Four Defeats In A Row - Don't Panic Just Yet!

This weekend is going from bad to worse. Earnie finally signs for West Bromwich Albion (good luck little man, you will be sorely missed) on the day City slump to 23rd following a fourth consecutive defeat.

Time has run out for Lennie Lawrence’s excuses. Every time the team loses he states that things need to be addressed. So why the hell aren’t they?

Why is the defence found wanting and prone to the same mistakes every game, letting in soft goals or failing to defend a set piece?

Why are the team good at keeping possession but have no idea of what to do with the ball, even when a goal behind with time running out? (Admittedly Jobi McAnuff seems to be the exception to the rule here).

Why are the team afraid to take a shot on goal, preferring to try and walk the ball into the net?

Why is Andy Campbell, a player so obviously uninterested and unable to cope at this level preferred in attack to a hungry young buck like Stuart Fleetwood?

It’s not time to panic just yet. There are still 40 games to go to ensure Championship football beyond this season, but changes, and drastic changes at that, need to be made before it is too late.

Bluebirds.tv does not believe in calling for Lennie’s head just yet. Chants of ‘We Want Lennie Out’ are both counter-productive and pointless. The same chants were echoed two seasons ago when Colchester trounced us 3-0 at Ninian Park and he is still here.

Give him time to turn things around, it is still August remember. But if these results continue and City are still hovering at the bottom of the table in a couple of months time then of course it will be time to bring in someone new.

However, new players need to be brought in urgently because the current line-up is obviously not up to the task.

If City can lure Sean Gregan, Neil Clement and Rob Hulse – despite the latter turning his nose up at a switch to Ninian Park last summer – then the club will have a chance, not only of survival, but even a shot at the play-offs like a resurgent Crystal Palace last season.

Although Bluebirds.tv would prefer to see Watford wizard Danny Webber in a blue shirt instead of Hulse.

The former Manchester United youngster would be the perfect replacement for Earnshaw – fast, skilful, a keen eye for goal with five already to his name for cash-strapped Watford this season.

It wouldn’t take a bank-busting bid to test the Hornet’s resolve, and with Thorney and Lee to boot, City would have a formidable strike force capable of firing us out of trouble.

Bluebirds.tv new transfer preferred line up: Warner, Clement, Gabbidon, Collins, Vidmar, Robinson, Kavanagh, Gregan, McAnuff, Thorne, Webber.

You Can’t Go Away For Five Minutes…

... without everything falling apart in your absence.

Bluebirds.tv returned from a week in the sun on Saturday morning only to be greeted by the impending loss of its golden boy Robert Earnshaw, and another humiliating defeat.

Little Earnie may have pulled on the famous blue jersey for the last time, missing yesterday’s match in favour of talks with West Bromwich Albion. But while a fee of around £3.5 million was agreed, negotiations regarding personal terms have broken down.

Bluebirds.tv’s mole in the Midlands, who had the dubious honour of pouring the champagne and adding the prawns to the sandwiches during the meeting, swears blind the discussions, apart from a bit of paraphrasing, went as follows:

WBA Suit: “So here we are, Mr Earnshaw, I’m sure you will find this a most generous contract.”

Earnie: “You’re ‘aving a giraffe innit brah? Just exactly how much is Kanu on again?”

The West Brom deal looks as dead and buried as Kurt Nogan’s career but with Everton and Charlton Athletic interested, Earnie could be playing Premiership football by next Tuesday.

No Robert Earnshaw, no goals, and no further points for the second home game in a row, or three straight defeats if you include the 3-1 hammering at Ipswich.

The strike partnership of Andy Campbell and Alan Lee looks about as potent as a Viagra placebo and some of the transfer fee needs to go on a new striker, even though there are four on the books, including Thorney and Stuart Fleetwood.

However, Jobi McAnuff looks some player and it is incredible to think West Ham let him go for a relative pittance. How encouraging it is to have a winger that can actually take players on at pace and is not afraid of having a shot or two.

But with the rest of the team devoid of any real ideas and two cast iron penalty claims ignored, Lennie Lawrence’s side looked quite harmless.

