Ned Thomas : Cardiff City’s season so far
By Ned Thomas
Seen as we’ve got to the international break, here’s my opinion so far. Feel free to discuss http://www.cardiffcityforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=146944
It’s been a steady start for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Cardiff City. Many would have expected the team to be in the top six already, but there have been some tough fixtures.
Fulham, Wolves and Blackburn were all difficult away games on paper, despite Fulham’s poor start – as Solskjaer awaits his 2nd away win since taking charge of the Bluebirds.
There’s still a long, long way to go but here’s what I’ve taken from the opening month of the season.
[b]The positives[/b]
Kenwyne Jones’ excellent start to the season was a surprise to us all. Last season he struggled after scoring on his debut. At times it seemed like he didn’t want to be there. Many of us wanted him to leave this summer, but it didn’t happen – partly perhaps due to his high wages. However, he has made an excellent start. If he keeps it up all season then he will prove to be an excellent piece of business.
Of Ole’s signings, there have been a few who have already impressed. Tom Adeyemi was outstanding against Huddersfield and showed what huge potential he has. Kiko Macheda scored two goals on his debut, albeit against lower league opppsition. Javi Guerra and Sean Morrison have also impressed.
John Brayford. The forgotten man at Cardiff City has been brilliant. The best right-back City have had for a few years. He will be key this season if Cardiff are to achieve promotion. The fact that he was playing in League One last season is criminal.
The results. Home form has started well, with two wins with two. Getting a point at Blackburn was also very respectable. Still work to do, but a solid start. I’m also happy to see us in the 3rd round of the League Cup, always nice to have a cup run and visit lower league grounds.
[b]The negatives [/b]
The tinkering. I like Ole, I think he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I do, however, get frustrated by his tinkering. His decision to drop Kenwyne Jones at Wolves was very odd. I understand he wants to keep players fresh, but that can only go up to a point. Maybe it’s because Ferguson chopped and changed every week, but this is Cardiff City – we don’t have the players that Man Utd did.
Peter Whittingam should be one of our best players week in, week out in this league but he hasn’t got going yet. He’s also mate mistakes which nearly led to crucial goals. I’ve been disappointed so far.
Fulham away. Ok, we got a point, but that first half was the worst I’ve seen us play in this division for a long time. It was awful. I was speaking to someone the other day about how bad Hull at home was last season, and this was almost as bad. We can not afford performances like that if we want to be top two.
[b]Ole Gunnar Solskjaer[/b]
I really want Ole to do well. Like I said above, he is one of the good guys. I wasn’t entirely sure about his appointment when he was given the job – especially when I heard one of his main targets was Kenwyne Jones.
However, after a poor show last season under difficult circumstances, he’s doing OK so far. The performances haven’t been good enough, but he’s got some decent results so far.
The performances need to improve, and he’ll know that. He has my backing, as every Cardiff manager will. But there will be pressure on him all season as he simply has to take us up.
It’s a big season for him too. If he fails with us then he’ll struggle to get his dream of consistently managing in the Premier League.
Here’s hoping we get back to winning ways in our next three games.
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[b]Don’t forget you will be able to vote for your MOTM after every match this season. There will also be a player of the month vote every month, the player with the most votes will win player of the season. THIS FORUM will be presenting a trophy to your player of the season[/b]
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