Notes for the New Season - Part Six: Cardiff City, Bristol City and Reading
Friday, 31st Jul 2015 12:42 by HarryFromBath

In the sixth of a series of pre-season reports, HarryfromBath assesses the mood around the Championship clubs by delving into their forums. In today’s report, we take a trip along the M4 to look at how things are coming together at Cardiff City, newly-promoted Bristol City and Reading.

Cardiff City - Hoping Slade Proves Us Wrong

“We had the players last year to mount a promotion challenge. Sadly Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under prepared them, destroyed morale and left them unfit. Russell Slade has done a lot better and with the emphasis on fitness in a proper pre-season, I think we now see an improved side.”

“I think we should put last season down to a bad one and wipe the slate clean.” After a drab end to a campaign which saw the Bluebirds finish mid-table, fans are upbeat after recording a 2-1 friendly win over now-promoted Watford on Tuesday in what many felt was a bright display.

“The players look more confident and are playing together as a team”, “We signed lots of quality last year. It didn’t get us anywhere. It’s all about unity, team spirit, fitness and using what we have got now”, “We have too many average players and not enough quality to mount a serious challenge.”

“Maybe the next couple of seasons should be about consolidation, setting our sights on longer term goals, keeping within our income stream and improving year-on-year. Next time we get promoted we might just be ready to stay there”, “Spot on about building a strong squad for the longer term.”

Russell Slade

“I will give Slade my full backing for the start of the season. He always blamed the fitness of the players last season, so now he has had a full pre-season with the squad he has no excuses now”, “His team is coming together. Fans calling him clueless - give him a chance because he’s getting it right.”

“I hope he proves me wrong and does well.” This comment highlights the ambivalence Bluebirds feel towards their manager. They are highly impressed by the way pre-season work has taken shape but still carry memories of “the terrible football to watch” which they witnessed last season.”

“Forget ‘Slade out’ - it’s pointless”, “We need to keep faith with Slade and give him a chance, Judge after the first six or seven games. If after that we are looking poor and have not collected many points then fair enough, but we shouldn’t get on his back the minute we lose a match.”

Transfer Dealings

“So far I’m unimpressed at the lack of signings. This current squad won’t challenge for a top two finish and won’t be in the top six either”, “Yeah, balls to the FFP rules. Let’s bring in another clutch of overpaid players and keep the deadwood we have in the squad”, “It worked well last season.”

“We are supporters who have very divided opinions.” Some Bluebirds believe that there is sufficient quality in their squad to catapult them back up to the top flight with three or four high-profile signings but most prefer longer term squad building.

Six players have left the club this summer and two more are free to depart if the right club appears. Defenders Kevin McNaughton, Danny Gabbidon and striker Nicky Maynard are still unattached while defender Kevin Theophile-Catherine has joined St Etienne and Josh Yorwerth is now playing for us.

Uruguay U20 defender Maximiliano Amondarain has had his contract terminated. Strikers Javi Guerra and Adam Le Fondre both played in a Cardiff City XI which drew at Cheltenham Town on Wednesday but the club has intimated that it will not stand in the way of their departures.

Two young centre-backs have arrived, 21-year-old Semi Ajayi from Arsenal (who featured on loan with the Bluebirds last season having been briefly on trial at Town) and 19-year-old Jordan Blaise from Bordeaux. Winger Sami Ameobi is the highest profile arrival, the 23-year-old arriving from Newcastle on a season long loan.

Sammy Ameobi

“Can Ameobi play up front? If so, I wouldn’t mind seeing him start the season there as he adds something different to any of the other forwards we have - pace”, “Last season we were so one-dimensional and didn’t have anyone to stretch the pitch and force defenders to drop deeper.”

Many Bluebirds see “Malky’s midfield” reappearing this coming season, not using natural wingers but playing strikers in and using Ameobi’s pace. Others are less convinced that the former England U21 player is a natural striker and would prefer to see him operating out wide.

“Ameobi and Mason could be a brilliant pairing up front as they give us so much movement and pressing”, “I’m not so sure. He struggled with his back to goal when played as a striker and his control let him down. He looks a massive threat with the ball at his feet running at the defence.”

