tag:,2008:/313 2008-03-27T15:01:45Z A Wales football insider's view on Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham Movable Type 3.31 tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.42497 2008-03-27T14:53:33Z 2008-03-27T15:01:45Z

There's been rumours of it all week but it seems Swansea WILL be signing Stockport's Ashley Williams before Thursday's loan transfer deadline. The highly-rated defender made his Wales debut last night in the comfortable win in Luxembourg and was expected...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk There's been rumours of it all week but it seems Swansea WILL be signing Stockport's Ashley Williams before Thursday's loan transfer deadline. The highly-rated defender made his Wales debut last night in the comfortable win in Luxembourg and was expected to head straight to Swansea for talks after landing at Cardiff Airport. The chances of a move for the 23-year-old have been played down all week by Swansea, both manager Roberto Martinez and chairman Huw Jenkins distancing themselves from a deal to land some much-needed defensive cover. But it is understood there is a strong possibility of a loan move being thrashed out to beat the midnight deadline - with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season. The composed, ball-playing centre-back has courted interest from various clubs all year but Stockport are reluctantly accepting Williams will now move on sooner rather than later. And after having their fingers burned by going public over moves for centre backs before (Dean Leacock and Roger Johnson anyone?) perhaps Swansea are just staying schtum over the whole thing for fear it might not happen. The only thing we do know for sure is to watch this space. tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.42005 2008-03-21T16:18:01Z 2008-03-21T16:26:58Z

The Swans couldn't quite make it a great Friday - although as I'm writing this they're still ten points clear after their draw in Southend. But I'm one of those that believes in the old saying that points away -...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk The Swans couldn't quite make it a great Friday - although as I'm writing this they're still ten points clear after their draw in Southend. But I'm one of those that believes in the old saying that points away - promotion in May. And even if the March return of results might have dampened hopes of record-breaking seasons, it's still been enough to keep top-two rivals at bay. Talking to a few of the players on Tuesday night and they clearly knew how important a result it was against Rovers. And the fans should acknowledge it too because it could have been quite easy for that team to slip into a nervous wreck of a side after the first signs of a blip. They didn't, they got the win, taken a decent little point from their trip to Roots Hall and now face a home clash with Bristol Rovers in front of the Sky cameras. For me, it says a lot about the mentality of Martinez's men. Wrexham and Cardiff wins tomorrow will go down quite nice with the chocolate feast awaiting most of us too. tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.41769 2008-03-19T13:02:59Z 2008-03-19T13:14:59Z

Paul Hall is a Wrexham hero already - after all, he did score against Chester. But he's also won the hearts of a few Dragons followers for his comments last week that he's fallen in love with the Racecourse outfit....

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk last week that he's fallen in love with the Racecourse outfit. The ex-Jamaica international was genuine in his sentiment too, even though it's all too easy for veterans like himself to just be picking up a pay packet at this stage of their careers. With his World Cup days with the Reggae Boyz a while back now, Hall might not have had the pick of the clubs to move to in the January window. But he sure as anything didn't have to choose a side - to all those who don't know the club - are everyone's favourites to drop into the non-league 'abyss'. Same too for Danny Sonner and Carl Tremarco. Still, it seems I've caused a bit of a stir with some Wrexham supporters for suggesting a selection of fans are worried that those on short-term deals, with no ties to the club, didn't think these guys had the heart for a fight. Not in the same way Wrexham boy Neil Roberts would have. I mean, short-term deals mean they would be out of the door anyway should the Dragons go down. That doesn't seem to be the case anyway at Colliers Park, but - no matter what some have said - it is a whispered worry of some. I heard it myself while taking in a post-game pint at the Centenary bar. It might not be a majority, but there were some. Thankfully, their fears are unfounded. Brian Little's boys are big on heart - now they just need a points tally to match. ]]> tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.41189 2008-03-12T18:04:38Z 2008-03-12T18:22:26Z

