Ipswich Town V Cardiff City 
Tuesday 14th April 2015 – 19:45
Portman Road
Opening Thought – Jamma
Whoever came up with the dubious expression 'It's the taking part that counts' was obviously never involved in a Championship promotion race! We have reached that part of the season where picking up points is the only thing that matters, with performance levels taking a back seat. Bournemouth showed the way against Brighton on Friday night, scoring with their only two efforts on goal in an otherwise uninspiring display. It was the Blues' turn on Saturday, as we prevailed against an industrious Blackpool to reclaim our place in the top 6. Having overturned an early deficit thanks to a quick-fire double from Freddie Sears, Town looked more than capable of adding to the scoreline, notably with a number of further opportunities for the impressive Sears. If Supporters' Player of the Season Daryl Murphy had fired his early second-half chance into the net, we could have gone on to score five or six, boosting our goal difference with respect to our closest rivals. But, after our worryingly recurring defensive frailties surfaced once again, Christophe Berra’s late header sealed what could yet prove to be a vital extra couple of points towards our play-off challenge...
It was noticeable how our style of play fluctuated as Saturday's game progressed. We didn't get off to as fast a start as previously at Portman Road, perhaps wary of the added pressure on us to get the win, and duly conceded within the first few minutes. Our reaction to this early setback – from both players and supporters – was pleasing to see, as we didn't panic but patiently worked our way back into the match. We then seemed to grow in confidence, enjoying long spells of possession which should have translated into further goals. However, the longer we went without capitalising on our dominance, the more likely it looked that we would rue our missed opportunities. After being pegged back by another sloppy goal, the frustration started to mount, resulting in a more and more direct approach. It was ironic, then, that the winner should come from a combination of a long ball forward from Tommy Smith and an individual piece of brilliance by Murphy, whose cross was clinically converted by Berra. Once again, we demonstrated our ability to vary our game according to the demands of the situation, and, for the third time in five matches, to come up with a late winner. We came into this week saying that we realistically required two home wins out of two. If we can follow through on Tuesday night, we will find ourselves in the enviable position of holding an advantage over Wolves heading into the crunch fixture at Molineux. Plenty of incentive, then, as we welcome another club with 'nothing to play for' to Portman Road...
The Opposition – Cardiff City FC
Riverside A.F.C. was formed in 1899 as a way of keeping players from the Riverside Cricket Club together and in shape during the winter months. In 1905 Cardiff was granted city status by King Edward VII, and as a result the club put in a request to change their name to Cardiff City, but the request was turned down as they were deemed to be not playing at a high enough level. To combat this they arranged to join the South Wales Amateur League in 1907 and the following year they were granted permission to change the name of the club to Cardiff City.
Over the next two years Cardiff welcomed many of Britain's top sides to Cardiff, including Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Crystal Palace, with the matches being played at various grounds in Cardiff and nearby towns. The club would eventually move into their new ground, Ninian Park, in 1910.
With the new ground in place, Cardiff joined the Southern League Second Divison, their first match was a 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa. They stayed in the division for the next decade, apart from when the league was suspended due to the outbreak of World War I.
The club's most successful period so far was the 1920s in which they finished runners-up in the old Football League First Division ,followed by two FA Cup Finals in 1925 and 1927 against Arsenal. The Final against Arsenal saw Cardiff become the only team to have taken the FA Cup out of England with a 1–0 victory over Arsenal. The final was also notable as it was the first to be broadcast to the nation by BBC Radio.
On 30 August 1920, Cardiff City played their first Football League match at Ninian Park.
This early Cardiff City team showed more than enough class to match others in the League, and they were promoted to the top flight of English Football at the first attempt.
1923–24 has proved to be the best ever in the league for Cardiff City. After a dramatic season in which they and Huddersfield Town tussled for the Championship title, Cardiff would have to settle for 2nd spot on goal average.