Joe Mason

“Joe Mason - wow, he’s on form. Look out”, “His movement and positioning are top class as is his finishing but he is not quick. I have seen milk curdle faster than him”, “He has an eye for goal and a finisher’s instinct. He has the knack of finding space between defensive and midfield lines.”

The 24-year-old earned rave reviews from Bluebirds for his two-goal performance against Watford. “Mason is a strange player, a very good finisher with little pace or strength. If Slade wants to play him as one of our main men, the midfield will have to supply to his feet.”

Daryl Murphy

“We are following the path set out by Ipswich so might as well steal their best.” Many Bluebirds were perplexed when our leading scorer was identified as their ‘number one target’ last month. “Number one target? Jesus, hardly inspiring, is it?”

Mings congratulates Murphy after he scores against Cardiff

“He got 27 goals in a team whose tactics were more direct than ours. I severely doubt that signing him would mean we are in for seeing beautiful football next season”, “If we want an Irish striker from Ipswich, we should target McGoldrick - cheaper, younger and a better prospect when fit.”

There was some interesting discussion about our two play-off games. “I thought Ipswich were the better side over the two legs but Norwich had individuals of a quality that Ipswich couldn’t match”, “Norwich always looked like they were seconds away from a calamity at the back.”

Bristol City - A Waiting Game

“We have just done a double. Our stadium is getting a £40 million makeover. We have just bought a £2 million striker and have a billionaire owner that doesn’t mind spending. We are in a great situation, the best I have known since watching City in the mid-eighties”, “There is so much to be positive about.”

“Let’s face it. It has been a pretty uneventful pre-season.” Robins are overjoyed with the progress they have witnessed at the club both on and off the field last season, but there is a steadily creeping anxiety at the lack of additions to their small squad in this transfer window.

Most are hopeful of a mid-table finish. “I would be more than happy with a mid-table finish in our first season back. I don’t think we will be relegation candidates but don’t think we have enough to push into the top six”, “A year of mid-table mediocrity then push on when the stadium is finished.”

“I’m not saying we should be panicking but it’s fair to say we need a better quality of depth”, “We have an owner, manager and team that work well together. Let them get on with it. We were never going to have a massive squad anyway”, “Not negativity, just a slight concern that the squad is thin.”

Steve Cotterill

“Some managers and clubs fit together. Well, that is what we have here at the moment”, “Steve’s performance here has been virtually flawless. My instinct is that he is committed to the club and is building something”, “His influence has been fundamental to City’s dramatic revival.”

There was some anxiety when his odds were reduced for the vacant Leicester manager’s role this summer. “Keeping him is intrinsic to our fortunes going forward”, “Most of the playing and backroom staff and the entertaining style of football are of his choice and in his image.”

“The club is on a high not seen in many years and under his management there is optimism that the club will not just stabilise in the Championship but ultimately exit in an upward direction. If he goes the club could destabilise. We could be back to square one and League One in double quick time.”

Transfer Dealings

“As far as the squad is concerned, we have bought one player and lost four, seven if you include our loan signings. I don’t care how big a club you are, seven players who all featured from a small squad is a lot to lose, especially in a much more competitive and unforgiving league.”

“I’m sure we could do well in our first five to 10 games but I’m not so confident about when we have a few starters missing or fatigues as fixtures are clustered together. It’s not negative to look at our situation this way. It’s realistic”, “A couple of injuries or suspensions and we will be in trouble.”

The four players who departed this summer are Wade Elliott (retired), defender Greg Cunningham (to Preston this week), 21-year-old goalkeeper Dave Richards (to Crewe) and former Blues striker or attacking midfielder Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who joined QPR on a three-year contract.

The three loan players who have returned to their parent clubs were right-back James Tavernier (to Wigan), midfielder George Saville (to Wolves) and striker Matt Smith (to Fulham).

Several players have had contracts extended and 17-year-old defender Levi Ives has joined the U21 squad from Torquay. The one major first-team squad arrival has been 25-year-old striker Jonathan Kodjia from French club Angers SCO, whom he helped secure promotion to Ligue 1 last season.

