Goalkeeping dilemma

Smithies, another player judged after a few games when he was injured last year. Rusty when he came in but now looks assured, good kicking and a decent keeper. I love etheridge but also believe in players retaining the shirt, he’s not going to give it up easily. Does etheridge come straight back in? Am not so sure he will.

Smithies, another player judged after a few games when he was injured last year. Rusty when he came in but now looks assured, good kicking and a decent keeper. I love etheridge but also believe in players retaining the shirt, he’s not going to give it up easily. Does etheridge come straight back in? Am not so sure he will.

I think he has to come back in.

Only lost his place because he was injured not due to loss of form and whilst Smithies has been ok he's not really been so good that he has to retain his place.

I'd much rather the only keeper who hasn't let a goal in this season be back between the sticks!

He’s a muck better keep’ when fit he will retain his place as our number one!

We would have least two more points if he had been playing!!

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

dropped for 1 game..?
he was ill.

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

I disagree Etheridge is better at everything their other than kicking. Which he should use his long throw for instead a lot of time.

sounds like Etheridge wont be back until christmas to be honest, and then come january, i can see either smithies or day going out, either on loan or smithies sold. and murphy being given an extended contract until the end of the season

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

I disagree Etheridge is better at everything their other than kicking. Which he should use his long throw for instead a lot of time.

Really ?

Etheridge couldn't catch a cold that is why he always opts to punch away, his kicking is awful, his distribution is non existent and his communication skills are evident to see by the amount of arguments he has with his centre backs and all the mix ups we used to get in defence. That has stopped now Smithies is in goal.

A lot can happen until Etheridge is ready to return,but I am in favour that you got to earn your place so it’s Smithies at the moment for me.

I've been impressed with Smithies, nice to see a keeper kicking and actually aiming for a player and getting it to them.

Have to see how he does the next few weeks to decide who plays once Etheridge is back.

Etheridge is by far the better keeper.

When he’s fit he plays simple

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

dropped for 1 game..?
he was ill.

Incredible isnt it?

Etheridge has been one of our stand out players and biggest improvers the past 2 seasons and now he's getting ripped apart during an injury.

Who needs enemy's huh? Its a strange mentality some fans have I have to say, Bennett seem's to be one for the moaners to rip into aswell.

Ps, welcome back if I have read between the lines correctly and you're who I think you are

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

dropped for 1 game..?
he was ill.

Incredible isnt it?

Etheridge has been one of our stand out players and biggest improvers the past 2 seasons and now he's getting ripped apart during an injury.

Who needs enemy's huh? Its a strange mentality some fans have I have to say, Bennett seem's to be one for the moaners to rip into aswell.

Ps, welcome back if I have read between the lines correctly and you're who I think you are

He was not Ill he was just playing poorly, he makes some great saves which make him look a top keeper but he also makes a lot of mistakes.
He like most of this squad are bog standard championship players . Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

dropped for 1 game..?
he was ill.

Incredible isnt it?

Etheridge has been one of our stand out players and biggest improvers the past 2 seasons and now he's getting ripped apart during an injury.

Who needs enemy's huh? Its a strange mentality some fans have I have to say, Bennett seem's to be one for the moaners to rip into aswell.

Ps, welcome back if I have read between the lines correctly and you're who I think you are

Was always Ralls as a scapegoat but they have shut up now he is playing so well.

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

I disagree Etheridge is better at everything their other than kicking. Which he should use his long throw for instead a lot of time.

Really ?

Etheridge couldn't catch a cold that is why he always opts to punch away, his kicking is awful, his distribution is non existent and his communication skills are evident to see by the amount of arguments he has with his centre backs and all the mix ups we used to get in defence. That has stopped now Smithies is in goal.