The following season was the first time Cardiff City appeared at Wembley Stadium in an FA Cup final versus Sheffield United which they lost 1-0 and as mentioned above, in 1927 they won the FA Cup final against Arsenal.
That FA Cup Final win was not the end of their cup exploits this season; they also won the Welsh Cup defeating Rhyl by a scoreline of 2–0, and would go on to win the FA Charity Shield after beating the Corinthians 2–1 at Stamford Bridge.
In the 1928–29 season, Cardiff City were relegated from the First Division of the Football League. However, this was only a sign of things to come for the Bluebirds, and after two seasons in the Second Division, they were once again relegated in 1931 into Division 3 South, and in 1934 they had to re-apply for staying in the Football League after finishing last.
They crowned as champions of Division 3 South and returned to Second Division in 1946–47 season. Finally they finished second level as runner-ups and returned to top level after 23 years in 1951–52 season.
During the 1960s Cardiff began qualifying for European competition for the first time through the Welsh Cup.Two years later the club would go on to reach the semi-final of the Cup Winners Cup, the furthest any non top division club has ever gone in European competition.
The club remained old Second Division except seasons of 1975–76 and 1982–83.
Between 1985 and 1993, Cardiff were continuously in the lower two divisions of the league after being relegated to the Third Division. They were relegated to the Fourth Division once in 1985–86 season and were promoted to the Third Division in 1987–88 as runner-ups. Two years later they dropped into the Fourth Division for the second time. Cardiff won the new Division Three championship in 1993 but were relegated two years later, and in 1996 finished in their lowest-ever league position – 22nd of 24 in Division Three They finished third in Division Three in 1999 and won automatic promotion to Division Two.
Having sold his interests in Wimbledon, Sam Hammam purchased control of Cardiff City in August 2000. Shortly after taking over at Cardiff, the club crest was redesigned. This new design incorporated the Cardiff City bluebird in front of the Flag of Saint David; and featured the Club's nickname superimposed at the top of the crest. Lennie Lawrence guided Cardiff to promotion via a Division Two playoff triumph in 2003.
The Bluebirds established themselves in Division One during 2003–04 season, finishing in 13th position. They struggled to a 16th position finish at the end of the 2004–05 campaign and ended the 2005–06 season with an 11th position finish.
After failing to get the new stadium plans agreed by Cardiff Council due to concerns over financial security in 2006, Hammam agreed to a takeover by a consortium led by new chairman Peter Ridsdale but the club remained 40 million pound in debt.
Datuk Chan Tien Ghee (TG) took over as chairman on 27 May 2010 after a meeting on the same day. Vincent Tan also investing and joining the board.
Cardiff changed their home colours to red and black as well as their badge from the 2012–13 season, in exchange for an investment plan from the Malaysian owners including a new training facility, stadium expansion and a transfer budget. Cardiff topped the Championship and with it gained promotion to the Premier League for the first time, but were relegated after only one season with 30 points from 38 matches.
One To Watch – Sean Morrison
Looking through Cardiff’s star-studded squad, which still contains a number of the players who featured in the Premier League, it’s a wonder they haven’t hit the heights this time around. The Bluebirds have also made some impressive signings on their return to the second tier, not least Sean Morrison.
The 6 foot 4 centre-back moved from Reading the day before Town’s trip to the Madejski back in August, and has gone on to become an important member of Cardiff’s backline. He has been a virtual ever-present, making 37 appearances and chipping in with 6 goals. Starting out with local side Plymouth, Morrison made his Football League debut for Swindon in 2007/08. Having struggled to establish himself at the County Ground, he took in brief spells with Southend, Huddersfield and Sheffield United before heading up the M4 to the Robins’ local rivals Reading. He made his breakthrough in the Royals’ 2012/13 Premier League campaign, also captaining the club on their return to the Championship. Despite signing a new three-and-a-half-year contract in December 2013, the in-demand defender took the opportunity to join the Bluebirds on their respective relegation following a year in the top flight. Morrison has gone on to enjoy his most successful season on a personal level, even if the rewards haven’t followed for the team.
