Latest Goss

Another week, another raft of players linked with possible moves to the club.

Victor Anichebe - 21 year old Nigerian born Everton striker. 22 appearances and 1 goal this season. Could be a season long loan linked in with Ledley going the other way permanently. If Ross stays, could end up as another Eddie Johnson.

Miguel Angel Llera - 29 year old Spanish defender currently at MK Dons. 38 appearances and 2 goals this term. A regular for the Dons this season, and could step up a level as a result of the Dons missing out in the play offs. Not exactly an angel (even though his name suggests). His card count this season reached double figures.

Sammy Clingan - all gone quiet

Have you bought yourself a piece of the Old Lady ?

Well, the King-Sturge-Cardiff-City-Flog-it-Cash-in-the-Attic-Car-Booty-Going-for-a-Song auction has ended, and after a quick scan of the lots, everything has gone. Even the rubbish bins were sold (presumably without their contents) I'm sure Ridsdale could've milked it a bit longer by turning the whole thing into a daytime BBC2 auction show hosted by perma-tanned mahogany legend David 'Dicko' Dickinson. The format could've been so simple. Two teams leg it round Ninian Park, armed with screwdrivers and crowbars, dismantling signs and disassembling turnstiles, taking their booty to the nearest auction house where a monocled jolly hockey sticks auctioneer type sells it to the highest bidder, with the team making the most money donating their winnings to a children's hospice. Simple

When I looked at the lots last Friday morning before the auction began, I fancied a corner flag, imagining it pride of place in the centre of my back lawn. 48 hours later, a corner flag was fetching £60-£70 quid. The dream was over, shattered into tiny pieces. Anything else I thought. A sign, a floor tile, this season's teamsheets, a row of seats, one of the dugouts. How would I explain one of the Cardiff City dugouts being in my back garden. 'Don't worry darling, I'll turn it into a water feature'. I hope a Cardiff City obsessed boss has bought it and is planning on using it as a smoking shelter for his staff. How cool would that be.

Player's websites

After reading in the Guardian's excellent 'Seven Deadly Sins of Football' series that ex Bluebird Dazzling Darren Purse took helicopter lessons so that he could commute from Stratford-upon-Avon to South Wales (a story which completed slipped under my radar at the time), I inanely stumbled upon his website, and then just as inanely wondered how many other Cardiff City players had their own websites. The answer : 1

Jay Bothroyd. His official players website hasn't been updated since Christmas but he rather endearingly admits that his most annoying habit is pissing on the toilet seat. So his most annoying habit is being a bloke.

Paul Parry has a website, though it's not quite what you think : www.paulparry.com

So does Ross McCormack, the Scottish actor, who wants you to know that he's not the pocket sized scoring machine everyone who googles Ross McCormack thinks he is.

It does make you wonder what players get up to off the pitch and what delights they fill their afternoons with. When they're not shopping or playing Playstation, do the more internet savvy ones occupy their time blogging or do they while away the time on social networking sites. Bothroyd seems the most savvy of the players with a Facebook page as well as a website. Enckelman, Ledley, Sak, Bloom, Magennis, Kelleher and Comminges all currently have a Facebook page.

THE ALTERNATIVE CARDIFF CITY XI

David Marshall - a London based barrister specialising in property and technology law.
Kevin McNaughton - the former hurling manager of Tyrone county.
Mark Kennedy - a mosaic artist from Manchester.
Roger Johnson - a BBC sports presenter for South Today.
Tony Capaldi - a branch manager of a Citizens Bank in Pennsylvania.
Peter Whittingham - was a expert in survival medicine and gifted pianist who has a jazz award named after him.
Chris Burke - a kite surfer from the Isle of Wight.
Paul Parry - a tricky and pacey winger playing in the 2nd tier of the English football.
Gavin Rae - a lecturer in Political Sociology at the Warsaw School of Social Psychology and Warsaw University.
Ross McCormack - an actor, director, scriptwriter, producer, casting agent and was in League of Gentlemen.
Michael Chopra - a software engineer from Walsall.

Dave Jones - a professional guitarist and guitar tutor.

Where are they now? (Part 1)

JUNICHI INAMOTO

Who remembers the not so little Japanese international who came down to Cardiff on loan from West Brom in 2004

Starting his career as a 16 year old with Gamba Osaka he became the first Japanese player to play in the Premiership when he joined Arsenal in July 2001. Things didn't go according to plan though. He thought a move to England's elite league would catapult him into the big time, but he spent most of his Arsenal days in the reserves, appearing in a couple of cup games and picking up the nickname 'T-shirt' (suggesting he was no more than a shirt selling commodity). He was then released just before the 2002 World Cup.

