Cardiff City v Ipswich Town
Tuesday 21st October 2014 – 19:45
Cardiff City Stadium
Opening Thought - Jamma
So it was another game without defeat, extending our unbeaten run to eight as we retained our place in the top 6... That’s the positive spin on the weekend! In his typical, down-to-Earth way, Big Mick had scoffed at the suggestion that the Manager of the Month curse could have an impact on Saturday’s result. He was right not to believe the superstition, of course – if we were going to be focusing on a curse, perhaps it should have been the curse of the last-minute set-piece equaliser, which came back to bite us for the second time in succession. The Blues may not have been at their fluent best against a Blackburn side that was intent on disrupting our rhythm – and helped by a referee who seemed determined to aid their cause – but, after making the breakthrough against ten men, we had the chances to wrap up the 3 points. There was more than a shade of irony about the manner of Rovers’ equaliser, which resulted from one of a number of soft free kicks and was converted from an identical position to David McGoldrick’s opener. And so it was again that what, on paper, looked like a creditable result was tinged with an element of disappointment.
As much as the draw again felt more like a defeat coming away from the ground at 5.00 on Saturday evening, this period could be pivotal if we are to go on to achieve our objectives this season. If the last two games had finished just a minute or so earlier, we would currently be nicely ensconced in the automatic promotion positions. Mick said in his post-match comments how he had reminded the players of the success that Burnley enjoyed last campaign on the back of 1-0 wins. I am sure he will turn the relative disappointment of the Forest and Blackburn games into a learning point: these experiences illustrate just how far we have come and yet how much work still needs to be put in to convert solitary points into all three. The next chance to do this comes against the rejuvenated Bluebirds, fresh from defeating the previously unbeaten Nottingham Forest...
The Opposition – Cardiff City FC
Riverside A.F.C. was formed in 1899 as a way of keeping players from the Riverside Cricket Club together and in shape during the winter months. In 1905 Cardiff was granted city status by King Edward VII, and as a result the club put in a request to change their name to Cardiff City, but the request was turned down as they were deemed to be not playing at a high enough level. To combat this they arranged to join the South Wales Amateur League in 1907 and the following year they were granted permission to change the name of the club to Cardiff City.
Over the next two years Cardiff welcomed many of Britain's top sides to Cardiff, including Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Crystal Palace, with the matches being played at various grounds in Cardiff and nearby towns. The club would eventually move into their new ground, Ninian Park, in 1910.
With the new ground in place, Cardiff joined the Southern League Second Divison, their first match was a 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa. They stayed in the division for the next decade, apart from when the league was suspended due to the outbreak of World War I.
The club's most successful period so far was the 1920s in which they finished runners-up in the old Football League First Division ,followed by two FA Cup Finals in 1925 and 1927 against Arsenal. The Final against Arsenal saw Cardiff become the only team to have taken the FA Cup out of England with a 1–0 victory over Arsenal. The final was also notable as it was the first to be broadcast to the nation by BBC Radio.
On 30 August 1920, Cardiff City played their first Football League match at Ninian Park.
This early Cardiff City team showed more than enough class to match others in the League, and they were promoted to the top flight of English Football at the first attempt.
1923–24 has proved to be the best ever in the league for Cardiff City. After a dramatic season in which they and Huddersfield Town tussled for the Championship title, Cardiff would have to settle for 2nd spot on goal average.
The following season was the first time Cardiff City appeared at Wembley Stadium in an FA Cup final versus Sheffield United which they lost 1-0 and as mentioned above, in 1927 they won the FA Cup final against Arsenal.
That FA Cup Final win was not the end of their cup exploits this season; they also won the Welsh Cup defeating Rhyl by a scoreline of 2–0, and would go on to win the FA Charity Shield after beating the Corinthians 2–1 at Stamford Bridge.