Cardiff's - and Welsh football's – ongoing European saga has taken another twist after Michel Platini weighed in to the Bluebirds Uefa Cup conundrum. The Uefa President, the top man when it comes to European football, has added his support...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk Michel Platini weighed in to the Bluebirds Uefa Cup conundrum. The Uefa President, the top man when it comes to European football, has added his support to giving Cardiff a European place should they capture the FA Cup. At the moment, the English FA are standing their ground and saying there’s no way they would allow City to take one of their European spots. And there’s not a lot the FAW can do about it as Cardiff aren’t playing in their competitions. Uefa have always said the FA CAN nominate one of the Welsh clubs for Europe as our story from a few weeks ago points out. And despite the stubbornness from Soho Square, it will be interesting to see what they do next now Platini has got in on the act. Platini holds cup competitions in high esteem and was only recently denied his plan to push cup winners into the Champions League rather than the Uefa Cup. Whether his words have any impact is another matter, but at least it puts a bit of pressure on the FA. And – best of all for Welsh football – it puts our issue in the national spotlight for a little while. Now Monsieur Platini has just got to give us the green light to get the Big Three back in the Welsh Cup so we could see Wrexham and Swansea given the chance to return to those big European nights and we’ll all be saying Merci. Plus, there’s the small matter of Cardiff first beating Barnsley and then either Portsmouth or West Brom. Simple huh? But, you know what they say, with every small battle is the war won! ]]> tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.37438 2008-02-03T08:35:28Z 2008-02-03T08:41:32Z

This week's paper has had a look at a selection of set-pieces that stunned soccer supporters. I mean, we just had to after Christiano Ronaldo's free-kick against Pompey.It was one of those moments that just prompted me to text mates...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk free-kick against Pompey.It was one of those moments that just prompted me to text mates simply to ask "Did you just see THAT?!" It was special - but it won't be the first or the last time we'll all sit open-mouthed at a bit of brilliance or bewilderment with the ball. Here's Inside Sport's pick (with thanks to You Tube) - Roberto Carlos v France 1997 Ernie Hunt v Everton 1970 Thierry Henry v Chelsea 2004 - a few goals in. Paul Robinson v Watford 2007 - although you have to wait and watch some of the highlights of England blowing it in Croatia first. Ronaldinho v England 2002 ]]> tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.37442 2008-02-01T13:43:56Z 2008-02-01T14:18:27Z

You may know or not know (or perhaps not even care) that the Press are persona non grata at Ninian Park at the moment. All media are currently banned from talking to City's players since our sister paper the Echo...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk opinion piece by ex-Bluebird David Giles. Now I've already discussed my views on what was said, but my comments are just like Gilo's - an opinion. Yet Cardiff's players, rightly or wrongly, reckon the original article overstepped the mark. ]]> article about Chelsea and The Sun. If a club the size of Chelsea realises no-one wins in a stand-off then shouldn't Cardiff? How long this will go on for we'll have to wait and see - but the sooner things can get back to normal the better for everyone. ]]> tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.36884 2008-01-27T10:59:53Z 2008-01-27T11:30:27Z

Just to add to something in today's paper. . . . Peter Ridsdale has revealed Cardiff's income will almost double thanks to their new stadium. But the club will have to wait five years before making any cash from their...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk Just to add to something in today's paper. . . . Peter Ridsdale has revealed Cardiff's income will almost double thanks to their new stadium. But the club will have to wait five years before making any cash from their new Premier Club plan. Cardiff launched their Premier Club initiative this week, with the new home of the Bluebirds boasting exclusive seats and hospitality for 2,250 corporate fans. It follows an extremely successful model at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium and is expected to generate huge sales. That will come as an added boost to new revenue that chairman Peter Ridsdale predicts could hit as much as 45 per cent. But the club won't see any of the cash generated from the Premier Club until 2014 as it has already been earmarked to repay investment made by PMG. Ridsdale said: "The club had to put down 30 per cent of the cost of the project and when I came we had no cash. "So what we have essentially seen done is PMG put in cash and we are paying them back with the first five years of Premier Seats. "So our income for the first five years will come from other corporate hospitality, the income from the Blues, the added sponsosrhip opportunities, and our own crowds. "We can't quantify the increase yet because we haven't fixed the prices of seats but our business plan given to the council shows revenue growing from 35 - 45 per cent - but I think it will be more." Ridsdale also revealed he is in dialogue with four companies over naming rights for the new stadium - monies from which are scheduled to pay back some of the Langston debt. tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.36234 2008-01-19T14:31:42Z 2008-01-19T14:47:35Z