What a contrast the 2002 World Cup in his home country turned out to be. His goal against Russia recorded Japan's first ever win in World Cup finals, and in the 3 group games he scored twice, getting 2 man of the match awards as Japan progressed through to the next round.

And then Fulham came knocking, with Inamoto signing a season long loan deal. He was now huge back home in Japan, and his Premiership status meant a 24 hour 'Junichi watch' by Japanese reporters who'd report his every move. His time at Craven Cottage was successful, making 58 appearances over 2 seasons, but they failed to sign him permanently when he fractured his tibia in an international friendly against England.

Gary Megson took him to West Brom in August 2004 for a meagre £200,000 but he was sacked 2 months later with Bryan Robson taking over in the November. Inamoto was still recovering from his earlier injury and in December 2004 in a bid to improve his match fitness, Lennie Lawrence brought him to Cardiff on a months loan. I remember thinking at the time that this was a really interesting signing, having seen some impressive performances on Match of the Day, and bearing in mind that City were just above the relegation places in 21st place.

Ninian Park's first glimpse of him came when he replaced Jobi McAnuff in a 1-1 home draw against Wolves on Boxing Day, earning a huge roar as he did the Ayatollah as he warmed up. From then on, he impressed, slotting into the centre of the park alongside Graham Kavanagh. His loan deal was extended until March with the last of his 16 appearances for the Bluebirds coming in a 1-1 home draw against Crewe.

He returned to the Hawthorns, but a lack of first team football and a lack of Bryan Robson's faith in him saw him make only 29 appearances over the next 2 seasons.

By this time he was falling out of favour with the national time also. Japan's disappointing exit in the group stages of the 2006 World Cup saw Inamoto make 1 start and 1 one sub. After Germany, it was time to move on again. He moved onto Turkey for one solid but unspectacular season playing for Galatasaray, and then to Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga where's he been since 2007

It's fair to say that his time in England was checkered, but his brief spell at Cardiff served as a reminder of his quality and talent.

Bit of a damp squib

After attending the 'Party in the Park' yesterday, I couldn't help but think that it was all a bit naff. I queued up for an hour, with rainclouds lurking overhead, and must've spent 15 minutes actually inside. It just seemed like the club couldn't cope with the numbers. The stewards looked lost until a certain ballsy female team leader took charge and got things moving. Once we got inside with cameras ready to photograph every nook and cranny, we were walking down the tunnel only a few minutes later. The home dressing room wasn't what I expected at all. Perhaps I thought it be large, and pristine, with lockers and massage tables in the middle, but it looked more like a cloakroom. Hard to imagine players and coaching staff all crammed in for a half time team talk. Anyway, maybe a glimpse of the boardroom would make up for this slight setback. Oh no. The stewards had blocked off that particular avenue also, and before I knew it I was heading out of the tunnel onto the pitch. There seemed like plenty to do, but I wasn't up for queueing in the rain. I took a few photos, saw Ridsdale being mobbed by autograph hunters (well that's what I hope they were doing), sat in the dugout, walked around on the pitch wondering if anyone had dug up a penalty spot, then left feeling strangely unsatisfied.

I applaud the club for making these kind of efforts, and I'm sure a good majority were more content than I was, but it could've been more. Why couldn't it have been 10-4 or 5, or perhaps open the Sunday also. It doesn't matter now. The fans have said their farewells, scored at the Grange End, and eaten their last suspect meat product. So long Ninian Park.

Give it up Gilo. Put down your sword and shield and end this personal crusade against Dave Jones. It's tedious, stale and over the top now. The season's over...get over it. Most of the City faithful have. Yes the team blew it, and the final run in was disastrous and disappointing, so move on. Concentrate your efforts on something else.

We're closing in on a Clingan apparently. No this isn't a plot line from Star Trek, but the possibility of another signing from Norwich. I must admit, he made no impression on me when City met the Canaries back in August last year, but he was a regular starter last season, and could be another decent addition.

Midweek round-up

Bad luck Preston...the dream is over

James Collins to City on a loan or permanent? Would be a great signing...pull all the stops out

Good luck Purse. Wishing you every success at pastures new. If you do go to Sheffield Wednesday , remember to underhit a back pass so one of our boys can run on and score.