In the 1928–29 season, Cardiff City were relegated from the First Division of the Football League. However, this was only a sign of things to come for the Bluebirds, and after two seasons in the Second Division, they were once again relegated in 1931 into Division 3 South, and in 1934 they had to re-apply for staying in the Football League after finishing last.
They crowned as champions of Division 3 South and returned to Second Division in 1946–47 season. Finally they finished second level as runner-ups and returned to top level after 23 years in 1951–52 season.
During the 1960s Cardiff began qualifying for European competition for the first time through the Welsh Cup.Two years later the club would go on to reach the semi-final of the Cup Winners Cup, the furthest any non top division club has ever gone in European competition.
The club remained old Second Division except seasons of 1975–76 and 1982–83.
Between 1985 and 1993, Cardiff were continuously in the lower two divisions of the league after being relegated to the Third Division. They were relegated to the Fourth Division once in 1985–86 season and were promoted to the Third Division in 1987–88 as runner-ups. Two years later they dropped into the Fourth Division for the second time. Cardiff won the new Division Three championship in 1993 but were relegated two years later, and in 1996 finished in their lowest-ever league position – 22nd of 24 in Division Three They finished third in Division Three in 1999 and won automatic promotion to Division Two.
Having sold his interests in Wimbledon, Sam Hammam purchased control of Cardiff City in August 2000. Shortly after taking over at Cardiff, the club crest was redesigned. This new design incorporated the Cardiff City bluebird in front of the Flag of Saint David; and featured the Club's nickname superimposed at the top of the crest. Lennie Lawrence guided Cardiff to promotion via a Division Two playoff triumph in 2003.
The Bluebirds established themselves in Division One during 2003–04 season, finishing in 13th position. They struggled to a 16th position finish at the end of the 2004–05 campaign and ended the 2005–06 season with an 11th position finish.
After failing to get the new stadium plans agreed by Cardiff Council due to concerns over financial security in 2006, Hammam agreed to a takeover by a consortium led by new chairman Peter Ridsdale but the club remained 40 million pound in debt.
Datuk Chan Tien Ghee (TG) took over as chairman on 27 May 2010 after a meeting on the same day. Vincent Tan also investing and joining the board.
Cardiff changed their home colours to red and black as well as their badge from the 2012–13 season, in exchange for an investment plan from the Malaysian owners including a new training facility, stadium expansion and a transfer budget. Cardiff topped the Championship and with it gained promotion to the Premier League for the first time, but were relegated after only one season with 30 points from 38 matches.
One To Watch – Aron Gunnarsson
The Bluebirds finally look primed for take-off (after tomorrow night, of course!), with new manager Russell Slade seemingly on the way to getting the best out of a squad brimming with talent. Just one of the players he will be turning to for inspiration is Icelandic midfielder Aron Gunnarsson.
The 25-year-old made his name in the English game with a three-year spell at Coventry. Following the Sky Blues’ relegation from the Championship, Gunnarsson was snapped up by Cardiff and was a regular fixture in the side as they finally secured promotion to the promised land. In fact, the Iceland national captain’s one goal last season came on the opening day, giving him the honour of being Cardiff’s first Premier League scorer. There is more to his game than goalscoring, though, as a box-to-box midfielder who is equally capable of breaking up play as he is setting his team on the attack. In a team growing in confidence, Gunnarsson has the potential to follow in fellow ‘One to watch’ Ben Marshall’s footsteps with the ability to change the course of a game…
The Gaffer – Russell Slade
Slade started out as a PE teacher at Frank Wheldon School after studying Sport at University. Having had an extended career at reserve team level, Slade entered professional sports coaching with Notts County in 1993.
Slade was assistant manager to Mick Walker at Notts County, and took over as caretaker manager when Walker was sacked in September 1994. When County appointed Howard Kendall as manager in January 1995, Slade stayed on as his assistant.
Slade was then appointed manager of Midland Alliance side Armitage, then moving on to Southern Football League side Leicester United before having two separate spells as caretaker manager at Sheffield United.
