've been aware of that and unfortunately for Craig and for us he won't be able to put on a red shirt next week. It's a big disappointment for me as caretaker manager. I wanted Craig in the team but these things happen."

It great news if you are a Cardiff fans but I can guarantee the pundits and other fans will get all hot a bothered. It could be a brave decision for Flynn who is only caretaker boss for the next two games before the FAW interview and decide on a new boss. Flynn needs two good performances which could help his cause when it comes to taking the job on full time.

Seyi Olofinjana didn’t look that comfortable against Crystal Palace, fans were questioning was he back too soon. Allow his manager was happy to see his midfielder get 90 minutes under his belt.

It has not gone un-noticed by fans that the recent dip in form has coincided with the injuries to key players.

Two-year contract extension for Blake

Reports in today’s press suggest that Cardiff City defender/midfielder Darcy Blake has signed a two-year extension on his contract. It is a remarkable turnaround for the player many fans were expecting to be shown the door by City boss Dave Jones.

The academy graduate's future looked bleak he was farmed out on loan Plymouth Argyle in August 09. Bluebirds boss Jones was concerned about Blake’s attitude and his fondness of junk food. He warned him not to follow his former player while boss at Southampton Matt Le Tissier's, who liked a burger binging.

He did well at Plymouth so much so boss Paul Mariner wanted to keep the versatile player. However, Cardiff had a transfer embargo and Cardiff need the numbers with injuries and the lack of new signings. With no embargo he would have probably stayed with Plymouth and would have been on the release list last summer.

He showed a new side to Jones and became one of the team’s stalwarts in the push to Wembley. He produced a number of sterling performances at centre-back and in midfielder good enough to earn a new contract offer. His resurgence with the City has seen the Welsh international management look in his direction. Injury has stopped him from adding to his youth and under 21 caps but will he get the call again Friday.

Cardiff City team v Crystal Palace

Heaton

McNaughton Naylor Blake Hudson

Whittingham Olofinjana Koumas Burke

Bothroyd Keogh

Substitutes

Marshall Rae Gyepes Quinn, Taiwo Matthews Wildig

Seyi Olofinjana is back in the starting line-up and boss Dave Jones has given Koumas a start has he make changes to is midfield. Blake looks to have gone back to a central defence role and McPhail is not in the squad. Gyepes who started Saturday is on the bench.

A win is a win and three points in the bag

By all accounts Saturday was a piss poor performance from the Bluebirds against Millwall, but at the end of the day three points were won. That meant Cardiff still unbeaten at home in the League since Barnsley 20th February last season if you discount the play-off semi final game with Leicester.

Eking out a win when you are not at your best is just has important has completely dominating a game. You can dominate a game and still end up with nothing, points are what the game is about like always have been. Before the Premiership life was somewhat easier, promotion was the goal and there was a bit of money in the game.

Life since Premiership as brought a heap of pressure on to clubs, with the holy grail of the top table. Manager Dave Jones has lead the club tantalising close to the Promised Land, only 90 minutes away last season. Automatic promotion is the goal for this season and Jones has the backing of the Malaysian on the pitch with investment in players and running a steady ship off the pitch.

Third time luck, the season has started well, second in the league but surrounded but clubs looking to take that spot. Early into the season QPR are the team in the form, six points ahead of the Bluebirds. So three points against Crystal Palace tonight would be welcome anyway it comes.

Cardiff City: 100 Years of Professional Football - New Book

Cardiff City: 100 Years of Professional Football RRP: price £15,99

Synopsis

This is the story of Cardiff City's 100 years as a professional football club. It tells of highs such as three FA Cup final appearances, a European Cup Winners Cup semi-final and numerous promotions, but also of lows as the club were forced to apply for re-election in 1934 just seven years after winning the FA Cup at Wembley

Stadium. The resumption of league football after WW2 saw some glory regained as they twice won promotion to the top flight but on each occasion they were relegated and would go on to spend many seasons hovering between the bottom divisions. In 2003 they were promoted to the Championship after a play-off victory at the Millennium Stadium, five years later they reached the FA Cup final, while in 2010 they were on the brink of promotion to the Premier Division with yet another Wembley appearance. Many famous players have appeared in Bluebirds colours over the years and every international player with the club is recorded along with all the managers and complete statistics of every League, FA Cup, League Cup and Welsh Cup line-up as Cardiff City celebrate 100 years of professional football.

