Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn "They were two poor sides, to be honest, in a game that was strewn with bad decisions and mistakes." Cardiff manager Russell Slade ""I was disappointed for our fans because they would have witnessed a really strong, aggressive performance"
All things are relative and performance yesterday would suggest that we played better. Unfortunately it's as much about the opposition as anything else. Leeds were poor and we were better - that's about it. Both our goals were scrambled affairs by defenders from set pieces and not from flowing football. Redfearn is probably nearer the truth when it comes to reality, and Slade breathing a sigh of relief that the performance justified the result. A battling display yes, but the thing we have to remember is that we are a mid table club sitting amongst the Charltons, Leeds and Huddersfields of this world, and not competing on footballing terms with those currently toward the top. "Strong, aggressive performances" seem to be the order of the day at the moment, but that's going to have to be converted into a far more complete game next season. For us to have any chance of mixing it with those at the top that just fail to make it this year, and those that come down from the Prem with strong squads, some major quality has got to be injected into the side, particularly up front. I will say from what I listened to that Mason could blossom next season given the support, but not as a front man, He was far more on his type of game dropping back behind substitute Doyle when he came on for McAleny.
That is the thing for me though Sparkey. I would like to hear Slade be more analytical and admit when we perhaps a bit lucky or we still got a result even though we didn't play well. Too often he will make a happy little throw away comments that now just sounds like a recording.
I agree TOB - Slade has a media style that always seems plausible but doesn't inspire any confidence in me that he can change things on the pitch. He'll take the result yesterday for what it's worth and bull it up to the max in his own quiet way. Unfortunately, we were playing Leeds - a team we had already beaten comfortably at home, and apart from Brum who were terrible on the day, probably the poorest team I've witnessed at the CCS this season. Mind you, we have got Millwall and Blackpool coming up at home next two games so that opinion of the worst team we've faced could change. Just 'ang on a minute...............both of them have beaten us already this season.........
To be fair Sparkey, the Blackpool defeat came before the Slade era and a lot of things have changed since then. We've shipped out a load of players with Premiership experience and replaced it with ..........errr.........yes........... Two interesting games to come then.
I've only seen the 12 minutes highlights on cityplayer. Seemed a fair result on that evidence. I was convinced our amazing hoodoo on Leeds would end. Fair play to the team. Not sure Slade can take much credit. Looks like we're stuck with him next season. Doyle again worryingly missed a golden chance. Maybe if he went on loan to Bolton he'd snaffle up such chances
And again. Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy: "We might not be the best team but we are as tough as anyone and a real threat." Cardiff manager Russell Slade: "I thought it was a really decent performance, 3-1 was a little bit harsh on us. I thought we were well in the game and I thought we created a few chances."
