' FEARFUL OF A SEASON THAT PROMISED SO MUCH '

' FEARFUL OF A SEASON THAT PROMISED SO MUCH '

At times like these I am a person who thinks more the situation rather than writing my initial reaction, like most if I write my first thoughts it is quite often done out of surprise or possibly anger and I have learned over time that is not the best time to write your opinions.

The sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was an absolute minimum requirement that Vincent Tan had to do if he hopes to fulfil the ambition of promotion to the Premier League. At the beginning of the season I wrote an article asking the question 'We have the squad but do we have the right manager?' I am sure many of you will remember the article, I recieved pelters from many posters who were angry that I didn't seem to support Ole and I had an agenda.

I will say here and now, I do have an agenda and even though I am feeling pretty low about the goings on at our club my agenda will always be the same, I want Cardiff City to be successful as they possibly can be. If I believe, and we all have the same right as a fan, that things are not right, a player is not giving his all, the manager is not up to the task then I will ask the question or voice my opinion, it doesn't matter any more than the next persons opinion but it is mine nevertheless and nobody should shy away from what they believe.

Vincent Tan is, or so we are told, personally choosing and appointing the next manager of Cardiff City. If Russell Slade is appointed as our manager then the story regarding Tan choosing him is absolute nonsense, had Tan brought Dave Jones back to the club then maybe but there is not a cat in hells chance has Vincent Tan been following the career of Russell Slade.

Regarding Slade, I will be totally honest and say that he is on a hiding to nothing, if he starts his time at the club with a couple of defeats I cannot see City fans getting behind the man and he will struggle to win over the majority of our support because he is already seen as not a manager capable of achieving promotion, whether that is fair or not it is the truth as I see it.

The majority appear to want Tony Pulis as next manager but again I don't agree he that Pulis would be the right appointment either.

Our club needs stability, it requires control and I have argued with folk on here that we need a football man addressing footballing issues, the club has still not addressed this problem and while we have non-football people making footballing decisions then I fear this club will continue to decline, there is hole on the starboard side of the great ship Cardiff City and the captain doesn't know what to do to stem the intake.

I cannot see past desperate times ahead for the club, the right appointment of a manager is paramount for our club, not just for promotion but for the long term financial hopes of club, if we don't get promoted or even worse we get relegated (and don't think that is not a possibility for us) then I envisage a meltdown of our club similar or even worse than that of Portsmouth.

Vincent Tan is probably going out of his mind with what has turned into a nightmare for him, regardless of our feelings towards him, he has put an incredible amount of money in to the club as loans and if Tan doesn't get this club into the Premier League this season then there must be a very real possibility that he will want out and will stop putting money in at the end of this season.

The squad of players consists of so many new faces, who will be perplexed by the first few weeks of the season and will have their own opinions about the appointment.

I don't see Russell Slade as a manager of us working out well for him or us, Tan is already surrounded by yes men in the boardroom and if Slade is going to be the manager then he must be able to manage his way but I fear that is not going to the case and as a result I have grave concerns for our club beyond this season.

I agree with most of that....

Out of interest I'd u don't think Pulis would be an option, who would be your choice?

I agree with most of that....

Out of interest I'd u don't think Pulis would be an option, who would be your choice?

I honestly don't know who would be the correct choice right now, I really don't.

It would be someone who plays brave attacking football, good use of wingers, steel and grit in midfield.

A good post.

Slade will get my support, but I think we'll be closer to relegation than promotion.

I agree with most of that....

Out of interest I'd u don't think Pulis would be an option, who would be your choice?

I honestly don't know who would be the correct choice right now, I really don't.

It would be someone who plays brave attacking football, good use of wingers, steel and grit in midfield.

Unreal to think that prior to the malky appointment the list of candidates lined up by the club and spoken too oozed quality and now we are really struggling with any idea of who to take over and who would really want the job....

I'm very concerned with the slade appointment if it does happen as while he's done a decent job with orient, I agree with u that I don't think he his right to take the club to where we want to be.

I fear an horrific run for the rest of the season, with an empty ground, morale at rock bottom and a Barmy owner running us into the ground...

We look a long way off where we were this time last season....

If Russell Slade IS appointed our manager, the very least we can do is fully to support him. Thats all we can do.