Will Bellamy get a call-up

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones will have to wait on the international managers to see who if any of his squad will be getting a called up. It will be international break after the Barnsley a week Saturday and this time Wales play to games,

8 October: Wales v Bulgaria (Euro 2012 qualifier; Cardiff City Stadium, 1930 BST)

12 October: Switzerland v Wales (Euro 2012 qualifier; St Jakob Park, Basel; 1930 BST)

Welsh caretaker boss Brian Flynn with love to have Craig Bellamy in his squad but the City boss would rather he didn’t. Dave Jones said on today in the media:

"Craig must be doubtful for the Welsh games against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

"It would be a sensible move if he wasn't called up. If we get him back against Crystal Palace or Barnsley away, it would not be the best move for him to go and play two international matches.

"His career is more massive than individual games. To try and force him to play in a couple of games would be a wrong decision.

"That is still a long way off, but he is a doubt. Craig will leave it as long as he can."

Most Cardiff fans would back Dave Jones but over fans and the media are already talk of a club verse country issues. Since the last international break Bellamy has missed the last four games with Cardiff City spending a lot of time to return him to fitness. The club has even called in physio Raymond Verheijen who worked with Bellamy at Manchester City to help.

If he is fit to take part in either game the Welsh team can demand he report to their medical team. What happens if he goes off with Wales and comes back injury again, will Cardiff have to get him fit for the next Wales game some meanless friendly with a un-name team in November. Problem is if Bellamy is fit enough in his mind, he will put himself forward for selection.

There are others in Dave Jones squad who could receive the call-up. Welsh boss Brian Flynn could call up Darcy Blake ex-boss John Toshack was keen to have him in his squad. However, Blake attempts to join the Welsh squad have been hit with injury.

Scotland has a rule call up three keepers and David Marshall gets the call. Defender Kevin McNaughton was call up for the last game but was injured but joined the squad for the second game but he was unused. Recent loan sign Andy Keogh could join up with the Republic of Ireland and Gabor Gyepes is hopeful of a recall back into the Hungary team.

Tuesday night football - Cardiff City v Crystal Palace

Cardiff City have Londoners Crystal Palace visiting the Cardiff City stadium tomorrow night (kick-off 7:45pm) a team who so far this season don’t like to travel. They have lost all four away games todate and are a point off the relegation zone. They lost heavily on Saturday at Derby, 5-0 and have yet to score a league goal away from home.

The City boss Dave Jones will be hoping for a much better display than Saturdays’ against Millwall. Only a last minute goal saved the blushes of the teams and manager in front of 23,000 plus fans and Vincent Tan and party who were at the game. According to reports the Malaysian backer of the club will be in attendance tomorrow night again.

Dave Jones problems are not only the lacklustre performance on Saturday but the injuries to key players. Midfielder Seyi Olofinjana is said to be the closest to a return and could be in contention for tomorrow, if he is then a late fitness test will tell. Craig Bellamy is unlikely to be involved against Crystal Palace but there could be an outside chance for the trip to Barnsley. After the Barnsley game Wales have two European Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria at home and away to Switzerland but Dave Jones feels Bellamy should be over looked for a call up. Since joining the Bluebirds on loan from Manchester City he has managed only two games and came back from international carrying an injury and has not played since.

Michael Chopra could be fit enough for at least the bench on Saturday if not he is expected to be fit for the first game after the international break home against Bristol City along with Danny Drinkwater. New signing Chris Riggott is building up is fitness with a target of the Bristol game.

Sunday papers - match report City v Millwall

Cardiff City 2 Millwall 1 - Telegraph Sport

Andy Keogh might have left it left, but his first goal since joining Cardiff City on loan from Wolves gifted the Bluebirds a first victory in three Championship matches, against 10-man Millwall at the Cardiff City Stadium. >>>>>> Follow Link

Cardiff City's Andrew Keogh grabs points after 10-man Millwall battle - The Guardian - Joe Lovejoy at Cardiff City Stadium

The popular theory that Cardiff will go one better this season and achieve promotion because of their goalscoring ability gained credence when Andrew Keogh, their fourth-choice striker, headed in an 89th-minute winner to see off gritty Millwall's 10 men. >>>>>> Follow Link

Andy steps in to chop down Lions - News of the World

ANDY KEOGH admitted it was a relief to open his Cardiff account after his late, late header secured a dramatic win. >>>>>> Follow Link

Andy Keogh's last-minute goal wins it for Bluebirds - Sunday Mirror

Sign up for MirrorFootball's Morning Spy newsletter Register hereAndy Keogh's 89th-minute header got Cardiff out of jail after they looked set to waste the chance to return to winning ways against 10-man Millwall. >>>>> Follow Link

Keogh's last-gasp strike punishes 10-man Lions - Mail Online

Andy Keogh's 89th-minute header got Cardiff out of jail after they looked set to waste the chance to return to winning ways against 10-man Millwall. >>>>>> Mail Online Match Report

Manager's reactions

City boss Dave Jones said after the game:

"We never played as well as we are capable of and they had a few chances.