Slade's first permanent managerial post was at Football Conference side Scarborough. When he arrived in November 2001 the club were adrift at the bottom of the Conference and looking doomed. However a remarkable run of 39 points from the final 19 games of the season meant Scarborough finished 12th. In January 2003, two days after the club went into administration, Slade tendered his resignation. The fans presented a tearful Slade with a petition at the next game and on the Monday morning he changed his mind.
The following season saw mixed league performances, but a tremendous FA Cup run which saw victories over Hinckley United, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, and finally Southend United following a replay, meant a glamorous home tie in front of Premier League Chelsea. Despite losing 1–0 Slade's side had put up a tremendous battle.
At the end of the 2003–04 season, Grimsby Town decided not to renew the contract of manager Nicky Law following relegation into League Two. Slade was appointed as their new manager. A midtable finish ensued in the 2004–05 season but Grimsby spent most of the 2005–06 season in an automatic promotion spot in League Two, also managing to topple both Derby County and Tottenham Hotspur in the Football League Cup. Town eventually finished the season in 4th place were unable to secure promotion, Grimsby in the final against Cheltenham Town.
Slade's success with Grimsby had attracted League One side Yeovil Town, and Slade was appointed as the Somerset club's new manager. Slade led Yeovil to a surprise 5th place finish play-off finish in the league. Slade's successful first season at Yeovil saw him win the League One manager of the year award. Slade left his post at Yeovil on 16 February 2009, despite having won four consecutive matches immediately prior to this as Slade had become frustrated with the club's lack of ambition.
On 6 March 2009, Slade was appointed manager of struggling Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the season, and succeeded in ensuring they avoided relegation from League One.
Slade was appointed manager of Leyton Orient on 5 April 2010, six matches before the end of their season and with The club was in danger of being relegated from League One, but Slade managed to win the club 10 points from their last six matches, enough for Orient to avoid relegation by a single point.
The following season he guided Orient to seventh place, one point outside the play-off places, as well as a fifth round replay at Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Slade was unable to build on previous season's promise during the 2011–12 season and the club finished in 20th, but the next season he was able to guide Orient to another 7th-place finish.
The 2013-14 season was Slade's most successful as he led the club to the Play-Off Final where they were runners up after a penalty shoot out. It was a record-breaking season though as Orient recorded their best ever start to a season and highest ever points tally. Slade twice won the Manager of the Month award and was named as the League 1 Manager of the Year.
However, after the takeover of Francesco Becchetti during the summer of 2014, Slade's Orient side started poorly, failing to win any of their first 3 home games. Slade was given an ultimatum by Becchetti that he had one game or its ‘curtains’.
Just days after being issued the ultimatum, Cardiff parted company with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Slade became the favourite. After four attempts to bring Slade to Cardiff, he tendered his resignation at Orient, on Wednesday 24th September.
Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev
From 3 years ago, featuring Jimmy Bullard on a good day
Trev's Trivia
Media Watch - K L BluePlayers to play for both teams
Micheal Chopra ITFC 2011–2013 CCFC 2009–2011
Neil Alexander ITFC 2007–2008 CCFC 2001–2007
Mark Kennedy ITFC 2010–2012 CCFC 2008–2010
Andy Legg ITFC LOAN 1997 CCFC 1998–2003
Everton are considering a move to sign Ipswich Town defender Tyrone Mings in January, according to a report in the Mirror.
Mings has established himself as one of the Football League's finest talents and it seems that a number of Premier League clubs are interested in signing the full-back, with the Toffees head of the queue.
Mings has all the attributes needed to make a successful modern day full-back. He is physically strong, quick and is a threat going forward making him an exciting prospect.
At the age of 21 he still has time to learn, but he is rapidly developing into one of the Championship's best players and his potential has not gone unnoticed.
Everton have already had great success at plucking the crème de la crème from the Football League, after their success with John Stones previously.