Carl, in any profession if you are a leader you have to be excellent at man management,you are not handed respect you earn it from all the people you supervise. I believe Russel Slade will do this and bring the heart and passion back to the team. He cannot be any worse than Ole whom i believe didn't have the leadership qualities required. I hope the fans give this man a chance and although he's never managed at this level at least will give us a lot of leadership qualities that have been missing since January.

Good write up Carl.....I think it will a good thing if Tan tightens the purse strings for a while, time to stabilise.
Regroup find out who wants to be in the trenches and who doesn't.

Agree

its not a manager we need but an owner thats stays out of the football side of things.

this club is fucked from the ground up...
Debt
players under performing
No decent long term manager
scouts
training
Tan involved too much scaring off potential managers maybe

we need to calm this ship but Tan seems intent on playing with his new toy

We needed a manager who could organise a team, instill a work ethic, build a playing style / structure and attract good players. That manager is Tony Pulis.

If Russell Slade IS appointed our manager, the very least we can do is fully to support him. Thats all we can do.

Well said

Well said Carl, agree with every word, although think Pulis would have been the right man. I'll support Slade but the guy is on a hiding to nothing and I don't think he can comprehend the mad house he is about to enter.

We needed a manager who could organise a team, instill a work ethic, build a playing style / structure and attract good players. That manager is Tony Pulis.

Why would the premiership manager of the season come to Cardiff City and can we afford him ? Pulis knows Newcastle are just another loss or two from sacking Pardew. All we have is one statement on TV saying South Wales wouldn't be an issue and all our ITK'ers making up stories. Just had a text from a reliable source Talkshit broke the Slade news

I think somebody said on another thread theres alot of people who post slade is a good choice hoping he'll fail we get relagated back to div 2 turn back to blue and alls well again so stop worrying carl about going back up most of the posters on here want city to lose every game

We needed a manager who could organise a team, instill a work ethic, build a playing style / structure and attract good players. That manager is Tony Pulis.

Why would the premiership manager of the season come to Cardiff City and can we afford him ? Pulis knows Newcastle are just another loss or two from sacking Pardew. All we have is one statement on TV saying South Wales wouldn't be an issue and all our ITK'ers making up stories. Just had a text from a reliable source Talkshit broke the Slade news

Easily afford him..... Palace paid him 1.5 mil, we paid ole 4!!! When dj was in charge he was best part of 900k...

The question is why didnt we even make the approach? Spy gate bollocks!

We needed a manager who could organise a team, instill a work ethic, build a playing style / structure and attract good players. That manager is Tony Pulis.

Why would the premiership manager of the season come to Cardiff City and can we afford him ? Pulis knows Newcastle are just another loss or two from sacking Pardew. All we have is one statement on TV saying South Wales wouldn't be an issue and all our ITK'ers making up stories. Just had a text from a reliable source Talkshit broke the Slade news

We would have known if we had tried to get him. If he turns us down so be it. No guarantee pardew will be sacked soon or that he would get the job.

It's the directors loans that will finish us.

I think if we are low end of the table come January then Tan will begin an aggressive sale of the club. When that fails he will call in the directors loans , we will eventually go into administration, and lose 15 points confirming our relegation.

I would rather take -15 points this season over next. If we are in league 1 then those points will screw us.

I don't know the ins and outs of the ground ownership. With any luck it belongs to the council, not the club. That way if we are behind on rent we may get better treatment than that of Coventry.

People will slate me for being negative but I think we need to protect our future now!

Tan out

I agree with most of that....

Out of interest I'd u don't think Pulis would be an option, who would be your choice?

I honestly don't know who would be the correct choice right now, I really don't.

It would be someone who plays brave attacking football, good use of wingers, steel and grit in midfield.

Who says slade can't do that, it fucks me off why everyone is writing slade off already because he isn't a big name.

I agree with most of that....

Out of interest I'd u don't think Pulis would be an option, who would be your choice?

I honestly don't know who would be the correct choice right now, I really don't.

It would be someone who plays brave attacking football, good use of wingers, steel and grit in midfield.

Who says slade can't do that, it fucks me off why everyone is writing slade off already because he isn't a big name.

Even orient fans have said u dont know what ur gonna get with him.

