Looks Promising.

Well, the first week the season is behind us. How you feel about the week depends on whether you are a glass half full or a glass half empty person! I like to take a positive slant on things, and at least we are unbeaten in 3 games!

Its fair to say that the lack of new signings in the summer caused a little concern. The only major signing being Sammy Ameobi on loan from Newcastle United. But the advantage of this is coherent team work amongst a group of players who clearly know each other very well. There were certainly one or two issues this week, but in general it was an improved and encouraging start to the season.

Due to injuries, we were left with the 2 centre backs Sean Morrison (also made club captain) and Matt Connoly. This is unlikely to be a regular pairing, and undoubtedly Bruno Ecuele Manga will replace Connoly when he returns from injury (by this weekend probably). But they are a competent pairing and have performed well together. Simon Moore has been playing in goal for the League games while David Marshall is suspended, and young back up Ben Wilson given the chance for the Capital One Cup match against Wimbledon.

Despite these defensive uncertainties, the defence has generally performed in a satisfactory way this week, and left back Scott Malone has probably been player of the week, capped off with a stunning stoppage time equaliser against QPR!

Results this week:-

CARDIFF 1 FULHAM 1

CARDIFF 1 AFC WIMBLEDON 0 (Capital One Cup)

QPR 2 CARDIFF 2

Cardiff 1 Fulham 1

An encouraging start to the season. Plenty of chances created, but sometimes lacking a cutting edge in front of goal. The Bluebirds dominated possession for much of the first half, but then went behind early in the second half following a handling error by keeper Simon Moore. However, the team did not get downhearted and stuck to the game plan. The reward was a stunning goal from substitute Craig Noone in the 86th minute. The goal was nothing more than we deserved. Craig none has already shown more in the 3 games he has been involved in this season than he did all last season. Its good to see.

Craig Noone celebrates his late goal against Fulham.

Cardiff 1 AFC Wimbledon 0

A number of changes to the team, notably a completely new midfield, in order to give some game time to players on the bench from Saturday. These matches are often difficult against lower league opposition, and League 2 Wimbledon caused some problems from time to time . But the game was settled by another classy Craig Noone goal from a free kick on the stroke of half time. On a night when many other Championship clubs struggled against lower league opponents, this was a decent performance from what is probably a half strength side.

Sammy Ameobi on the ball against AFC Wimbledon.

Queens Park Rangers 2 Cardiff 2

The trip to west London was seen as the first major test of the season, against a team relegated from the Premier League last season. This was a further improved performance by the team, but QPR scored against the run of play following bad marking by the Cardiff defence at a corner. Then early in the second half, QPR went 2-0 ahead from a very dubious goal where a clear handball was missed by the officials allowing the predator to score off his chest.

But thankfully, the Bluebirds stuck to their task, and a gaol from a corner by Sean Morrison got us back into the game. Then, as 90 minutes clicked on to the clock, the ball fell to left back Scott Malone who volleyed an excellent equaliser into the top left corner of the goal - the second outstanding late equaliser in the week. Defensive errors apart, this was a very encouraging start to the season. I'm not counting on the playoffs or promotion yet, but there were definite signs of hope.

Next fixture tomorrow Tuesday 18th August away at Blackburn Rovers, then another televised game at home to Wolves on Saturday. Lets hope at least one win comes from those 2 matches.

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

It's that time of year again - the new football season is almost upon us. That heady mix of excitement and hope engulfs football fans throughout the country, convinced that this season is going to be "Our Season".The proper football starts this weekend, even the Premier league this year, starting a week early to allow extra time for the European Championships (C'mon Wales!) in the summer of 2016.

All football fans should be excited this time of the season. After all, all teams are level at the moment - no promotion, playoff or relegation fears yet. So what can we expect from the Bluebirds at the Cardiff city Stadium this year?

The Protheroe boys outside the Cardiff City Stadium earlier this week.

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE?

Well, there haven't been many changes to the playing staff. Many of us feared that some of our best players, notably Bruno Ecuele Manga, David Marshall and Kenwynne Jones would be leaving us. However, this hasn't materialised - yet. It seems like Scotland's number 1 goalkeeper David Marshall is likely to be on his way to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League, although at the time of compiling this blog negotiations are continuing between the 2 clubs to agree a fee. I'll be sorry to see Marshall go, but he owes the club nothing and deserves to be playing at the higher level. Simon Moore is a very able deputy, and if the manager is able to re-invest the money received for Marshall into the team, then it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Bruno Ecuele Manga - staying.

At the moment, only 2 players have come into the club in the summer. Semi Ajeyi, a young centre half from Arsenal, will hopefully establish himself in the future. Also, on a season long loan, we have signed Sammy Ameobi from Newcastle United. Ameobi played in more than 20 Premier League games last year, and could be a good addition to the squad at Championship level. He certainly looked keen and fit at the open training session at the Cardiff City Stadium this week. He is also a lot taller than I realised!

The squad going through their paces at the Cardiff City Stadium this week.

SO WHAT CAN WE EXPECT THIS SEASON?

Well, this is where your heart and your head get into competition with each other. As usual, the Championship looks like it is as open as ever, where even the pre-season favourites have some flaws. There has been a lot of re-investement at Derby in the close season, especially after their implosion at the end of last season which saw them miss out on the playoffs. Although they have spent a lot of money, they also have a new manager, so although favourites for a top 6 place it is by no means a foregone conclusion. The teams coming down from the Premier League often do well, but Hull and Burnley have had to slash costs and have had their best players cherry picked by Premier League clubs. QPR remain in sever financial turmoil and may also have to regroup and rebuild. I think Hull may be the most likely of these 3 to finish in the top 6.

In recent years, it has been quite common for teams to come up from League 1 and immediately get a top 6 place - Bournemouth and Brentford last year. I expect Bristol City and Preston to do well this year too.

Peter Whittingham - can he be more influential again this season?

So - can the Bluebirds make it into the top 6 and the playoffs - or even automatic promotion? Well, to hedge my bets, possibly! As ever, the Championship will be a very even league, but there are no obvious standout teams this year that you would expect to dominate. Manager Russell Slade improved the team towards the end of last season, especially away from home, and now it is truly HIS team, there can be no excuses if there is no further improvement. It is more in hope than expectation, but I believe that we can at least get a playoff place.

PREDICTIONS.

Well, I was almost completely wrong with these last year, but here goes:-

Top 6 (in no particular order) Derby, Hull, Bristol City, Wolves, Middlesborough,Cardiff

Bottom 3 - MK Dons, Rotherham, Reading.

Of course, I could be spectacularly wrong! Either way, I'll be there on Saturday to cheer on the boys in their first home game against Fulham (12 noon kick off this week because of a rugby match in Cardiff!).