City lost. At home. Again. But things were to get worse before Bluebirds.tv resumed its usual ritual of sinking a skinful before bedtime.

What about the incident behind the Grange End at full-time? Combine a few bum-fluff lipped louts mouthing off and several baby-faced police officers clearly spoiling for a fight and it is amazing a full-scale riot didn’t follow.

The threat of a random beating from these thugs in uniform was a very real one. Parents trying to escort young children from the ugly scenes were not greeted with courtesy and a sensible exit route, but a fully-extended baton that was held just inches away from their clearly terrified faces.

It seemed everyone was fair game and it’s all the more enjoyable when protected by badge, uniform and two foot long metallic cosh.

In trying to leave the scene in an orderly fashion, Bluebirds.tv and its entourage also found itself nose to nose with one poor excuse for a police officer who displayed the look of a rabbit caught in the proverbial headlights.

A man (and I use the term in the loosest possible sense since puberty wasn’t a too distant memory) so frightened and unprepared for the job he was responsible for doing, could well have made anyone who moved, breathed or blinked too suddenly, feel the sharp end of what is essentially an offensive weapon.

“Get Back!” he squealed, oblivious to the fact there was nowhere really to go, due to sheer weight of crowd congestion.

No, how about YOU get back, to traffic duty that is, you useless cunt?

But all said and done, Bluebirds.tv managed to exit Fortress Ninian with skull intact and hopefully so did everyone else who was just going about their business that afternoon.

Cardiff City vs Plymouth Argyle - Betting Preview

It’s been a great week for Cardiff City. An excellent comeback to beat Coventry City on Tuesday night was followed up by the signing of West Ham’s Jobi McAnuff.

But now City turn their attention to promoted Plymouth, who sit one place above them in second place after two matches played.

McAnuff will probably not start the game but the £300,000 former Wimbledon winger may feature on the bench.

The Pilgrims have built the reputation of a side which achieves results on a limited budget and stormed the second division last year, winning promotion as champions ahead of the much-fancied Queens Park Rangers.

As the supposed ‘bigger’ side and with a season’s experience at this level, City will be expected to win the match but may find Bobby Williamson’s side a tough nut to crack.

Argyle snatched a late, late equaliser when the two sides met at Home Park in City’s promotion winning season, and also claimed a 1-1 draw when that seemed to be the scoreline of choice in the return fixture at Ninian Park.

The Bluebirds have a great record in front of the Sky cameras but may have to settle for a similar score on Friday night.

Likely City lineup: Margetson, Weston, Gabbidon, Page, Vidmar, Kavanagh, Langley, Robinson, Bullock, Earnshaw, Lee. Substitutes: Campbell, Croft, Collins, McAnuff, Warner.

Betting Verdict: Cardiff City vs Plymouth Argyle draw @ 12/5 (Coral)
Stake: 1pt

You can receive this weekend’s other top football bets directly to your mobile phone.

Text CITY to 80508. Each tip received costs £1.50. Text STOP to cancel the service.

*Please be aware that all betting advice is for informational purposes only and Bluebirds.tv will accept no responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of acting on published advice. Bluebirds.tv advises you to only bet what you can effectively afford to lose.

Cardiff City vs Coventry City - Betting Preview

City fans were subjected to one of their team’s worst performances of all last season when Coventry visited Ninian Park in March.

Down to 10 men after just three minutes following Peter Clarke’s dismissal, Coventry stunned City in the 71st minute with a penalty from Gary McShefferty, and against the lacklustre Bluebirds, this was enough to win the match.

City have a lot to prove in this match and will want revenge, but defensive frailty casts a doubt on whether they can beat the Sky Blues.

Lennie Lawrence is not convinced James Collins is the answer at the back, while midfielder Willie Boland and striker Peter Thorne will be missing again with hip and neck injuries.

Coventry have started the season well, winning 2-0 against Sunderland on Saturday evening and they will be confident of taking something from the game at Ninian Park.