"Sometimes you have a bad day at the office but perseverance has brought us the victory.

"It was a definite penalty and a definite sending off as the lad could have broken Darcy Blake's leg.

"If the penalty had gone in it would have been a different story in the second half.

"It wasn't a bad spot-kick from Peter Whittingham but he does need a goal as things haven't gone so well for him this season.

"Andy Keogh never had the best of games but he kept going and scored a typical striker's goal so he will be delighted to get off the mark.

"We were poor at decision making today but eventually found the quality to take all three points.

"We have missed our injured players but I must be careful not to rush them back too soon."

Jones’ counterpart Millwall boss Kenny Jackett said,

"We are very disappointed with the result but we have plenty of positives to take out of the game because we did a lot of things right," he said.

"On level terms we had a good game on and took a deserved lead but, after going down to 10 men, we had to sit back and frustrate them, but even then we had chances.

"Liam Trotter was harshly treated to be sent off but I can't say any more because I will get into trouble.

"David Forde made a good save from a penalty and I was hopeful we could get something out of the game until the last minute when they scored.

"The lads put in a lot of hard work and the dressing room is down at the moment but any mistakes we made today were honest ones and there was a lot for us to build on."

Keogh helps Bluebirds to three points

Goal hero Andy Keogh

A last minute debut/first goal from Andy Keogh helped Cardiff City to all three points in this high noon show down at the Cardiff City stadium against Millwall.

It was the Londoners who took the lead within the first 10 minutes kind of against the run of play. Scott Barron scored for the visitors when he slotted the ball home from six yards.

The Cardiff City didn’t have to long to wait before the home team levelled the game, and it was top scorer Jay Bothroyd who gave the home fans some to cheer about. The City striker was making his 100th appearance Cardiff and this goal was it seventh so far this season. It came via a Lee Naylor thrown-in found Whittingham who had is shot blocked which found Bothroyd who fired home from close range.

The next major incident in the game gave the home fans a cheer, it was not a goal, but for the sending-off five minutes before half-time of midfielder Liam Trotter on Darcy Blake. It was a straight red from the ref. Millwall were down ten men which can be a double edge sword, Millwall could collapse or go the opposite way. Sometimes ten men can be harder to beat than eleven.

It was on the cards the team heading for the for the dressing rooms all square at half-time but three minutes into added time a penalty was awarded. Peter Whittingham was brought for a penalty, he stepped up to take the pen, it was him verses ex-Cardiff City goalkeeper David Forde produced a great save to keep the game all square. Could the luck Whittingham had in so much abundance last season that made him club and divisional top scorer have deserting him.

Cardiff came out like a bit of a dump squib failing to make the 11v10 advantage pay. Millwall were push forward even with ten man it was not until Cardiff City boss Dave Jones made a change. Once Jason Koumas came off the bench City turned the pressure they were under around and took the game more to the Eastenders. It went down to the last minute of normal time when the stalemate was broken when a cross from Bothroyd meet the head of Keogh and the two together conspired to Cardiff second and winning goal of the game

Cardiff City team v Millwall

Heaton

McNaughton Naylor Hudson Gyepes

Whittingham Blake McPhail Burke

Bothroyd Keogh

Substitutes

Marshall Rae Quinn, Taiwo Koumas Matthews Wildig

It was hoped Seyi Olofinjana would be fit for today’s clash but he was not in the squad. Keeper Marshall has been drop to the bench giving Tom Heaton is first league start of the season.

Bellamy to miss the next two games

The injured Craig Bellamy must put Cardiff City over Wales with another international break coming after next Saturday trip to Barnsley.

Bellamy will miss the next to game according to reports, Millwall today and Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, but will he make the Barnsley game? Bellamy being a passion Welshman if he was fit he would want to join up with the squad. Since joining the Bluebirds in mid August he has only managed two starts, with one goal. In the press today Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is putting the blame for the striker’s injury problems squarely at the door of Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini’s intensive pre-season training regime.

The Hill at Man City training ground

The hill is the latest addition to the Manchester City training ground, and was quickly disliked by Mancini millionaires who call it the ‘Hill of Hell’.