Jonathan Kodjia

“King of the dink, by the look of things”, “He looks pretty quick, and needs the ball played through rather than to feet. He is a nice finisher”, “He looks like he has good movement and a clinical right foot not to mention a hell of a lot of confidence to chip bloody everybody.”

“The general consensus from the comments under the L’Equipe story is that he’s far too good for us.” One visiting SCO Angers supporter visiting the Robins’ message board offered some additional first-hand insights on last season’s Ligue 2 Player of the Year:

“Kodjia is a real leader. He was the best player in the team, a fantastic finisher and he’s well known in the dressing room as the one creating a good atmosphere. He can get silly yellow and red cards and can forget his partners, preferring to dribble rather than passing the ball at times.”

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

“QPR fans are reacting like they have signed Messi. I’d like to see their reactions in two months”, “It was interesting that they signed him on the day they got rid of Adel Taarabt”, “He will excite and infuriate in equal measure at QPR”, “He never quite overcame the lack of consistency problem.”

“I’m gutted. He was the most naturally talented footballer I have seen at City and probably ever will”, “Like many City fans I was truly amazed by some of his skills but at the same time frustrated at his apparent lack of effort around the pitch”, “It was like playing with 10 men a lot of the time.”

“As much as he had spells of brilliance for us, he had a hell of a lot more being a passenger”, “When he wanted, he could accelerate and leave defenders standing, but there were long periods when he operated at walking pace”, “He has just started the run-up for the penalty he will score against us.”

Brett Pitman

“For those doubters of Pitman, be afraid, be very afraid when he plays against City”, “Brett is one of the best finishers I have seen play for us in over 20 years supporting City”, “He is superb at finding space in the box, is a genuine footballer and is as natural a goalscorer as you are likely to see.”

Although one commented that he has the pace of “an asthmatic slug”, Robins were quick to praise their former striker and wish him well at Ipswich. “McCarthy must know enough about Brett not to be concerned about his languid movement. It is deceptive and frequently lures the opposition.”

“Pitman’s problem when he was with us as the fact that the management at the time was shocking. He wasn’t fit enough a lot of the time and I blame that on who was in charge”, “A good player and will do well at Ipswich”, “Good luck to him. I have no doubt at all that he will be a success there.”

Reading - A Summer Rebuild

“It looks like Steve Clarke is starting to build the squad he wants”, “He has identified the weaknesses in the team and strengthened them tenfold”, “A most exciting pre-season. My anticipation to watch a game is the highest it has been in a long time”, “I wonder how it’s all going to come together.”

Just as with Russell Slade at Cardiff, Royals’ manager Steve Clarke has had his first summer transfer window and pre-season to rebuild and shape his squad. This has seen a raft of departures coupled with the arrival of pragmatic signings who fans believe will bring shape and identity to the team.

“We have made some very good solid signings. Nothing ‘box office’, but then we have never done well with ‘box office’”, “Every signing has strengthened the squad”, “It is looking much better than a few weeks ago when I was worried we’d be nailed on for the drop.”

Steve Clarke

“We haven’t finished. We’re still looking. I’m still looking at having at least three come in.” This comment from Clarke last week buoyed Royals’ hopes for the coming season greatly. “At least three? Are we genuinely going for promotion?” “More and more I think he is going to be a good fit for us.”

One minor criticism is an affectionate wish for Clarke to sharpen up his image. “All the good vibes about the new players, all the positive ambition from the club are brilliant. But - is there anyone out there who agrees with me that Steve Clarke looks a complete tramp in all the pre-season photos?”

“Jose Mourinho often looks like he has spent a night on the tiles”, “To be fair Mourinho looks like he's spent it somewhere pretty swanky whereas Clarke looks like he's spent the night cuddling a Buckfast on a park bench”, “At least he's not got the Roy Keane beard look going on.”

Transfer Dealings

“The Hull lads and the new goalies look solid enough to protect us from a relegation battle.” In a poll on the busiest message board, 80% of Royals said that the summer’s transfer activity “exceeded expectations”.

Eight first-team squad players have left the club this summer. Goalkeepers Adam Federici (to Bournemouth) and Mikkel Andersen (to Midtjylland), defender Alex Pearce (to Derby) and holding midfielder Jem Jaracan (to Galatasaray) have all found new teams.