Beats me why they want him. Never got a club promoted in his career as a manager and cant see him changing that any time soon.

Is slade the best they could do? Really? Strange one. That said the club's a joke so wouldn't Suprise me!

Like many City fans Russel Slade would not be my choice but if he is appointed we have to get behind him and if we suffer a couple of defeats in the next few games so be it!

What we need now is stability and a Manager who will select a squad of 16 core players who barring injury or loss of form become the core of the team.

I have already virttually given up on promotion this season although of course it is still possible but for the time being we need to concentrate on getting 50 points as quickly as possible then see if we can kick on from there hopefully with Slade still in charge.

Yes it could go tits up but alternatively it might just work I think it's a 50/50 call but we have a role to play and that's to get behind the Manager (Whoever that is) and the team give our 100% support and who knows what might happen

Like many City fans Russel Slade would not be my choice but if he is appointed we have to get behind him and if we suffer a couple of defeats in the next few games so be it!

What we need now is stability and a Manager who will select a squad of 16 core players who barring injury or loss of form become the core of the team.

I have already virttually given up on promotion this season although of course it is still possible but for the time being we need to concentrate on getting 50 points as quickly as possible then see if we can kick on from there hopefully with Slade still in charge.

Yes it could go tits up but alternatively it might just work I think it's a 50/50 call but we have a role to play and that's to get behind the Manager (Whoever that is) and the team give our 100% support and who knows what might happen

It is a 50-50 call, but that's a huge gamble to take with the position we are currently in... Lose 3 games straight away and we will be bottom of the league... Then it will become even harder to motivate the players...

Like many City fans Russel Slade would not be my choice but if he is appointed we have to get behind him and if we suffer a couple of defeats in the next few games so be it!

What we need now is stability and a Manager who will select a squad of 16 core players who barring injury or loss of form become the core of the team.

I have already virttually given up on promotion this season although of course it is still possible but for the time being we need to concentrate on getting 50 points as quickly as possible then see if we can kick on from there hopefully with Slade still in charge.

Yes it could go tits up but alternatively it might just work I think it's a 50/50 call but we have a role to play and that's to get behind the Manager (Whoever that is) and the team give our 100% support and who knows what might happen

It is a 50-50 call, but that's a huge gamble to take with the position we are currently in... Lose 3 games straight away and we will be bottom of the league... Then it will become even harder to motivate the players...

I agree mate it is a huge gamble and to be honest Pulis would be my choice however us fans seem to have no influence or say in the choice of Manager. I just feel whoever is brought in and let's be honest it looks like Slade we have to get behind him and has long as we see more organisation, players playing in their correct positions and passion and fight in the team then I can accept that and hopefully the results and a climb up the table will begin

The priority this season is to be competitive and at best challenge for play off's.
I think Russell Slade might surprise a lot of people. He has good man management skills and his teams play good football. But you never know if a manager or player will gell with your team until they start. I will be behind Russell Slade as I have been since 1970. I have seen many highs and lows during that time , this is definitely a low at the moment. With the players we have we could still do it and go up , also we could really struggle. I have a gut feeling Russell Slade could be the man to turn us around , if he gets the job.

Like many City fans Russel Slade would not be my choice but if he is appointed we have to get behind him and if we suffer a couple of defeats in the next few games so be it!

What we need now is stability and a Manager who will select a squad of 16 core players who barring injury or loss of form become the core of the team.

I have already virttually given up on promotion this season although of course it is still possible but for the time being we need to concentrate on getting 50 points as quickly as possible then see if we can kick on from there hopefully with Slade still in charge.

Yes it could go tits up but alternatively it might just work I think it's a 50/50 call but we have a role to play and that's to get behind the Manager (Whoever that is) and the team give our 100% support and who knows what might happen

It is a 50-50 call, but that's a huge gamble to take with the position we are currently in... Lose 3 games straight away and we will be bottom of the league... Then it will become even harder to motivate the players...

