After losing that game to Charlton, we were dumped back in the frame for a possible relegation scrap, but the battling (if ugly) win at Brentford put us virtually safe. Since then the 4 points from Bournemouth and Brum had made it a comfortable run in, but we must grasp the opportunity it brings to move forward in our style if not our table position - hopefully it will mean both. Although a surprise to most of us, loaning out Connolly and particularly Jones should give the rest a chance to make claim. I hope we get treated to a new approach by Slade these last few games now that we're assured of playing Championship football again next season. More of the same would be an appalling waste of an opportunity to try out some decent players already on the books who need to stake a claim, rather than plunging into the market and taking a chance on some unknown lower tier stuff. There will be exceptions and we will need additions, but many of those playing down there in League One and below will have found their level. We could have plenty already on board who can do us a good job next year.
Agree Sparkey. Slade will be manager next year, so he must make sure he knows who he wants and where he wants top get replacements so that the summer transfer period is not a hodge podge as it has been the last couple of years.
Unfortunately Slade has loaned out O'Sullivan and John. Time for Ralls and Adeyemi in the middle. Saying that it was time for that months ago. Kennedy Adeyemi Ralls Harris across the middle with Mason and Doyle is decent. Not with Slade in charge and the ball being lumped forward though. Slade needs to be replaced.
Nothing against the guy but now we're safe, McAleny shouldn't play for us again this season. Send him back to his parent club. Not much point bringing back Pilks for these last 7 games either - we know what he can do and a good pre-season is all he'll need. Got my doubts about O'Keefe as well long term. Better off with Ralls and Adeyemi. Can't understand why Slade hasn't used Adeyemi more even as a substitute - I'd rather him than O'Keefe. I dont' think he's even made the bench a few times lately and was only on it for the Bournemouth and Brum games because Harris was suspended whilst O'Keefe kept his seat on it. I agree we need a new manager - but will the club be brave enough?
Will Slade accept that versus Birmingham once Gunnarrsson was replaced, the midfield of Ralls and Whittingham was much more effective without him, and so Gunnarrsson should not be brought back if fit? Are Macheda and Revell fit as if not and as Jones has gone, who will partner Doyle?
Doubt Slade will have learned anything. Gunner and Whitts in the middle. Doyle on the bench with Macheda and Revell up front
I did say time try something different in the OP, so I'd play Doyle on his own with an extra man in midfield. We're away from home and tactically need to set up to keep possession and exert some control on the game and not give Reading the chance to play through us. Is this tactic beyond Slade? I'd try Noone, Adeyemi, Ralls, Whitts and Kennedy (if he's fit) in the middle. No problem with McAleny at all but the guy will be going back to Everton and he shouldn't figure any more unless we're desperate. The back four should start the same with the only possible change being Peltier in for Malone. With Harris still suspended, the bench should include youngsters like James and possibly Healey, though if he's fit enough, I'd stick Mason on there instead to get on for the last half hour.
I see O'Sullivan and Yorwerth scored in the Wales Under 21's 3 - 1 v. Bulgaria last night. Not sure if either out on loan but if not maybe they should get a chance to show what they can do before the end of the season. I've seen James play a couple of times and not sure about him although he appears to be liked in view of his first team involvement. I like Sparkey's 4 - 5 - 1 formation for Reading but doubt Slade will consider this. Going against the tide though I would still have Gunnar in midfield before Adeyemi. I'm afraid he hasn't convinced me yet. Mind you I have been negative about Ralls but impressed by his last couple of games so what do I know? Who from here is going to Reading? I'm in a carload of 5. Surely we will get a couple of thousand there for our easiest trip of the season on a Bank Holiday weekend.
Yes. Well well beyond him I'm going. Last time I was at the MadStad - Boxing Day 2008. Their goalkeeper ****ing scored.... Not hoping for a repeat
Bad news Sparky... if you believe WOL. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-boss-russell-slade-8965876 Does this mean we're going to try and play it along the floor. Could be 4-5-1 though.
Unless we're going to try to re-sign McAleny on loan again for next season (or even buy him), I don't see the point in playing him. Win lose or draw, we'll be in the Championship next season and now is the perfect time to involve players who will be here for it. If McAleny plays, then for sure Adeyemi wont. I accept that Adeyemi isn't the finished article but he needs to play as an under contract player if he's going to develop with us for the future. What's the point in developing McAleny for Everton - that wont benefit our own building process. I fear Slade doesn't rate Adeyemi and is so focused on the players he's brought in at the expense of some who were already here that we're going to lose the lad.
In fairness Slade is very much 'pissing with the cock he's got' in this situation. We also don't know whether we do have any sort of option on McAleny. McAleny is a number 10. We don't have anyone else fit to play that role. As for building there's an argument Doyle will develop a lot more as a City player by being part of a decent strike partnership than being isolated up top on his own without a midfield/attack link. If the team plays well with McAleny then we can build further on recent results and performances until Macheda's back.....
Until Macheda's back is what?....... Agree we don't know if there's an option on McAleny, but intending to exercise it (if it existed) would be the only excuse for playing him in these last 7 games. The lack of a natural No.10 is a decent point, but for Christ's sake, now is the time for Slade to earn his corn and be a bit more inventive. Either Whitts or Ralls could be tried that far forward - at least it would be different.
Yeah I was there that freezing afternoon and just could not believe how pathetic City always are in trying to defending leads. How many times have we left it slip at the death due to playing deeper and deeper
Saw that Bluey - apparently Dack is bloody furious over the botch up by FIFA regarding Healey's international clearance in time. Looks like he could have done with him too - 1-2 down at half time.
