Here’s the first of undoubtably many such reports https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-bristol-city-derby-16269162
First notable signing. Next season, Warnock it is. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-warnock-reveals-hes-staying-16275945
Inevitable interest in Etheridge https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport...s/west-ham-considering-swoop-cardiff-16276506
My concern is if he goes will Smithies be up to it? He’s played 2 games this season and been injured a lot. NW should make keeping Etheridge one of his main priorities
Get Marshall back, i would sell Ethel if price is right, and buy a keeper that can actually distribute the ball rather than just boot it away.
Don't recall distribution being Marshall's strong point. Both good shot stoppers though. If the can keep the ball put and use their feet, they don't end up playing for teams in our position. Agree that keep etheridge should be a priority for Colin.
Etheridge is a fantastic keeper when he hasn't got the ball, but hopeless when he's got it in his hands. Doesn't seem to have any connection with his back 4 to bring the ball out - our back 4 could also be as much to blame though. This has to be a matter of coaching and we seem sadly lacking in this regard. All too often he seems forced to resort to the route one approach and you can guarantee that a fair percentage of those go straight into touch - so frustrating! Nothing wrong with the quick long release to a teammate to surprise the oppostion like Ederson picks out at Man Ctiy, but for Christ's sake pass it to one of our guys instead of giving it back to them on a plate with hit and hopes.
Certainly Marshie's distribution was not his greatest asset. He is 34 and in the twilight of his career. Not sure he would be "one for the future". A great player for us but his best is well behind him. Ethel's ability to distribute depended on the ball skills of those around him. Apart from Bennet how many of the main 5 who played in front of him could be relied upon to distribute the ball long or short with any accuracy? Quite often long was the only option. Agreed he found touch with the consistency of a rugby no. 10. Still my first choice unless someone offers stupid money for him. Smithies was well regarded at QPR and that's why we signed him. Early cup exits and Ethel's form and fitness meant he had few opportunities.
Yes, I agree about Etheridge's distribution. He could have been a little more accurate when lumping it forward, but in fairness the alternative was to send it short to players who rarely found enough space and treated the ball like a hot potato. Like most on here are saying, he'd be closer to being a great keeper if he had the right people to pass the ball to. I think he'll be very attractive to many clubs during the summer.
