That's the end of any speculation for now then - and possibly even in January: - http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-not-sign-any-10221312 It's clear the club management and owners don't see things the way the fans do. What do we know? Some of us have been following football for 50 years plus.
I agree with the policy. Loan players should only be brought in if they are an improvement on what is already here, and there is a readily available player on the market and wants to come or if there is a necessity due to long term injuries. City have scrapped their way to 8th place after 10 games with this squad. Complaints have been levelled at the lack of goals. City have scored 14; the teams above us have scored as follows: Brighton 14 Burnley 14 Hull 13 Derby 12 Boro 17 Reading 16 (5 in one game) B'ham 16 Not exactly a real problem then. Complaints have been levelled against our defence. City have conceded 11; the teams above us have conceded as follows: Brighton 6 Burnley 11 Hull 7 Derby 7 Boro 7 Reading 7 B'ham 10. So a slight deficiency there, with not many clean sheets which are so vital. City have Manga, Tamas and one spare full back in reserve so what difference would a new defender make? Where I would like to see a comparison though is in the teams' shots, defensive blocks, possession, woodwork, tackles, passes etc. The real difference IMO in these teams is in the skill areas ie attaining and retaining possession, forward passes, crosses, shots etc This again IMO refers to midfield, especially central midfield. City are cloistered in this area. Whittingham is too deep, Ralls and Pilkington come in too often, and Dikajcoi could et up the field also a bit more. City are too deep, and lack pace and forward drive in this area. So in conclusion, the area to bolster has to be central midfield. the rest will work itself out. But unless there is somebody out there whom can do a better job, it is best to wait to January when the available players would be more recognisable, and buy a player who would form part of the squad. Notwithstanding though, I would hope to see a new striker in in January unless the Moroccan striker is fit and raring to go - instead of Jones.
we don't get much luck with loan players hey>>>>eddie newton and Rambo are the only plus points from the loan system for us I can remember
Loan players have a use, but should be used sparingly with no more than a couple at the club. They should either be the first name on the team sheet as they are so much better than what we have but we couldn't afford to buy someone of that quality or they should be cover in areas we don't have depth and only kept until we can bring someone through or buy an affordable player. In an ideal world I'd like to see 2 or 3 permanent signings each season that are better than anything we've got. Whoever they replace in the team becomes cover in the squad and whoever was cover gets moved on. In that way we should continually improve our team and squad. A bit simplistic I know as players form ebbs and flows, but it should be a starting point.
We have had some real stinkers over the years, most loan players are either journeymen or unhappy at being turfed out of their club. I do however think it is a little different if the loan player is with a club for the whole season.
Remember we also have this French striker to come in. I don't feel we need loan signings at the moment but will need to strengthen in January if we are to compete for promotion.
If we want to go for promotion then it is clear to me that we need another 3/4 quality players. We are okay in goal and broadly across the back 4 although if a better right back could be found then Peltier can be improved upon. Main needs are central midfield and a more effective, speedy winger who can put in dangerous crosses plus a striker who is mobile, good in the air (i.e. wins the ball and able to find his own players) and can guarantee us 15 goals or more in the second half of the season. Not a lot to ask is it? But that is what is needed if we are going to mount a real challenge. The present squad will keep us in the top 4 to 8 but they are not good enough for us to push on and do we really want the nightmare that is the playoffs again? I agree that loaners, other than guys with something to prove, are unlikely to fit the bill so come on VT get your wallet out and give Russ a hand. I can dream can't I?
Well, today proves why we need players of better quality and ability. 1 point from 6 in 2 away games against bottom of table clubs. Just not good enough.
Possible "honeymoon period" is over for us guys. Getting a little bit frustrated with our performances and really do fear for the coming months. Mid-bottom table club at the moment? Interesting to read about the camaraderie that's being spun by senior players, shame they weren't left on the golf course on a Saturday afternoon and replaced with genuine players with desire and commitment. Seems one or two have settled into a comfort zone, both on and off the pitch, no harm in shaking things up in my opinion and drop a few of them. Mr Slade please offer your resignation the desires of supporters are way beyond your ability to take this football club forward.
Now deep in shot tomorrow. KWJ out, Mason 50/50 as is Ralls. Revell may start with Pilkington in no. 10 role. Loan market now looks likely. Machen a only just back in training and SaaDi pulled from Debt. squad game with sore hamstring. You couldn't make it up.
That's the sort of adversity that could result in either of two things. Either the side will respond to the setbacks and put in a stellar performance against a top team to see them off, or it'll provide some ready made excuses for the post match interview after we get a drubbing. I've got a feeling it could be the latter. Middlesbrough was the watershed game for Ole last season - he got the bullet straight after one of the most dreadful performances I've witnessed by City. In one respect I could wish history would repeat itself tonight, but I don't want to sit through another game like that when Slade appears bomb proof at the moment. If we pull out the stops and get anything from the game points wise rather than "null points" and Slade just patting players on the back with good effort from the lads comments, I'll be delighted (and surprised).
Can't we recall the ginger ninja from his loan or are we unable to do that beacause it is a season long loan?
Gone to Preston for the season but it would be barrel-scraping having him back anyway. I'd rather play Fabio up front as a runner than him and I'm not joking. I'd give Declan a shot at LB to free him and stick Malone on the bench. Fabs may be small but at least he's quick, aggressive and would put himself about in the box. He's got forward thinking vision and his pace could make the difference in turning defenders. You never know he could provide some penalty bait for Whitts as well. Far too radical for Slade to contemplate? OK, Revell it is then.
Boro must be quaking in their boots at the thought of trying to stop Revell and Mason. This City team really has to be one of the most dull, boring, uncreative, uninspiring, tedious and lifeless teams I have ever witnessed.
We signed Idriss Saadi. If we have no plans on playing him, why did we bring him in? I say, give the lad a chance. Is he still injured?
