There have been numerous changes at Cardiff City since the summer and one of them is playing under new manager Russell Slade. The manager has so far been highly inconsistent with his results.
After managing to back-to-back victories – in the FA Cup and in the Championship, Cardiff lost a narrow encounter against Norwich City away from home. This has increased the displeasure amongst the few supporters who are turning up to see the team. A recent FA Cup match witnessed only a turnaround of just over 4000 spectators compared to almost 30,000 that the club used to attract only last season.
A crucial 1-0 victory over Fulham in the last league match helps Cardiff keep the momentum in the league, but they will need to start winning on a regular basis. Yet another away trip awaits the team during this weekend.
They travel to Middlesbrough to take on a team that is flying high in the Championship. Given that the last of a victory for Cardiff was back in November, not much of an opportunity is given to the bluebirds. Slade, though, has once again pleaded for patience from the supporters, as he believes that he can turn things around. Cardiff still have the glimmer of hope that they can reach the play-offs.
“People are entitled to their opinions about the job I’m doing at the club. But when I came we were 17th and clearly there were problems here. Whether they were to do with the squad’s fitness levels or, more importantly, perhaps off the pitch matters.
We can’t sustain the budget we were on long term, there was is no way for that to continue. Things now have to be done sensibly and things run properly. The club is in a transitional period, and we will emerge better for it,” said Slade.