Likely City lineup: Margetson, Weston, Gabbidon, Page, Vidmar, Kavanagh, Langley, Robinson, Bullock, Earnshaw, Lee. Substitutes: Campebell, Croft, Collins, Parry, Warner.

Betting Verdict: Cardiff City vs Coventry City draw @ 9/4 (Premierbet)
Stake: 1pt

You can receive this weekend’s other top football bets directly to your mobile phone.

Text CITY to 80508. Each tip received costs £1.50. Text STOP to cancel the service.

*Please be aware that all betting advice is for informational purposes only and Bluebirds.tv will accept no responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of acting on published advice. Bluebirds.tv advises you to only bet what you can effectively afford to lose.

Crewe Alexandra 2 Cardiff City 2

City managed to snatch a late draw when victory looked certain with five minutes left on the clock.

Goals from John Robinson and Alan Lee overturned Crewe’s 1-0 lead, coming from a Dean Ashton penalty after just five minutes.

But the usual policy of easing off trying to preserve a lead, rather than going for the jugular, allowed Mike Higdon to volley in an equaliser.

Bluebirds.tv cannot be too disappointed with the result, since City were fortunate to have all 11-players on the field, after Tony Vidmar appeared to handle the ball on the goal line – the offence for which Crewe’s early penalty was given.

After the game, Lennie Lawrence bemoaned a penalty not awarded to his side after Robert Earnshaw went down to a Steve Foster tackle on 65 minutes.

But events such as these usually crop up in football and cancel eachother out so a draw on the opening game of the season was probably a fair result.

City now face a tricky match against Coventry City, who beat promotion hopefuls Sunderland 2-0 on Saturday.

Crewe Alexandra vs Cardiff City - Betting Preview

The purpose of this column is to see if betting on matches that Cardiff City are involved in can be a profitable, rather than a frustrating experience.

Before each game a betting preview on City’s latest match will appear here along with a recommended stake. After approximately 50 matches an accurate reflection of whether your hard earned should be spent paying off your bookie’s holiday home in the Bahamas or on tea for the kids.

And so for Saturday….

Crewe Alexandra vs Cardiff City

City have a good record at Gresty Road in recent seasons, winning 1-0 last term and earning a goalless draw on the final game of the promotion winning campaign.

Plus, the Bluebirds have an excellent record for opening games of the season, winning four and drawing five in the last nine years. They are capable of taking something from the game they are expected to win in what promises to be a tough season.

The only injury concern of note Danny Gabbidon, who is trying to shake off a heel injury, but the impressive Robert Page should start in defence. Alan Lee is likely to partner Robert Earnshaw up front, while Willie Boland and Peter Thorne may also feature in the squad.

Mark Rivers has returned to Crewe following a spell at Norwich, but manager Dario Gradi has lost midfield lynchpin Dave Brammer to Stoke, while David Wright has departed for Wigan.

The odds on a Cardiff win are appealing, but since it’s the first game, it is advisable to keep the stakes small.

Betting Verdict: Cardiff City to win @ 17/10 (SportingOdds)
Stake: 1pt

You can receive this weekend’s other top football bets directly to your mobile phone.

Text CITY to 80508. Each tip received costs £1.50. Text STOP to cancel the service.

All this weekend’s selections have odds greater than even money.

*Please be aware that all betting advice is for informational purposes only and Bluebirds.tv will accept no responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of acting on published advice. Bluebirds.tv advises you to only bet what you can effectively afford to lose.

City Line Up vs Crewe Alexandra

Kick off against Crewe is still 48 hours away, but it is never too early to speculate on who will play in City’s opening game. If Gabbidon does not recover from a knock then Bluebirds.tv’s preferred starting line-up is as follows:

Martyn Margetson
The only keeper worth considering at present but “Wales’ Number One” deserves his place in the team on merit. An ever-present in the starting line up since Christmas, he will take some shifting.

Gary Croft
Out of favour against Lazio but the steady full-back can fill in down the left side while the preferred Vidmar moves into the middle.

Tony Vidmar
Possibly the best signing of all last season, veteran defender Vidmar is a cultured player who is best at full back, but can slot into the centre when required.