The Gaffer – Russell Slade
Slade started out as a PE teacher at Frank Wheldon School after studying Sport at University. Having had an extended career at reserve team level, Slade entered professional sports coaching with Notts County in 1993.
Slade was assistant manager to Mick Walker at Notts County, and took over as caretaker manager when Walker was sacked in September 1994. When County appointed Howard Kendall as manager in January 1995, Slade stayed on as his assistant.
Slade was then appointed manager of Midland Alliance side Armitage, then moving on to Southern Football League side Leicester United before having two separate spells as caretaker manager at Sheffield United.
Slade's first permanent managerial post was at Football Conference side Scarborough. When he arrived in November 2001 the club were adrift at the bottom of the Conference and looking doomed. However a remarkable run of 39 points from the final 19 games of the season meant Scarborough finished 12th. In January 2003, two days after the club went into administration, Slade tendered his resignation. The fans presented a tearful Slade with a petition at the next game and on the Monday morning he changed his mind.
The following season saw mixed league performances, but a tremendous FA Cup run which saw victories over Hinckley United, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, and finally Southend United following a replay, meant a glamorous home tie in front of Premier League Chelsea. Despite losing 1–0 Slade's side had put up a tremendous battle.
At the end of the 2003–04 season, Grimsby Town decided not to renew the contract of manager Nicky Law following relegation into League Two. Slade was appointed as their new manager. A midtable finish ensued in the 2004–05 season but Grimsby spent most of the 2005–06 season in an automatic promotion spot in League Two, also managing to topple both Derby County and Tottenham Hotspur in the Football League Cup. Town eventually finished the season in 4th place were unable to secure promotion, Grimsby in the final against Cheltenham Town.
Slade's success with Grimsby had attracted League One side Yeovil Town, and Slade was appointed as the Somerset club's new manager. Slade led Yeovil to a surprise 5th place finish play-off finish in the league. Slade's successful first season at Yeovil saw him win the League One manager of the year award. Slade left his post at Yeovil on 16 February 2009, despite having won four consecutive matches immediately prior to this as Slade had become frustrated with the club's lack of ambition.
On 6 March 2009, Slade was appointed manager of struggling Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the season, and succeeded in ensuring they avoided relegation from League One.
Slade was appointed manager of Leyton Orient on 5 April 2010, six matches before the end of their season and with The club was in danger of being relegated from League One, but Slade managed to win the club 10 points from their last six matches, enough for Orient to avoid relegation by a single point.
The following season he guided Orient to seventh place, one point outside the play-off places, as well as a fifth round replay at Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Slade was unable to build on previous season's promise during the 2011–12 season and the club finished in 20th, but the next season he was able to guide Orient to another 7th-place finish.
The 2013-14 season was Slade's most successful as he led the club to the Play-Off Final where they were runners up after a penalty shoot out. It was a record-breaking season though as Orient recorded their best ever start to a season and highest ever points tally. Slade twice won the Manager of the Month award and was named as the League 1 Manager of the Year.
However, after the takeover of Francesco Becchetti during the summer of 2014, Slade's Orient side started poorly, failing to win any of their first 3 home games. Slade was given an ultimatum by Becchetti that he had one game or its ‘curtains’.
Just days after being issued the ultimatum, Cardiff parted company with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Slade became the favourite. After four attempts to bring Slade to Cardiff, he tendered his resignation at Orient, on Wednesday 24th September.
Past Match - Video Highlights - Trev
Trev's Trivia
Players to play for both teams
Micheal Chopra ITFC 2011–2013 CCFC 2009–2011
Neil Alexander ITFC 2007–2008 CCFC 2001–2007
Mark Kennedy ITFC 2010–2012 CCFC 2008–2010
Andy Legg ITFC LOAN 1997 CCFC 1998–2003
Media Watch - K L Blue
K L Blue found this outstanding article from the 'TransferTavern'
2014 – 0 appearances for Ipswich Town.. 2015 – Dating Taylor Swift
A year is a long time in football they say – and in life of course.