There's been quite a bit made about the news Robbie Fowler could be out for the rest of the season. Cardiff aren't confirming that yet - but the fact he's on crutches for at least the next two months suggests...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk There's been quite a bit made about the news Robbie Fowler could be out for the rest of the season. Cardiff aren't confirming that yet - but the fact he's on crutches for at least the next two months suggests he'd have a job fitting any football before the campaign end in May. And with that in mind there's been some calls for Cardiff to boot the striker out of Ninian Park. Now Fowler hasn't been anywhere near the hit many were tipping when he signed on a free in June. And at reported £20,000 a week, it was never going to be a cheap crack at getting Fowler firing. But let's be honest - there wasn't many not in agreement that it was a deal worth doing at the time. There's no point being smug now - and how on earth can a club, especially with the financial uncertainty of Cardiff, be in a position to write off contracts like that willy-nilly. I mean, what would potential new recruits think of the prospect of being told to leave if they pick up a lengthy injury? But what is a surprise is there is already talk of Fowler staying for a second year and that doesn't seem sensible on any level. It's not about cutting your losses, but it might be a case of learning from mistakes. tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.35885 2008-01-15T13:10:11Z 2008-01-15T13:22:38Z

You had to feel for Luton last Saturday - and fair play to Swansea, they obviously did. Luton's fans had turned up having seen two of their best players sold - including Wales international David Edwards - just two days...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk You had to feel for Luton last Saturday - and fair play to Swansea, they obviously did. Luton's fans had turned up having seen two of their best players sold - including Wales international David Edwards - just two days before the game. And 24 hours prior to kick-off they were left reeling from the news Kevin Blackwell had resigned and would be leaving on February 9, effectively giving a one month's notice. Supporters and media alike were even more confused when Lewis Emanuel was named as a sub even though he was supposed to have joined Lincoln on loan. But the Hatters fans were defiant and gave a lengthy chant declaring "Luton Town will never die" against the backdrop of the 3-1 defeat and the financial worries. If any set of supporters knows what it's like to see your club go through the mill it's Swansea's, and in a break of play they turned and applauded the home fans and their efforts. In return, the whole of Kenilworth Road then applauded Swansea's gesture. In a sport that often gets a bit murky and underhand, it was a refreshing sight. So hats off to Swansea, but also to Cardiff who are on a resilient run of form at the moment. Just a couple of points off the play-offs and a world away from the troubles of just a few weeks ago. It's amazing how worries (Langston have not gone away, remember) are easily forgotten when the team are picking up results. There's still work for Jones to do, of course. The ever-changing Championship league table can see teams slide down as quickly as they can spring up. The criticism of Jones and his side back in December was right, though, even though he has changed things around. But the calls for his head were always premature - and I think I went on record for saying that. Still, now's not the time for feeling smug, Dave. There's plenty of work still to do with plenty of time to do it in. tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://313.35158 2008-01-08T11:04:54Z 2008-01-08T11:18:33Z