Robert Page
A better player than Bluebirds.tv game him credit, Page was excellent during the Santander and Lazio matches. However, he lacks a bit of pace and needs to play alongside somebody quick to form an effective partnership. A Page / Collins partnership is unlikely to work.

Rhys Weston
Played the full 90 minutes against Lazio and put in a solid performance. His attacking ability will be needed on Saturday in a must-win first game. If only he could defend the Gary Croft’s days would be numbered.

Richard Langley
Looked confident against Lazio and was eager to be involved in every attack, rather than last season’s usual trick of hiding out on the wing and giving the ball away whenever it came near him.

Lee Bullock
After replacing the injured Willie Boland early on the Santander game, Bullock was keen to show he could mix it against top flight players. Another commanding midfield performance against Lazio followed, even outshining Kavanagh means he must get the nod on Saturday.

Graham Kavanagh (C)
The captain looked subdued in the last two friendlies but perhaps he didn’t want to risk another injury before the season begins? He has the ability to boss the midfield at this level and will be a key to opening day success.

John Robinson
Never stops working and tries to inspire confidence in his team-mates at every opportunity. His passion for the game is unquestionable but starting two fights in the last two friendly games mean his dodgy legs won’t be the only reason for him to come off early.

Alan Lee
His tendency to get ‘stuck in’ shocked Lazio and he was rewarded with the match’s opening goal, his first in about 100 or so City appearances. A goal on Saturday would do wonders for his confidence after a dry spell last season.

Robert Earnshaw
If Earnie can recreate the form he showed at the start of last season, the Bluebirds will be challenging for promotion early on. But as City fans are all too aware, he cannot do it all on his own.

Substitutes:

Peter Thorne
Didn’t look fit against Racing Santander and wasn’t even in the squad to face Lazio.

Willie Boland
Loses out to the outstanding Lee Bullock in midfield, but if City require more steel in the middle of the pitch, Boland is the man to call upon.

Paul Parry
Has certainly made the grade since joining from Conference side Hereford, but will start the season behind a rejuvenated Richard Langley.

James Collins
Has done nothing wrong to warrant not being in the side, but a player of his tender years does not need the pressure of playing each game now Page has been signed.

Arran Lee Barrett
Outstanding performances in between the sticks for the Keltic Kids sees the 20-year-old find himself on the bench ahead of Tony Warner and Neil Alexander.

Earnie's Back But Questions Still Unanswered

Call it an act of sheer favouritism, but Bluebirds.tv could not begin this latest instalment without championing Robert Earnshaw and that goal in last night’s gallant 3-2 defeat against Lazio.

Following a barren spell towards the end of last season, it was encouraging to see Earnie has regained his goalscoring touch going into the new season, and has both the belief and skill to do it in style.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the match was not Rhys Weston getting a game and playing reasonably well, but watching Lennie Lawrence becoming animated on the touchline, something Bluebirds.tv had often thought was the stuff of legend.

When City were in full flow during the first half, Ninian Park’s stone-age gaffer was getting quite worked up and yelling at his players. For perhaps the first time ever, Denver the Last Dinosaur was replaced by Captain Caveman.

Lennie had stated this week that City “wouldn’t be pushed around” this season and this belief clearly extended to the sidelines. A large stack of water bottles had even been placed within kicking distance for added effect should the rage become unbearable.

Unbelievably, City lead at half-time 1-0, courtesy of a rare goal from Alan Lee.

Bar Earnshaw’s wonder goal, the second half performance was similar to that played out time and time again last season and plenty before that. Same old City. A side devoid of ideas and lacking a cutting edge.

Bluebirds.tv cannot really complain that City failed to beat the side which won the Scudetto four years ago, but Lazio were there for the taking in the first half.

However, the Italians stepped up a gear in the second and City had no answer to it. The same thing happens every other week at Ninian Park, whether the Bluebirds are up against world beaters or the League equivalent of the ‘Dog & Duck’. But the question is simple. Why?

“Our problem is getting caught on the break, which shows up a lack of pace”, said Lennie, double checking the dryness of the ink on Robert Page’s contract and scrambling around for the receipt.

