So Tan has big plans. This suggests he's in it for the long haul. It will take a few seasons before we see the benefits of these changes. Laudable, but how realistic we'll need to wait and see. I'd like to see it succeed and it would be a legacy to leave, but some investment will be needed up front to accelerate implementation on and off the field. The theory is is great and I would love to see a few home grown players coming through, but will Tan have the patience? Also the reference to Liverpool is probably badly timed. The Liverpool way and the concept of the boot room has long gone. Not sure Liverpool have the playing identity they once had. Even Manure's playing style walked out of the door with Fergie. The best example of the style and playing policy is the All Blacks. They've been doing it for 50 years. Their own identity and style which has slowly evolved but is implemented from top to bottom of their structure. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/cardiff-city-reveal-ambitious-plans-11864185
Sorry if this goes against the "national" thing, but I've got severe reservations about some of the things Tan is advocating. Good soundbytes but very narrow concepts particularly on the Welsh thing. The concept of having a team at Cardiff stuffed with Welsh players is all very well, but whilst it might infuse some national pride, it would hardly guarantee success. It should be a side issue for Tan and not influence the judgement as to the direction the club should take. Apart from a few notable exceptions like Williams, Taylor and Davies, Swansea built their rise on forward thinking regarding the players they acquired, not their nationality. We can obviously forget the Bale's and Ramseys of this world that everyone is judging us by, at our current level the choice is limited. Better value for money at out is out there and should be the principle for club acquisitions. As a club, the best players for the job wherever they come from is the way forward. And as an follow on to that, the best manager at the club to acquire them and then drive the club ahead is just as important if not more. I like Trollope, but the fact that he's of Welsh extraction means nothing. If Tan is trying to live a dream based upon Welsh national pride in the EFL, we could be on the road to nowhere before long - that's if we aren't already on it.
Agree with the Welsh thing sparkey. I admit to not thinking too deeply about that. Even looking at the style of play and permeating that down the levels will be hard enough irrespective on nationality. Liverpool and Manure had an identity but were full of Welsh, Irish and Scottish players even before the influx from the rest of europe. It would be nice to see a youngster or two coming through. Ralls and John are getting some game time (though Ralls isn't Welsh qualified) and a few youngsters got some game time pre-season. This needs to be well thought out and implemented steadily, not rushed. If now we'll lurch from one crisis to the next. There also seem to be some opposing comments. We need to give Trollope time to embed the system but we're looking for top 6 this season. If we're mid table at Christmas will Tan look for a new manager. Very restrictive when you're looking for a manager to play in a certain style but to still move you forward. As you rightly say, good soundbytes.
Clubs at higher levels have been modeling youth team tactics on senior team tactics for ages. Not much point for a league 1 ... whoops ... Championship team to bother. As for more Welsh players. Sure, if they are good enough.
keep your fingers crossed that that the Pulis / WBA unrest escalates. Would have liked him when we appointed slade. After the start we've had I'd take him over Trollope. Was undecided when the appointment happened and pre-season seemed ok. A few players need to step up to the plate as well. Saying that, listening to the game on the radio there didn't seem any threat in the first hour apart from the goals and we seemed to have had a few chances. Need a win or two before morale (on the pitch, not on here) falls too far.
Just seen the c5 highlights. Their first 2 goals were so avoidable. Mind you ours were as well Never expected anything there so it's this next 6 days which will define our season.
With a bit of luck we could have put a few more onto Norwich and come away with a win there, The defence was very disappointing though and Jazz Richards is just awful