I was wondering if Mancini watched the film the Hill set in a North African military prison during World War II, five new prisoners struggle to survive in the face of brutal punishment and sadistic guards.

Ex-Man City coach Raymond Verheijen agrees with the Cardiff City boss about the training methods employed by Mancini and is staff. Verheijen according to reports has spent two days working at Cardiff with Bellamy. He said:

"For the next phase of rebuilding the physics of Craig Bellamy after his disastrous pre-season at Manchester City"

"We have almost repaired all the physical damage done to Craig in pre-season by our Italian friends at Manchester City. Thankfully, an explosive player like Craig was able to escape this training regime to save his career."

Under his previous boss Mark Hughes a special training regime was put in place to try and help protect his knee. Jones said about the training at the Premiership club,

“At Manchester City, Craig was training twice a day and that’s part of the problem.

“He’s probably over-trained. He overdid it and we are paying the penalty for that.

“But everything is on track again. He’s looking good. We just got to make sure we make the right decision for him.”

Whittingham and Blake ready to sign

Dave Jones has revealed to the press that winger Peter Whittingham and defender Darcy Blake have both agreed new Cardiff City deals to keep them at the Cardiff City stadium.

Fans have been concerned with the number of first team player who would be out of contract next summer. Until today the only player confirmed to have signed a new deal was full-back Kevin McNaughton.

He is reported has telling BBC Sport:

"Darcy has agreed and it is just a case of getting him in to sign the paper and the same goes with Whitts.

"We're in negotiations with everyone else - and with some of them, we have been in talks for many weeks.

"My priority was to get players in then chip away at the others."

Since the departure of Peter Ridsdale the Cardiff boss Jones has been more hands on with the contract talks with players along with chief executive Gethin Jenkins saying,

"It hasn't been easy since the change as I have been more involved in negotiations with Gethin.

They are still work to do in securing the signatures of Jay Bothroyd, Adam Matthews and midfield trio Stephen McPhail, Gavin Rae and Chris Burke.

Another youngest on loan

After a successful midweek trial with Southend United reserves young Cardiff City striker Nathaniel Jarvis is to join the League Two club.

The Southend boss to their official website:

"He is a player I have seen a couple of times.

"His attitude to play is excellent and he is very quick so that will benefit the team."

He has yet to make a first-team appearance but for a few stints on the bench has signed a month deal and he will go straight into the squad for the trip to Hereford on Saturday. I will give the youngest some experience that will mean City boss Dave Jones has loan out three of his less experienced players, with Martin John at Newport County and Jonathan Meades on a short-term loan deal with Norwegian club FK Moss.

On the loan deal Dave Jones said:

"The loan will give Nat some good experience, will help him make progress and I'm sure he will do well at Southend."

Leeds v City moved again

Only yesterday Cardiff City were informed on police advice their 3pm kick-off at Leeds on the 23rd was to be moved to a earlier 12:30pm kick-off. The game has now moved again to a Monday night and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

The game is scheduled to be a voucher exchange game with Cardiff City fans calling at the Woolley Edge Services to receive their match tickets. Cardiff City fans allocation for the game is 1,700, but with a Monday night kick-off and the game live on TV it could hit the travelling support.

Whittingham ready to sign?

The end of the concerns over the future of Peter Whittingham is nigh according to the South Wales Echo. The midfield will be out of contract at the end of the season and could then do a ‘Ledley’ and walk away free at the end of the season.

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones and the club had to fight off strong interest in their player mainly from Nottingham Forest and Burnley both hoping to take advantage of Cardiff’s financial position. There were talks at one stage of £3million offers but Jones told the press the standard ‘If a silly offer was made, we would have to consider it’ but he wanted to keep is squad together. Last season Whittingham was top club goal scorer and the Championship but yet to get off the mark this season.

In the Echo he said:

“We are sorting out contract terms and will be signing soon.

“And I’m relieved to be signing after all the talk about other clubs.”

Since joining the Bluebirds in a £350,000 deal for Aston Villa in January 2007 he has been near enough a regular in Dave Jones plans, but for the odd time he has been injured.

Willingham is one of a number of players who will be out of contract in the summer, Jay Bothroyd, Steve McPhail, Gavin Rae, Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews all need to resign if they are offered new deals. So far only full-back Kevin McNaughton has sign for beyond this season.

Boss Dave Jones reported comment in the Echo was:

“Kevin has signed, while we are close with Whittingham, Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews.

“We have spoken to Jay’s representatives and it’s the same with Stephen McPhail.”