“I’m glad we are away on day one because defending at home we are daydreaming”. Hardly words of inspiration just days before the trip to Crewe, a team Cardiff are expected to beat in what has been built up as a ‘play-off push’ this season.

Thoughts of horses and stable doors spring to mind. This is a problem City have had for months, if not seasons. Just exactly WHAT have the players been practicing this summer?

The ‘long ball up to the little fella’ tactic? Because that always works…..

One training exercise that has been skipped is goalkeeping if Tony Warner’s calamitous performance was anything to go by. In all fairness to the ex-Millwall stopper, he couldn’t have done much about the first goal and probably didn’t even see the second fly past him, but the third?

A sliced clearance into the Grandstand set up another Lazio attack and allowed the ancient Roberto Muzzi to smack a hopeful, head-height shot straight at Warner from about 25 yards.

Bread and butter you may think for a goalkeeper who can boast Liverpool and Celtic as former employers, but instead of catching the ball or tipping it over the bar, Warner flapped at it in a manner that made Peter Zois look competent and scooped the ball over his head and into the net.

Neil Alexander may soon have a new friend to keep him company.

Bluebirds.tv had hoped this moment of sheer crapness would goad Lennie into sticking his size 9s through the water bottle stack, but Denver had clearly returned and instead he just stood there, leaning against an imaginary lamppost.

The taxi will be along any minute.

Suntans & Santan(der)s

As far as Bluebirds.tv is concerned, Saturday was what pre-season football is all about – drinking in the sun all afternoon, watching the game without worrying about the final score, and then comparing sun burn at the end of 90 minutes.

This was Bluebirds.tv’s first friendly outing of the summer, having not travelled to footballing outposts such as Yeovil or Cheltenham, preferring the sanctuary of Ninian Park and taking advantage of the “two for £15” ticket offer like a bargain-happy Matalan shopper.

After failing to win any of the three pre-season matches thus far, and conceding goals with a regularity that saw keeper Neil Alexander slump to fourth choice, victory against Real Racing Club Santander would have been a welcome tonic.

But it wasn’t to be. The sweltering heat seemed to hinder the City players and meant for a dull first half. Willie Boland was unlucky to put the ball into his own net to give the Spaniards the lead but Andy Campbell should have been awarded a penalty after being clattered in the box by the keeper, but only a free kick was awarded.

The second half was better and provided at least some value for money. Throughout the game Santander lived up to their Primera Liga stereotype and pushed, pulled and fouled their way through the match. But one player made the wrong decision targeting City’s ‘Mr Angry’ John Robinson and one niggly challenge resulted in a free-for-all involving both sets of players and even those in the dug-outs. Pantomime season at Ninian Park, four months early!

In one great display of comic acting, a Santander player clattered Paul Parry and just as he was about to be booked ran toward and went over the Welsh international in a desperate attempt to save himself. Either that, or he slipped on the half a pint of grease that emanated from his person.

With a preferred starting line-up in mind for Crewe next weekend, a couple of other players battled their way into contention.

Andy Campbell. The £900,000 striker is clearly enjoying this pre-season and played the entire 90 minutes. He looked lively throughout and more like the player that scored all those goals while on loan from Middlesbrough three years ago. Lennie must be gearing him up to play a bigger role this season by giving him an extended run in the friendlies.

Lee Bullock. Came on as an early substitute for the injured Willie Boland and played very well. Didn’t look out of place alongside Graham Kavanagh and was unlucky not to equalise with a header that had the Santander keeper beaten.

Alan Lee. Was more effective than Peter Thorne and tormented the Santander defence with his runs down the channels. Should have had a penalty after being pulled back in the box.

If Boland doesn’t recover from injury in time this is how Bluebirds.tv hopes City will line up against Crewe, although things could change after Monday’s glamour fixture against Lazio:

Margetson, Croft, Gabbidon, Page, Vidmar, Robinson, Kavanagh, Bullock, Parry, Earnshaw, Thorne. Subs: Warner, Collins, Langley, Campbell, Lee.