What the hell are you on about saying the mix ups have stopped. If anything they’ve been worse

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

Oh dear, you dont half have a strange opinions but you do have your opinion.
Etheridge has been a standout player for 2 seasons here and was one of the better keepers in the PL

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

I disagree, from what I've seen the only thing I can say that smithies is better than ethbridge at is distribution. He's decent tho

I think Smithies is the better all round keeper and should keep his place.

Who is better:

Shot stopping - Etheridge
Catching - Smithies
Kicking - Smithies
Distribution - Smithies
Communication - Smithies

People have a overrated opinion of Etheridge because he had a good season 2 years ago and made some brilliant saves in the premier league which looked good on tv.
The reality is his all round game is pretty poor and people forget it was only 18 months ago he was dropped as #1 in the league for Brian Murphy. He makes too many mistakes for me and I feel a lot more confident in our defence with Smithies in goal

I disagree Etheridge is better at everything their other than kicking. Which he should use his long throw for instead a lot of time.

Coming from someone who rates Day over Smithies ill take your analysis with a pinch of salt.


If it was no id probably bring Etheridge back in, but Smithies probably has the next 3/4 games to make his case.

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Etheridge is by far the better keeper.

When he’s fit he plays simple

Exactly we've looked worse since Etheridge has been injured, the relationship between keeper and defence is important, when Etheridge comes back we will have a much better defensive record, and score more points per game!

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

No, but they will have more confidence that Etheridge will come for crosses quicker and may act as a sweeper for balls in between them and him!

Smithies is OK, but Etheridge is better, why would anyone want to weaken the team through choice?

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

No, but they will have more confidence that Etheridge will come for crosses quicker and may act as a sweeper for balls in between them and him!

Smithies is OK, but Etheridge is better, why would anyone want to weaken the team through choice?

I really want to know what Neil Etheridge you watch because he sounds like he should be at Real Madrid not Cardiff.

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

No, but they will have more confidence that Etheridge will come for crosses quicker and may act as a sweeper for balls in between them and him!

Smithies is OK, but Etheridge is better, why would anyone want to weaken the team through choice?

I really want to know what Neil Etheridge you watch because he sounds like he should be at Real Madrid not Cardiff.

What on Earth are you on about? Etheridge comes out for more balls than Smithies does and is far faster on his feet. That doesn’t mean he’s world class it just means he’s faster

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

No, but they will have more confidence that Etheridge will come for crosses quicker and may act as a sweeper for balls in between them and him!

Smithies is OK, but Etheridge is better, why would anyone want to weaken the team through choice?

I really want to know what Neil Etheridge you watch because he sounds like he should be at Real Madrid not Cardiff.

What on Earth are you on about? Etheridge comes out for more balls than Smithies does and is far faster on his feet. That doesn’t mean he’s world class it just means he’s faster

Etheridge is a flapper
Cant remember the last time he came out and actually caught a ball rather than punch it.
Smithies seems very quick to me and has not put a foot wrong since hes taken the #1 position.
Etheridge will struggle to get his place back and rightly so if Smithies keeps up the solid displays

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

No, but they will have more confidence that Etheridge will come for crosses quicker and may act as a sweeper for balls in between them and him!

Smithies is OK, but Etheridge is better, why would anyone want to weaken the team through choice?

I really want to know what Neil Etheridge you watch because he sounds like he should be at Real Madrid not Cardiff.

What on Earth are you on about? Etheridge comes out for more balls than Smithies does and is far faster on his feet. That doesn’t mean he’s world class it just means he’s faster

Etheridge is a flapper
Cant remember the last time he came out and actually caught a ball rather than punch it.
Smithies seems very quick to me and has not put a foot wrong since hes taken the #1 position.
Etheridge will struggle to get his place back and rightly so if Smithies keeps up the solid displays

Ha ha I don't know what game you are watching but Etheridge will take his place back as soon as he's fit, I think Warnock knows a bit more than you

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

No, but they will have more confidence that Etheridge will come for crosses quicker and may act as a sweeper for balls in between them and him!

Smithies is OK, but Etheridge is better, why would anyone want to weaken the team through choice?