The Malaysians have backed their manager with cash to spend on wages as he hit the loans market and this season no trip to Scotland but he brought in five Premiership players. It’s a pity that three are currently on the injury list and doubtful one way or another for the Millwall mid-day clash Cardiff City Stadium Saturday.

City pointless again

It was a home goal that saw off Cardiff challenge at Ipswich and an ex-jack finish them off. With the help of technology more than the 1000 odd Cardiff fans who made the long trip to Ipswich were able to view the game.

The first half City seemed to hold there hold without much goal mouth action from either side but in the second they were dismal. The goals came in the second half with a home goal from City defender Adam Matthews who was a half-time replacement for Kevin McNaughton. Only the young defender could say what the hell he was doing he was under no pressure just a pity it was not down the other end. From a cross Matthews fired home a powerful header past City keeper Marshall into his own net. The final nail in the coffin was around 10 minutes later when ex-jack Jason Scotland who blasting home the ball. Cardiff drop to third with Ipswich leaping ahead of the Welshman into second.

Two defeats in a row on the road next up for the Bluebirds are two home games, Millwall next Saturday and on the following Tuesday Crystal Palace.

After the match Dave Jones said:

"We started brightly but the second half was not the best.

"It had 0-0 written all over it as I didn't think they were causing us problems but you can't give the ball away the way we did.

"There is no hiding place in this world and at this level. It is a good job (Matthews) is a young player and he has a long time to get over it.

"We all score own goals but you are taught as a young boy to head the ball high and wide and away from goal. He has been caught again for the second goal.

"A lot of players, not just Adam, didn't step up to the plate.

"It is one you will mull over many times but you can't let it affect you. We haven't got time to mollycoddle anybody so he has to learn quickly."

Cardiff City team v Ipswich Town

Marshall

Naylor, Hudson, Gyepes, McNaughton

Whittingham, Blake, McPhail, Burke,

Keogh, Bothroyd

Substitutes

Heaton, Quinn, Koumas, Rae, Matthews, Wildig, Jarvis

Injuries still having an effect on Dave Jones team has they look to get back to winning ways. Bothroyd passed a late fitness test and will start and Blake is in for Rae. The return of Bothroyd has seen Jones relegate Koumas to the bench.

Injury problems still haunting Jones

City boss Dave Jones will be looking for his players to bounce back from the midweek defeat at Leicester City. Jones bemoaned the fact that he was missing five players at Leicester has injuries hit his squad. Five key players were missing Chopra who is few weeks away from a return while Danny Drinkwater has picked up an old injury that kept him out of the Huddersfield team where he was on loan last season, boss Jones said:

“Danny did go back to Manchester United for an assessment.

“But they are happy with his treatment here and he is back with us.

“Danny had a thigh injury at Huddersfield Town on loan last season. We are not too concerned that it has happened before. He has a problem with part of the thigh muscle, but it is higher up than it was before.”

Of the other three, it is rumoured Craig Bellamy was not on the flight to Ipswich with the team and with Seyi Olofinjana expected to miss the game that leaves Jay Bothroyd who is classed has doubtful.

That would leave more or less the same team that last at Leicester available to face Keane’s Ipswich Town. Ipswich have made a must better start than last season where after six game they were 23rd in the league, before today’s game they are fifth.

Both team go into the game of the back of defeats, City lost 2-1 to Leicester and Ipswich suffering a 3-0 defeat to top of the table QPR. There will be an old face in the home defence, ex-City player Mark Kennedy who spent two season in South Wales before Dave Jones sold him in the summer.

Riggott to join Bluebirds

New signing???

Looks like Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has added to his squad by finally signing left-back Chris Riggott, although there has been no official word from the club. Both the BBC and Sky are reporting the deal has done after he passed a "rigorous" fitness test. Like with a number of other signing Jones put the lack of a pre-season to the lack of fitness with was not help with the transfer embargo at the time.

The former Middlesbrough defender has had some injury issues over the past few seasons and Cardiff wanted to make sure he was up to the rigors of a Championship season. It is thought he is not yet fully match fit so could be a bit off a debut with the Bluebirds.

Riggott is joining has a free agent he cost Middlesbrough £2million from Derby way back in 2003 becoming a regular and a fans favourite. He was offer a new contract with the North East club, but decided to move on.

The Road to the Welsh Cup and FA Cup

I missed last weekend cup games in the FA Cup and Welsh Cup so it is time to update on the progress of the I am following.

In the Welsh Cup, Fleur de Lys FC had a great win over League of Wales opposition 1-0 in Cardiff based Ely Rangers. There was an estimated 200 fans at the game at Islwyn Park, Pontllanfraith. For the next round they will travel to face Goytre United who were Welsh League First Division Champions last season.

