Despite attending the Cardiff City Legends match a few weeks ago and the club also playing a friendly against non league Chasetown, last night’s match against Celtic was deemed the “official” opening of the new Cardiff City Stadium. A crowd of 15,000 turned up to watch the Bluebirds in their new home and while the support was fantastic, the football on offer was not. It was typical pre-season fare with neither side offering a great deal and the match finished 0-0.
It was the first time I had seen our new signings in action. Central defender Anthony “Steven’s Cousin” Gerrard looks set to continue where the departed Roger Johnson left while ex-Motherwell full back Paul Quinn looks solid enough. Former Celtic goalkeeper David Marshall could turn out to be an excellent piece of business and he pulled off some good saves in their first half as the Scottish side dominated.
Central midfield still appears to be a major problem. Neither Joe Ledley nor Stephen McPhail played particularly well and unless at least one new signing is made, it will be another season of frustration in the middle of the pitch. Chris Burke did well down the wing after coming on as a second half substitute while both Paul Parry and Peter Whittingham showed more interest in the game than they have done in a long time.
Striker Jay Bothroyd was awarded the sponsor’s Man of the Match and at times he looked lively. He can be a real force in the Championship when he’s in the mood and is going to be a key to the team’s success this season.
It’s Valencia next at the new stadium on Saturday 1 August, though what side they will put out remains to be seen!
Hi David, just popped in to check out your Blog, and – good job man !! I can see you’re well organised, I just wish that I can soon get my blog up to this standard.
Best regards
Mike Franklin.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for dropping by.
I may APPEAR to be organised but there is plenty of room for improvement.
I have just grabbed your RSS feed so I will take a good look at your blog tomorrow.
David
David you wonderful man you,
how are ya??
I wanted to talk with you today to catch up,fancy a game of 5 a side?
Just getting your ebook I shall read it when I get a chance well busy my friend just answering emails and stuff not being very productive
speak soon mate
marcus
Hi Dave,
0-0, these pre season games are never that great a football spectacle, but always good to go and watch to get you in the mood for the up-coming season. I went to see Liverpool play the Thai national team on Wednesday, it finished 1-1 and the quality of football wasn’t great but the 70,000 crowd made the atmosphere worth being there.
Just hope Liverpool play a bit better when the season starts!
Cheers,
Paul
Hi Paul,
Wow, I bet that was an awesome experience watching the match with a 70,000 capacity crowd!
Plenty of Chang beer drunk before, during and after aswell I expect…
David
Might be better to switch your focus to watching the Cardiif Blues instead when they play at this stadium, a much better version of the ball game LOL! – Dai Young has done a very good job coaching them the last couple of years.
Hi Peter,
The Blues? Get real… they are only tenants in our wonderful CARDIFF CITY STADIUM.
Long may the Bluebirds reign supreme as the best loved, best supported and most successful team in our wonderful capital city.
Blooooobirds!
David
Hey David,
A Cardiff Fan
I am a Celtic Man myself ……
Some of my staff went down for the game – had a great time !
Hear Ross McCormack is going to Hull ?
Love the Blog !
Speak Soon
Tommy
Hey Tommy,
The Celtic fans in the away end looked they were having a great time during the match even if the action on the field wasn’t that fantastic!
I don’t think McCormack has come across very well in all this. He only signed a new 4-year contract a few weeks ago and now a Premiership club is showing interest, albeit Hull, he is itching to leave.
A typical mercenary and if he does end up staying he is going to have to work hard to win the fans around again.
Keep in touch.
David