I really want to know what Neil Etheridge you watch because he sounds like he should be at Real Madrid not Cardiff.

What on Earth are you on about? Etheridge comes out for more balls than Smithies does and is far faster on his feet. That doesn’t mean he’s world class it just means he’s faster

Etheridge is a flapper
Cant remember the last time he came out and actually caught a ball rather than punch it.
Smithies seems very quick to me and has not put a foot wrong since hes taken the #1 position.
Etheridge will struggle to get his place back and rightly so if Smithies keeps up the solid displays

Ha ha I don't know what game you are watching but Etheridge will take his place back as soon as he's fit, I think Warnock knows a bit more than you

Warnock has proven over the years that if you play well you keep your place. It's always been his style of management as proven here at Cardiff. It doesn't matter how much they paid for someone , you fight for a first team spot and Smithies at the moment deserves his

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

No, but they will have more confidence that Etheridge will come for crosses quicker and may act as a sweeper for balls in between them and him!

Smithies is OK, but Etheridge is better, why would anyone want to weaken the team through choice?

I really want to know what Neil Etheridge you watch because he sounds like he should be at Real Madrid not Cardiff.

What on Earth are you on about? Etheridge comes out for more balls than Smithies does and is far faster on his feet. That doesn’t mean he’s world class it just means he’s faster

Etheridge is a flapper
Cant remember the last time he came out and actually caught a ball rather than punch it.
Smithies seems very quick to me and has not put a foot wrong since hes taken the #1 position.
Etheridge will struggle to get his place back and rightly so if Smithies keeps up the solid displays

Ha ha I don't know what game you are watching but Etheridge will take his place back as soon as he's fit, I think Warnock knows a bit more than you

Warnock has proven over the years that if you play well you keep your place. It's always been his style of management as proven here at Cardiff. It doesn't matter how much they paid for someone , you fight for a first team spot and Smithies at the moment deserves his

He does, unless a better player becomes available, when Etheridge is fit he comes back in you'll see!

I like Smithies he's a decent player, but Etheridge is probably the best keeper in the Championship.

I still stick by that we should have had smithies as number 1 and tried to get 7-10m for Etheridge if possible to invest in midfield.

Totally disagree, we've looked dodgy at the back without the confidence that Etheridge provides the defenders!

I don't think Etheridge playing will make Flint or Morrison any faster.

No, but they will have more confidence that Etheridge will come for crosses quicker and may act as a sweeper for balls in between them and him!

Smithies is OK, but Etheridge is better, why would anyone want to weaken the team through choice?

I really want to know what Neil Etheridge you watch because he sounds like he should be at Real Madrid not Cardiff.

What on Earth are you on about? Etheridge comes out for more balls than Smithies does and is far faster on his feet. That doesn’t mean he’s world class it just means he’s faster

Etheridge is a flapper
Cant remember the last time he came out and actually caught a ball rather than punch it.
Smithies seems very quick to me and has not put a foot wrong since hes taken the #1 position.
Etheridge will struggle to get his place back and rightly so if Smithies keeps up the solid displays

Ha ha I don't know what game you are watching but Etheridge will take his place back as soon as he's fit, I think Warnock knows a bit more than you

Warnock has proven over the years that if you play well you keep your place. It's always been his style of management as proven here at Cardiff. It doesn't matter how much they paid for someone , you fight for a first team spot and Smithies at the moment deserves his

He does, unless a better player becomes available, when Etheridge is fit he comes back in you'll see!

I like Smithies he's a decent player, but Etheridge is probably the best keeper in the Championship.

So a guy who sat on the bench for the first 8 years of his career before hitting the heights of league 1 with Walsall is all of a sudden the best keeper in the championship ?
Hes not even the best keeper at the club !

I think Scott Carson, Thomas kuszach , Jack Butland , Pascal pantillimon , kieron Westwood, David Bentley and Kiko Cassilla would also disagree with you.