On the road to Wembley Torpoint Athletic were thumped 4-1 at home by Clevedon Town who now face a trip to Guildford City.

The Road to Nowhere (Welsh Cup)so far      

The Road to Wembley so far

Defeat at Leicester

Cardiff lose their unbeaten start to the season at lowly Leicester City tonight, but remain second now three points behind top of the table QPR.

Cardiff your missing a number of key players with fans resigned to losing striker Jay Bothroyd and midfielder Danny Drinkwater but they were joined by Craig Bellamy and Seyi Olofinjana.

Cardiff was second best in the game and opening to scoring against the run of play. Was it a cross or an honest to god attempt at a shot in goal only scorer Lee Naylor can say, but it gave the Bluebirds the lead? Cardiff was lucky to go in with a one goal lead. Leicester came out fighting in the second half and it was not long before they levelled the score and when Andy King’s scored his season the game looked lost and they were set on the run to their first win of the season.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones said:

"We got ourselves into a winning position and the frustrating thing is we had spoken about the boy King breaking into the box.

"Maybe it was a bit of fatigue but we got caught out. They were the better team in the second half so I can't complain.

"We passed it well in the first half but we stopped doing that and maybe you can put that down to fitness from players who haven't had a pre-season.

"We were always worried about our fitness tonight and two games in three days was a step too far at the moment.

"We don't know if they will be fit for Ipswich yet. We had five big players out and we were stretched. It's unusual but hopefully we can get one or two back and go again.

"If I had those three available it makes a big difference and we couldn't change the game when we went behind."

Jones was also quick to dismiss any claims Naylor may have had for intending his long-rang strike.

"He's crossed it.

"He knows he's crossed it and it's a lucky goal but we had a few chances in the first half."

Leicester City away next up

Cardiff City, have a trip to Leicester City for a midweek game tomorrow night, looking to keep up their unbeaten run. If the results go the way of the Bluebirds they could go top of the table. Joint bottom of the table Leicester have only Portsmouth below them and are yet to win a game this season.

Top of the table QPR face a trip to third place Ipswich and Cardiff will be making the same trip on Saturday.

Rumour has it the striker Jay Bothroyd and midfielder Danny Drinkwater both of whom missed Saturday’s win over Hull, could miss the trip Leicester City tomorrow night. Craig Bellamy is reported to be travelling and will face a fitness test tomorrow. Seyi Olofinjana who came off with a thigh injury is to have a fitness test but be fit to play according to reports.

The two clubs face each other five times last season, twice in the league, once in the FA Cup and twice in the play-off’s Cardiff winning three of the five.

The Malaysian connection

Great win Saturday, the game was called strappy but a win is a win, three points banked with everyone going home happy but for the Hull City fans on . Cardiff remains in second in the league with 13 points along with QPR.

It was also good that the Malaysian connection were at the game to see what their money is doing for the club. Normal it is chairman Tien Ghee (TG) who has been attending games but on Saturday he was joined by Vincent Tan and a party of family and friends. They must of enjoyed seeing a full stadium which is down to their backing of Bluebirds boss Dave Jones in the transfer/loan market

Vincent Tan is believed to be the main money man at the club and is happy to take a back seat and let TG front the club. They have won many fans for the handling of the club with their goal to bring financial stability to Cardiff City. It has been a while since a manager at Cardiff have been given the opportunity not to sell any players.

Cardiff City team v Hull City

Marshall

McNaughton, Gyepes Hudson, Naylor

Whittingham, Olofinjana, McPhail, Burke, Koumas

Keogh

Substitutes

Heaton, Quinn, Rae, Blake, Matthews, Wildig, Jarvis

Craig Bellamy, Jay Bothroyd and Danny Drinkwater will all miss today clash with Hull City at the Cardiff City Stadium with injuries. Gerrard is making his debut for Hull

Injury worries

I hope Cardiff boss Dave Jones is using some gamesmanship over the fitness of captain Craig Bellamy for today clash with Hull City.

Reports in the press are suggesting Bellamy will undergo a late fitness test on a knee problem. He has suffered knee trouble throughout his career and has had a number of operations over the years to try and fix the problem. It would be unlikely Jones would risk Bellamy with Cardiff back in action Tuesday night with an away trip to Leicester City. He did play the full 90minutes for Wales in the 1-0 defeat in Montenegro, he look to be ok at the end of the game.