Never has that phrase applied more than to former Ipswich flop Sean St Ledger.
The former Republic of Ireland international spent last season at Portman Road, where he didn’t manage a single appearance.
Fast-forward to 2015, and the 30-year-old is playing alongside AC Milan and Brazil hero Kaka in the MLS for Orlando Pirates.
And even better than that, rumours suggest the former Preston and Leicester City defender is now dating none other than pop superstar Taylor Swift.
If you had told him he would be playing alongside Kaka before going home to Taylor Swift in 12 months whilst he was sat on the bench in freezing cold Suffolk last season, no doubt St Ledger would have told you where to go.
Anything can happen – there is hope for all of us!
Stat Time
Head to Head
Ipswich Town Wins................18.....43.90%
Cardiff City Wins...................11.....26.83%
Draws................................12.....29.27%
Ipswich Town Goals...............65.....1.59 Ave per Game
Cardiff City Goals.................45.....1.10 Ave Per Game
Head to Head at Ipswich
Ipswich Town Wins................10.....50.00%
Cardiff City Wins....................4.....20.00%
Draws.................................6.....30.00%
Ipswich Town Goals................34....1.70 Ave Per Game
Cardiff City Goals..................20....1.00 Ave Per Game
The Predicted Teams
Ipswich Town
33 Bialkowski
04 Chambers
05 Smith
06 Berra
03 Mings
15 Varney
08 Skuse
27 Bishop
18 Tabb
09 Murphy
20 Sears
Cardiff City
01 Marshall
02 Peltier
05 Ecuele Manga
36 Morrison
04 Malone
11 Noone
07 Whittingham
17 Gunnarsson
21 Ralls
15 McAleny
24 Mason
Match Referee - Gavin Ward
Final Thought - Frosty
Nice to get the 3 points off Blackpool, although in true Town style we also chose to give our fans their money’s worth as we left it late in the peace to find the winning goal and leave Portman Road with maximum points.
It’s probably a safe assumption to make that being 8 points off the second auto promotion slot that the remainder of the season is now a battle for one of 4 playoff spots being contested by 6 teams.
For this (yet another must win fixture in my books) we have the ‘Bluebirds’ making a flying visit to us for our second home game in 3 days. We have had Cardiff’s number a bit over previous seasons, beating them on a regular basis, however in October they trounced us 3-1 so I am not quite as cocky as I would have been previously.
Cardiff have been a real mixed bag this season as their 14 win/13 draws/15 losses record shows after 42 matches played and it probably comes as no surprise to anyone on here that they are in 12th place on the Championship table …. The ultimate mid table position!
Recent form has seen them beat Leeds in the weekend(with no supporters in attendance due to a boycott of Elland Road), a nasty loss to Bolton, a draw with Reading, before starting the cycle all over again with a win over Birmingham and preceding that, a draw with Bournemouth.
In other fixtures Derby should beat Blackpool, I don’t think Leeds will trouble the Budgies, Bournemouth should have too much to play for against Reading and also, I think Watford will be too good for Forest.
The key fixtures from our point of view are Middlesbrough at home to Wolves and Sheffield Wednesdays hosting of Brentford. As Town supporters, not only is securing the 3 points a primary objective for us at Portman Road, but equally we must have Boro and the Owls as our second most favourite teams on Tuesday night.
For those of you attending Mecca on Tuesday night ….. cheer really really loudly!
COYB!
IPSWICH TOWN 2 CARDIFF CITY 1
..trying to find any streaming site , or hopefully rapier will be on TWTD tonight..although he might well be at the game...2-1 to town..and happy for hoofball these last 4 games..results count now...nothing else.!!
(sorry Goldie)