It's been a while - but trust the FA Cup to get the blogging blood stirring again. Havant & Waterlooville didn't quite land the knock-out blow to Swansea on Saturday, even if they did have a guy called Rocky playing...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk picture, thanks to the excellent www.scfc.co.uk (scroll down about half way to the ninth image), you can see they had a good try of flooring Darryl Duffy by other measures. Now I'm up for the cup as any man, but you don't want to see this kind of thing on park pitches let alone Semi-pro or the Football Leagues. No wonder Roberto Martinez was a bit annoyed after the final whistle, claiming the part-timers were out to rough the Swans up. Looks like the replay is going to have a bit of edge about it - and that's before the possibility of Liverpool in the next round came about. There's a good chance the game at Westleigh Park will be televised, with every neutral in the country behind the Conference South side. It's all adding up to another test of Roberto Martinez's managerial skills - the majority of which the rookie has passed with flying colours so far.]]> tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2007://313.31054 2007-11-21T21:51:15Z 2007-11-21T21:52:51Z

Well, talk about saving your best for last. While most eyes might have been on Wembley and England's self-destruction, Wales chose their moment to show that they're not the laughing stock of British football after all. With the guts, grit,...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk Well, talk about saving your best for last. While most eyes might have been on Wembley and England's self-destruction, Wales chose their moment to show that they're not the laughing stock of British football after all. With the guts, grit, determination - and no little skill - a makeshift side showed progress is being made under Toshack. It had been predicted to be a walloping in Walstadion. Even Tosh had got in on the act, doing his best to talk up a thumping so anything less would seem like an achievement. But from the off you sensed Wales weren't overawed by the occasion, weren't fearing their opponents and instead were ready for a fight. Germany didn't offer much of one; a bit sloppy, a bit lazy but still a darn bit better than the rest of the teams in Wales' group. And Tosh's team matched them. The centre backs raised their games to the levels we expect of them. The full-backs drove forward in support to implement the game plan demanded of them. The midfield held their own and created that spark so important of them. And, most importantly, the kids stepped up to the mark to fill in where the experienced injured, suspended and retired had once been. A relative high point to finish on then, after a campaign that brought it's fair share of lows. But my particular highlight of the match - Welsh fans enjoying themselves at last. Especially as they sang "England's staying home" as their final say on the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Talk about saving your best for last. . . tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2007://313.30310 2007-11-13T16:47:42Z 2007-11-13T16:57:47Z

Cardiff City have backed under-fire boss Dave Jones - but have left him in no uncertain terms that he needs to turn results around. Chairman Peter Ridsdale is a firm fan of Jones and the ex-Wolves and Southampton chief also...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk Peter Ridsdale is a firm fan of Jones and the ex-Wolves and Southampton chief also has supporters among the rest of the board and key investors. And they showed they're not in the business of pressing the panic button by standing by their man after a meeting earlier today. But they pointed out the recent form has been unacceptable - and if Jones' needed a timely reminder of what's at stake it was the swift sacking of Paul Simpson at Championship rivals Preston. Preston, like Cardiff, were among the high-flyers last year but have not lived up to expectation this time around. It means Preston, Norwich, Palace and QPR - the only sides below City in the table - have all given their bosses the boot. Meanwhile, Wrexham are set to announce who will step into the manager's role at the Racecourse to work "alongside" Brain Carey. It could be a fight between Stan Ternent and Brian Little. If it's the former, Carey will be packing his bags. ]]> tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2007://313.30179 2007-11-13T07:57:30Z 2007-11-13T08:05:11Z

Lots of speculation over the future of Cardiff boss Dave Jones at the moment. But if a sacking truly is in the air - and I'm not sure it is - is it the right option? Results haven't been good...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk Lots of speculation over the future of Cardiff boss Dave Jones at the moment. But if a sacking truly is in the air - and I'm not sure it is - is it the right option? Results haven't been good enough and clearly something needs to be done quickly before it's too late to save the season. But, especially with some of the names of the potential replacements being prematurely banded around failing to inspire, would hanging the DJ really be it? I'll guess we'll all have to wait and see before we can all have our say in hindsight. But one last point for now - why oh why do all the names for the hot seat have to be welsh. We've seen Chris Coleman, Gary Speed, Geraint Williams and even Andy Legg being tipped. Since when does being from our shores qualify you as the right man for the job? Even the rugby got that bit right this time. . . tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2007://313.30029 2007-11-11T15:25:44Z 2007-11-11T15:30:05Z