The backroom staff that Cardiff will be in for a busy time pre-match has the South Wales Echo is reporting that top scorer Jay Bothroyd and David Marshall are in need of late fitness test. Bothroyd has a reported calf injury and Marshall with his ongoing elbow trouble that forced him to miss international duty with Scotland.

Dave Jones headache don’t stop there with midfielder Danny Drinkwater rumoured to be doubtful for today’s game with ankle trouble. Jones was not keen to go into details about his injury crisis, merely commenting:

“We’ve got two or three problems at the moment. I’ll be meeting with my medical staff and we will see how they are ahead of the game.”

Capaldi trialing with Hearts

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Of the five main released player made by Cardiff City boss Dave Jones at the end of last season, only left-back Tony Capaldi had failed to find a club for the start of the season.

According to STV Sport he could be signing a possible short-term deal with SPL club Hearts. The Scottish club are looking for cover and it would seem the Northern Ireland international fits the bill. He told the Edinburgh Evening News:

"I'll know more later today because I have to go in and speak to Hearts.

"I don't know exactly what will happen but I'm hoping to get something sorted out until January.

"I trained yesterday and we've agreed to have a chat today. Everything depends on what is said in the meeting. If it goes well I hope to be in the squad tomorrow against Celtic.

"The lad (Wallace] got some good news about his injury so Hearts will have to decide if they still need me. I hope something can be done but if not I'll have to look elsewhere."

Chris Riggott the newest Bluebird

Rumour has it that a new signing will happen today, maybe tomorrow when Chris Riggott finally puts pen to paper and signs for the Bluebirds.

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has had Riggott on trial for some time and Jones even organised a friendly against Llanelli to run an eye over the left-back. According to sources there was a bit of a hiccup over the offer which is now settled clearing the way to join the City.

The 29-year-old was out off contract at his previous club Middlesbrough where he had been for seven years. He was offer a new contract before deciding to leave.

He has been plagued by injuries in recent years with Dave Jones asking for him to have a thorough medical by the clubs doctors.

Cardiff manager Dave Jones said:

"We've agreed contracts with Chris and his agent.

"It's now [about] putting him through a rigorous medical."

"Don't forget, he's missed a lot of pre-season like a lot of our players that we've brought in late.

"So he'll be similar with what we did with Jason [Koumas]. He will need a really good blow-out for quite a few weeks, but once we get him in and everything else full-time, then we can do all that."

No official statement to date on the player.

John to County

Conference Newport County have taken defender Martin John on loan until December 10th it has been announced on the Cardiff City website.

John joined Cardiff via Welling United after he was spotted in a friendly during pre-season then coming to South Wales for a trail. He was later offered a one-year deal and on the same day made his debut in the 4–1 win over Burton Albion in the Carling Cup. He started the game he was not fully match fit but because of injuries player the full game plus extra-time.

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones hopes this three-month deal will give the young defender some first team football.

Chopra on the mend

There could be some good news on Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra he could be back in contention sooner than expected from his ankle ligaments injury.

It was thought he would be out for maybe up to three months but treatment has been going well according to the South Wales Echo and the middle of October is now being muted. The player himself is targeting the Severnside derby on October for his return. His return will mean more competition in Dave Jones’ squad.

The competition in the team has affected the return of Jason Koumas on loan from Wigan. He joined Cardiff for the second time in search of first team football but for the start against Peterborough in the Carling Cup and the appearance off the bench in the same competition against Burton Albion, he has played under 10 minutes of league football over two games.

An early Injury worry ahead of Hull City on Saturday for Cardiff boss Dave Jones is Adam Matthews who came back from under21 international duty with an injury. He came off before the end of the first half in Wales Under-21s’ defeat in Italy on Tuesday night after aggravating a dead leg he sustained against Hungary on Saturday.

There is a rumour that top scorer Jay Bothroyd is 50/50 for Hull on Saturday which would be a disappointment if he missed the game.

It will see the Bluebirds return to action in the Championship after the two-week international break.

In the press Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has been bemoaning the failure to sign Peter Whittingham one of his top targets during the summer. He made a number of attempts to get Cardiff to sell but there stood firm. Davies was hoping that with one-year left on his contract and the finance position of the club, they would sell.

Speaking to Nottingham Forest official site, Chief Executive Mark Arthur said:

It`s been a major disappointment for us. Both clubs [Cardiff City and Swansea City] decided to stick with them [Whittingham and Pratley] even though they were entering the last year on their contracts - we have to respect that."

"Unfortunately you can`t force people to sell."

Saturday a sell-out?