Stones joined from Barnsley and has gone on to become a permanent member of their starting line-up, whilst also earning international recognition.
If Roberto Martinez does opt to buy Mings he will be hoping that the Ipswich man can have a similar impact at Goodison Park and he may be plunged straight into first-team life straight away.
Everton have struggled at right-back due to injuries, with Tony Hibbert currently the favoured option there.
Whilst Hibbert has been a brilliant servant for the club, he doesn't posses the class that Mings does and certainly has his limitations.
Although Mings has played most of his career at left-back so far, he has slotted in on the right hand side on occasion, and with Leighton Baines occupying the spot in his preferred position the Tractor Boys star is unlikely to break into the first-team there.
The Toffees defence has been the most worrying part of their team over the opening course of the season and they will be searching for an improvement in this department as the campaign progresses.
Too many goals conceded have left the side in the bottom half of the table and it seems that Martinez will turn to new additions to solve their problems.
If Mings is one of the players who can rectify this, then Everton will have to beat the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace who are all also reportedly keen.
Stat Time
Head to Head
Ipswich Town Wins................18.....45.00%
Cardiff City Wins...................10.....25.00%
Draws................................12.....30.00%
Ipswich Town Goals...............64.....1.60 Ave per Game
Cardiff City Goals.................42.....1.05 Ave Per Game
Head to Head at Cardiff
Cardiff City Wins....................6.....30.00%
Ipswich Town Wins.................8.....40.00%
Draws.................................6.....30.00%
Cardiff City Goals..................22....1.10 Ave Per Game
Ipswich Town Goals................30....1.50 Ave Per Game
The Predicted Teams
Ipswich Town
A hard one to call, Murphy should be back, Parr has a groin niggle and is doubtful, Hyam definitely out and Hunt or Sammon?
01 Gerken
04 Chambers
05 Smith
06 Berra
03 Mings
17 Bru
08 Skuse
50 Williams
32 Sammon
10 McGoldrick
09 Murphy
Cardiff City
01 Marshall
02 Brayford
05 Ecuele Manga
36 Morrison
21 Ralls
19 Pilkington
17 Gunnarsson
07 Whittingham
11 Noone
10 Le Fondre
14 Macheda
Marko's Caption Competition
Another week with some funny captions. I especially liked James effort with it being a Sunday League looking picture.
Good stuff. 
So its James with 4pts, AndyM with 3pts and Quasar with 2pts.
Table:
1 Frosty .........., 9
1 Blueblood ....., 9
2 Herforder ....., 8
3 Quasar ........, 7
3 Bluemike ....., 7
4 James ........., 6
5 Floors ........., 5
6 AndyM ........, 4
6 Mr Punch ...., 4
6 Jamma ......, 4
7 Morph ......., 3
8 LnP ..........., 2
8 Don .........., 2
9 Barmy Billy , 1
9 Derick ......., 1
Watch this space for the latest image, just to rack up the tension even more...and give you a chance to read the rest of the preview!
Match Referee - David Coote
Final Thought - Frosty
Tricky one to call this one, In recent times we have beaten Cardiff 6 times, drawn two and lost only once in the season that saw Cardiff promoted. Based on the stats overall Ipswich must feel like a real bogey team for the Bluebirds as we have a better record home or away.
Hopefully they got their ‘new manager syndrome’ out of the way versus high flying Nottingham Forest in the weekend as they had a win in Russell Slade’s first game as manager.
It would be great to pick up 3 points against a team that should be in the ‘mix’ this season as from reading recent match reports we have probably let 4 points slip through our fingers with the draws against Forest and Blackburn.
To those of you making the long journey, have a safe trip and thank you Mr Tan for changing Cardiff’s colours so we don’t have to play in our horrible orange strip ………………. COYB!
CARDIFF CITY 1 IPSWICH TOWN 2
. Not nice going from winning position to losing though 