Apolgies Wrexham fans - somehow quotes from last year's game at Peterborough made it to the paper today. Here's what should have appeared and what Brian Carey actually said following the 4-1 defeat at London Road. Brian Carey refused to...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk Apolgies Wrexham fans - somehow quotes from last year's game at Peterborough made it to the paper today. Here's what should have appeared and what Brian Carey actually said following the 4-1 defeat at London Road. Brian Carey refused to defend his players any longer as the question of who will lead Wrexham after the international break remained unanswered. Carey has regularly sheltered his players from blame after previous defeats. But after what could have been his last game in charge, Carey admitted his side let him down as the spectre of a new man at the Racecourse loomed large. Asked whether he thought his players would have at least given him a final send-off, Carey said: "They let me down - but I tried to spin that and tell them that there could be somebody watching in the stand too see what response I got. "The situation has been difficult and the players could have used it as an excuse but you would have to ask them about that. "All I've done is focussed on preparing for the Fa Cup - we did that. But I hoped the Cup could spark these players into life but I guess I was wrong. "The second goals was just a calamity, it was like a circus act and that's quite appropriate at the moment because that's what we're doing - we're killing ourselves week after week. "You can't legislate for things like that, we absolutely gifted them their goals and it cost us dearly yet again. Peterborough are a good side and they didn't need any help to beta us - but we gave it to them." Carey will now wait and see what decisions the board make, although it is thought Carey was happy to make any decision of a potential new man public. Still, there is no idea whether the "senior" man being sought will come in above Carey or simply replace him. The Irishman added: "This has been difficult for everybody but now we've got an opportunity in the next two weeks to put some foundations in place for the future of this club. All I can ask is that we wait and see what happens. "Somebody will come in in some capacity but I don't want to speculate on my position, I'll have to wait and see. Asking me if I want to stay is not a question for me." ends tag:thegoalpost.welshblogs.co.uk,2007://313.29692 2007-11-07T11:57:04Z 2007-11-07T12:10:56Z

You're either a person who sees the glass half-empty of half-full, so it's interesting to take the different views on Cardiff's latest sponsorship scheme. The club has unveiled a 500 club, where local businesses can buy a ticket for a...

Chris Wathan http://www.icwales.co.uk You're either a person who sees the glass half-empty of half-full, so it's interesting to take the different views on Cardiff's latest sponsorship scheme. The club has unveiled a 500 club, where local businesses can buy a ticket for a draw that will decide the shirt sponsor for next season. It's called the 500 club because, you've guessed it, there will be 500 tickets . . .. at £1,000 a pop. So, it's either a really innovative way to getting as much as half a million for a shirt deal that would normally only bring in half that. Or, it's an attempt to secure a sponsor through different means because the normal avenues have failed, and it means the cash comes in now rather than later. I think the latter view is a tad unfair - and credit should be given to chairman Peter Ridsdale for trying to come up with new ways to skin a cat, especially in the club's final year at their old ground. There's going to be two draws, one for home and one for away kits, with the club going to the Football League to see if it can change tops in either half for the last ever game at Ninian Park. And even if you don't win the draw, you get an unique shirt with your company's name framed and ready for the wall. At £1,000, that's worth the money alone to some fans and can you imagine if Dai Jones of Grangetown beat off all the big businesses to get "Dai's Pies" or something plastered across the front of Robbie Fowler's shirt. You only hope the entering companies don't get too obscure or the Bluebirds could be left with egg on their faces. Splott Sewerage Systems just wouldn't look right in the Championship, would it! Cardiff City Sales are waiting for your call - 029 20348028