The ground is looking to be sold out for Saturdays game the official site is saying the Family Stand, West Stand, Ninian Stand are sold out allow there could be a few single seats available. The time of publish this there were only limited availability in the Canton stand.

Had a tweet yesterday (I should really check my Tweeter account more often) saying that the Cardiff City v Hull City game is going to be the main highlights on the Football League. The League show is on after Match of the Day on BBC1 and on the red button and Iplayer for the following seven days.

Cardiff going into this weekend games joint top with QPR and Ipswich so there is a lot to play for. Depending on results City could go top and Cardiff boss Dave Jones, would want to see is team keep their unbeaten start to the season.

I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up but the highlighted game on the BBC sometimes ends up on some foreign TV station, so there is an outside chance of it popping up on the internet somewhere.

Toshack

Apps 162 Goals 74

According the to BBC News there is a press conference Thursday with most Welsh fans expecting it will be goodbye John Toshack has he steps down.

There are some really thick fans out there calling for his head and I am afraid a large number of them are Cardiff City fans who can’t get over he managed Swansea, sack the Jack and all that rubbish. He is in fact Cardiff born and breed, a ex-City player who had excellent strike partnerships with Brian Clark scoring goals. After four years with Cardiff, Bill Shankly and Liverpool paid £110,000 for the young striker.

His career on Merseyside came to a end because off injury problems he still thought he had some to give to lower league football. He knocked on Cardiff City door and was turned away, some say it was the then managers Jimmy Andrews doing. He was under pressure results wise at that time and Toshack was looking to move into player coaching/management. Toshack would have bound to be offered to job if Andrews was sacked. Swansea made him the offer and the rest is in the history books.

Has Welsh manager he has managed at a time of great changes in the squad, the older more experience players hung up their boots for one reason or another leaving he was a youthful squad.

If he does go who will replace him, who is the greatest living Welsh manager? Is there such a being in the first place? The bookies and fan seem to think the light of the new messiah is shining towards Manchester and Ryan Giggs. He is reported to be interested, but would an untested/virgin manager work, is he ready to pack in playing football and taking a pay cut to manage the Welsh team.

Would have anyone have done better with the squad on duty for the Montenegro game? Of course they would without Toshack Wales would still be celebrating winning the World Cup. People need to get real the pool of Welsh players is small and need time to gel. I think the new boss of Wales will not be confronted with a host of retirements. What has one of the favourite Chris Coleman done in football management and the rest of those throwing there names about.

Can't wait for Saturday

No mid week international for Wales this week beside for the under 21’s who travel to face their counterparts Italy with the only Cardiff City defender Adam Matthews in the squad.

So it’s back to real football ‘League football’ the bread and butter of most football fans.

Cardiff City have a home clash with Hull City who were plying their trade in the Premiership for the last two season until relegated at the end of last season. However the pundits don’t rate their chances of going back up at the first attempt or even a play-off place. They have lost their first two games away this season and if you look back at last season they didn’t win one home game. They have drawn games but for an away victory in the league you have to go back to March 4th 2009 a 1-0 win over Fulham.

Cardiff find themselves joint top of the league table four games into the season with a long way to go. Apart from Michael Chopra the City boss Dave Jones should have a full squad to choose from. The club are expecting a bumper crowd for the game and it could be a possible sell-out, the official Cardiff City website are calling on non-season ticket holders to buy their tickets early.

There are not many tickets left for fans who want grouped seat but a number of single tickets for sale.

The ‘emergency loan window’ is now open, could that lead to some of Dave Jones squad be going out on loan in searched of first team football.

One window closes another one opens

The transfer window is close, however there could still be business in the air has next week (Tuesday) the ‘emergency loan window’ opens.


It could give Cardiff City boss Dave Jones a chance to loan out a few more fringe players. One player who looks surplus to requirement is Chris Rea who was in talks with Leeds United but fell through around the length of contract on offer. Ipswich is planning to check out the City resolve to keep Stephen McPhail while they are rumoured next week to be looking for a season loan for the midfielder.

Cardiff played behind closed doors friendly against Llanelli yesterday primarily to run his eye over former Middlesbrough centre-half Chris Riggott who has been training to the Bluebirds with a view to signing. He is a free agent so can sign at anytime.

Cardiff with a fairly strong team beat Welsh Premier League Llanelli who was league runners up last season 5-0. With little information about the Cardiff line-up it is rumoured that there could have been a few other trialists playing.

Leeds target Gavin Rae scored two of the goals while someone was reported to have scored a hat-trick but could it have been the famous ‘A Trialists’, maybe we will find out some day.