Defenders Zat Knight and Stephen Kelly, midfielder Danny Guthrie (on loan at Fulham at the end of last season) and striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni are unattached. Incoming loanees Jamie Mackie (at Forest last season, but now with QPR) and Nathaniel Chalobah (at Chelsea) returned to their parent clubs.

A number of youth players were awarded contracts or extensions, including defender Niall Keown (son of Martin Keown, who played for the Royals at the end of his career), winger Tariq Fosu, left-back Jordan Obita and centre-back Michael Hector.

The five first-team squad arrivals so far are keepers Ali Al-Habsi (from Wigan) and Jonathan Bond (from Watford), defender Paul McShane and midfielder Stephen Quinn (both from Hull) and Portuguese striker Orlando Sa (from Legia Warsaw).

One position is still causing worry. “Left-back is a concern. I think we should bring someone in who can play in that position as a specialist. With right-back Stephen Kelly going, we have lost that flexibility we have and might also have a problem at right-back. How good are the youngsters?”

Two New Goalkeepers

“Any mistake Federici can make, Al Habsi can match. We will still get our fill of comedy keeping”, “Dear God no - he’s awful and error prone.” The arrival of the 33-year Oman international has divided opinion. “He does stop the ball but doesn’t actually get hold of it. Defenders - stay alert.”

“Al Habsi is easily good enough as a goalkeeper. He is widely seen as a good influence and a hard worker”, “Signing a keeper with years of Premier League experience. I can’t see how anyone can expect anything more”, “Not the keeper he was a few years ago but still good enough.”

“Watford fans are not happy Jonathan Bond has gone.” The 22-year-old is “a very cheap Alex McCarthy, a very talented shot-stopper and he is tall so can win the aerial battles. He sometimes flaps, can lack control of his box and his distribution can be erratic, but he has bags of potential.”

Paul McShane and Stephen Quinn

“Paul McShane is pretty much what we need in terms of age and style of play”, “A great bit of business”, “He’s a warrior and exactly the kind of leader that we should be looking for”, “I would say ‘no’ if we were making a title challenge, however he is realistic for us in our current state.”

“Not really enthused.” Some are lukewarm about the 29-year-old. “Colour me unimpressed. This is a step backwards. McShane has not held down a regular place for years and is prone to silly mistakes. Hopefully he has a late career renaissance but I don’t see where the optimism is coming from.”

“Stephen Quinn is a very clever, technical midfield player, the kind we have been missing for years.” The 29-year-old “is a typical Clarke signing. He won’t have much technical ability but will always give 110%”, “He has the same work-rate as Jem Karacan but with more of an end product.”

“He is a cracking little player - think of a talented Jay Tabb”, “Like Tabb he would be more effective playing in a central role. He’s an excellent passer and has the guile and creativity we need. It would be a shame to waste Quinn on the left but he could definitely do a job out there.”

“The Tabb comparison is spot on. I remember Tabb looking really cultured when we first signed him and that gradually faded. I blame Brian McDermott”, “Quinn has a knack of winning balls that easily look to be the oppositions’”, “He will bring flair and trickery. God knows we missed that last season.”

Orlando Sa

“Hardly a prolific scorer but better than what we have got”, “He sounds like a good finisher, a poor man’s Gonzalo Higuain perhaps, but I worry that as usual we wouldn’t create anything for him”, “He looks like one of those untidy strikers with natural talent for scoring, style and skill be damned.”

Royals have had little to go on when assessing the 27-year-old who had an injury-blighted spell at Fulham in the 2011/12 season. He seems to play off the shoulder of the last defender and knows where to be on the box which we absolutely lack at the moment.”

Comparisons have been made with Palace striker Glenn Murray, who played with Reading for the first half of last season. “Sa looks like a Johnny-on-the-spot player who can get on the end of balls in the box. Clarke said this was an issue and we lost it from the squad once Murray returned to Palace.”

Message Boards

The busiest Cardiff City board is the Cardiff City Forum. The most active Bristol City site is the Bristol City Fans’ Forum and Reading’s busiest message board is the polite and knowledgeable Hob Nob Anyone?.