Played well I'd be very surprised if MM didn't stick with Taylor though. Thought John did pretty well today.
Nice to see another youth product making the first team squad. Even if he doesn't get much game time he'll be progressing by training with the squad. It may take a few years for the conveyor belt to be productive to PL level but the signs are encouraging. With Nugent and Ralls getting game time last year and now John pushing, things are looking favourable. Unlike DJ, MM seems quite happy to give youth a chance. The other thing is that if we do find another Ramsey or Gunter, we won't need to sell them to the first offer as financially we are in a different place.
Can't stick with Taylor - he's banned for the West Ham game after his dismissal at Hull. Good little player who has come on leaps and bounds with the development squad. His lack of physical presence could be seen to be a disadvantage in that position, but Gary Bell wasn't too bad. I'm pretty sure of two things after today. Taylor was always going to be first choice LB unless we brought anyone else in. Lappin will now have lost the bench spot to Declan.
Of course, in that case until we sign another left back, yes! Explains him getting the full 90 at LB today and having to watch Taylor labour in midfield when he came on.
The last time I watched John was against Macclesfield. He was the stand out performer for us. Let's hope he keeps working hard and gets his chance.
Here's Malky's views according to WoL: - http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-starlet-declan-john-5584880
I find this very interesting: “Declan is a youngster I have extremely high hopes for,” said Mackay. “Were it not for the consistency of the left-back I have (Taylor), he would have had a bit more time spent with the first team last season in terms of getting on the pitch.
The most interesting thing about that is what he didn't say. In other words, it doesn't say much for Lappin.
True but it is a squad game at this level so 3 x cover needed although Joe Ralls is also mentioned as left back cover.
Squad game undoubtedly Bluey, but it does seem to suggest a pecking order is in place for that LB spot. Looks like John and Lappin have swapped places. Joe Ralls is a very interesting one. He has always looked class to me and the only factor against him was his young age. If he gets a chance or two in the middle of the park this season (forget about left back), he could be a surprise package that will light up the side. In his favoured spot, he obviously has Whitts and Kimbo in front of him and taking a chance on young Ralls over those two would be too much to ask for Malky, but if (God forbid) one or both of them got injured, I'd give him a go.
I think Kimbo is being groomed for a new role in a 4411. MMs comments seem to suggest he's the guy to join the main striker and his goals in pre-season suggests he's up for it. Ralls certainly seems to have the skills and composure and I'm certain he'll see a lot of bench time and the early rounds of the cups this season. As an asside, it looks as if Cornelius is doubtful for the start of the season. Not good news.
Yes, ccfc, saw that about Cornelius. Sod's law. Probably Campbell to start before Maynard unless Rudy gets the nod. I'm not sure about Ralls. The best game I've seen him play was when he came on at left back last season when all our back 4 got injuries. He did well then. He came on 2nd half at Cheltenham and continually gave the ball away. Okay, a pre season friendly but he can't go on like that. Mind you looks like he has bulked up a bit in the last year and should be stronger for it.
Malky said he'd had numerous enquiries about Ralls and Mason to go out on loan but that hasn't happened yet. I sincerely hope they dont because they could be the players under the radar of the other Prem clubs that could get us some vital points.
That is how I see Kimbo playing, almost as high up the pitch as possible rather than in central midfield. I think we've also got the tools for a fluid 4-3-3 with players like Bellers, Noone, Kim able to play either flank and threaten from wide. I think that Maynard has the intelligence to really thrive in that formation too as one of the wide 3 whilst Cornelius and FC fight it out for the central position. Means we can play 3 central mids (Wits, Gunnar, Mutch). It transitions to a 4-5-1 without much drama if you're under the cosh too.
Could even do a 5 3 1 1 Good wing backs in Brayford and John (hopefully), 3 monsters at centre back, a defensive midfielder (Gunnar unless we sign someone), Whitts and Mutch being creative, Kimbo in the hole and perm one from 3 up front with plenty more to fill in when needed. Malky probably will go with his flexible 4 3 3 but a thought to give us more bodies in the middle of the park.
Or even a 352. Malky likes his wing players to come back and defend. We need more agile CB's for that though.