I agree mate it is a huge gamble and to be honest Pulis would be my choice however us fans seem to have no influence or say in the choice of Manager. I just feel whoever is brought in and let's be honest it looks like Slade we have to get behind him and has long as we see more organisation, players playing in their correct positions and passion and fight in the team then I can accept that and hopefully the results and a climb up the table will begin

Nicely put, and nothing would make me feel better than to see fight and determination in our team, a will to win attitude. We can take defeat, we have to in football but its the manner that we have been losing... Seeing payers roll their sleeves up and give their all is all that we are asking... Plus as you said above..,

Is Slade right or wrong and at the moment nobody knows and Im sure hindsight will dictate this one plus like Carl says who is the right choice at the moment anyway and who within the wall of CCS towers indeed recommended Mr Slade ? Everyone wants Pulis but he is a Premier League manager and he will get a club in the top division soon ... Bellamy said that the job wasn't right for him at the moment , we all know why that is !

As for the team then on paper the squad is really strong but look like a team of individuals rather than a team gelling together , we are lacking leadership which starts for me from team captain and team manager . Marshall was only chosen due to the fact that at the moment he is the only current player guaranteed to play every game but is he a leader ?

Fitness levels seem to be well below average too which is something that needs to be put right straight away by Mr Slade and his staff .... the season is way from over but so much needs to be put in and done now otherwise we may find ourselves involved in another relegation battle . 4 points from the next 2 games must be a realistic target but I suppose 2 wouldn't be a disaster ............ we shall see

Surely Slade should be given a chance at your club , I remember not being impressed when we employed Martinez ,wanting a bigger name but looked what happened there . Then Brenda came along and not many jacks can say they could see that coming .... Not good at Reading . Both managers with little or no experience which leads on to Mr Monk who has been given little credibility from any quarter but fingers crossed continues to prove the doubters wrong . This recruitment as been punctured with the obvious bigger name but the club set out the way they wanted to play and all the managers employed payed into that ethos which appears to have enabled recovery every time one of these have moved on . I agree that Tan would probably of not known who Slade was so who is pulling his strings?. Maybe this appointment will provide stability if he is allowed to manage ??? but that is a big if. Havnt got a clue how you do it but Tan needs to go as this is heading only one way the longer he uses your club as a plaything to massage his ego . They would hate to admit it but most jacks whilst admitting to initially enjoying the Tan induced drama actually want a blue CCFC in the premiership and the banter that goes with it . I for one didn't think your promotion was a given like many on here but equally don't see you getting relegated as suggested or anywhere near for that matter.

Starting with the initial post there is a lot of sensible stuff on here. But the bottom line is that Ole has got us into a mess and we are in big trouble. Slade or no Slade.

Starting with the initial post there is a lot of sensible stuff on here. But the bottom line is that Ole has got us into a mess and we are in big trouble. Slade or no Slade.

Don't know if you can put the blame at the door of OGS ..... Surely Mr Tans meddling in things he knows nothing about has put you where you are which incidentally is a few points off a play off place . If Slade motivates which on paper is a good squad who knows but whether or not any manager can work under your current regime is a big if .

If we fail to go up and it costs us financially, Tan should take the brunt of the bill and pay out of his pocket not via loans. He was the man who employed Solksjaer, it didn't work, Tan has again hired a manager who we all know won't take us up (I'd like to have faith he could, but I'm not convinced) and again it will affect us financially. Tan will then say the club is costing him money and can't clear our debts, which technically are Tans debts, he made the decisions so the buck stops at him, not the club.

It's like if we did go up and got all this money, survived a few seasons and Tan paid himself back, would Tan put those profits back in the till? Would he feck. So why should the survival of our club depend on a man who has made bad decision after bad decision. Tan should be funding this season if it fails and Tan alone.

Joys of being a owner, take the rough with the smooth. But don't be saddling our club because of his mistakes. If he wants to make mistakes he should pay for them, not us pay for them

Surely with our squad of players not even Slade could mess up? A donkey in a blue scarf couldn’t fail, could he?
We have all stated many times over the last few weeks this is the strongest and most balanced squad of players we have seen for a long time. The problem it seems was OGS tinkering with the team, trying to achieve a successful rotation system.
Now with no nonsense British manager who will pick a settled side from our plethora of international standard of players it’s just a matter of time before we climb to the top of the lower leagues.
Personally I can only see one problem; any of the eleven players that are picked show no commitment and passion towards the club and the supporters. Turn up, look the part and take the big money from Uncle Tan