Premier League clubs are having to form an orderly queue for Ledley's signature. Stoke, West Ham, Everton and Fulham (to name but a few) have thrown their hats in the ring, but I think he should head for Upton Park and join up with the welsh contingent.

Barely has the season finished, City have wasted no time in making their first summer signing. Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall joins the ranks from recently relegated Norwich on a 4 year deal. The Western Mail is keen to point out that he not only saves penalties, but he saves Ronaldhino penalties....albeit 5 years ago.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/cardiff-city-fc/2009/05/12/bluebirds-agree-fee-for-former-celtic-keeper-91466-23602145/

He will now fight it out with Encks for the no.1 spot. Seems the lad is a good shot stopper but 'Dracula' like and difficult with crosses, and his kicking isn't much to write home about either. More of what we're used to then.

Don't forget the Open Day, and take along your toolkit. Remember, if it's not screwed down, take it. But ask a nice friendly steward first. Bagsy Ridsdale's fishtank.

Current squad

Enckleman - has done OK in the games he's played in this season. Heaton, Taylor and the greek tragedy proved no better. Needs to improve his kicking.

McNaughton - has had an outstanding season. His performance against Sheff Utd bordered on the heroic. I think he could attract interest from the Prem.

Kennedy - I'm not a massive fan. Clearly doesn't get forward enough. Every time he ventures beyond the half way line, he panics and scuttles back. Supposedly has a 'sweet left foot', but his delivery this season was below par. He did a good job shepherding Wayne Routledge at home though. Wouldn't be my first choice left back next season. Keep him as back up.

Johnson - again, nothing short of heroic this season. I thought he was going to play every minute of every game this season, but the flailing arms of Claude Davis put pay to that. Attracting Premier League interest, and quite rightly so. He'll be off this summer, and good luck to him. Sunderland maybe??

Gyepes - the giant Hungarian has been a large centre half shaped gem this season. Early doors this season we all wondered when he was going to replace Purse, and when he did he took to it like duck to water. Some of goal saving tackles this term have been 'Bobby Mooresque'. Has signed a new contract so will be staying.

Rae - a mixed season. His early pairing with McPhail didn't work. His combination with Leds was a bit more fruitful. Should've chipped in with more goals this season.

Ledley - I think he's had an average season. He's popped up to score vital goals, but like the rest for team disappeared at the crucial end I'd be very surprised if he's still with us next season.

Burke - I wasn't too sure about him at first , but I've started to warm to him. Gives the team much needed width at times, and if he's a starter next season he could figure prominantly

Chopra - not exactly the player he was when we sold him. He's still a proven goalscorer and I think it's been hard to find a sense of momentum

McCormack - another Scottish gem, and a bargain too. Will run his little socks off for the team. I'd love to see him stay, but will undoubtedly attract Premier interest. Looks like Sunderland are sniffing around.

Bothroyd - on his day he can look unstoppable. Superb at holding the ball, but can equally be so frustrating to watch, especially when up against big Championship centre halves. 20 plus goals from him next season are a must.

Sak - has very much been in the goalkeeping shadows this season. Seemingly not ready to be no.2 choice goalie.

Comminges - he's a squad player really, and not one of Championship quality. Frequently looks out of his depth and gets caught in possession. Could bolster up the squad next season.

Purse - where do you start? Every time Dazzler steps on the pitch, my heart sinks in knowing of the impending calamity to come. But fair's fair, he's had his falling out, but done a job. Will probably be on his way out.

Capaldi - struggled with injury and has not been able to take Kennedy's place away from him. I hope he's first choice next season. Long throws are an asset, and have been sorely missed.

Blake - the games he played in, he did OK. He's had a few heart stopping moments this season, but I prefer him to Comminges.

Dennehy - a work in progress. Hasn't figured at all this season resulting in a loan spell at Hereford. With new players coming in, especially if Johnson and Purse ae replaced, he could find himself further down the pecking order.

Parry - has to go. I'll even drive him to his new club myself.

Whittingham - lacked consistency and any kind of prolonged first team place. Injuries didn't help. He's got a good footballing brain, and an eye for a through ball, but his performances failed to deliver

McPhail - another one I'd like to see move on, but I don't think he will. His two reds practically ended his season. His appearances towards the end were mostly anonymous.

Scimeca - could figure next season. He's way past his best, but I'd like to see more ballsy midfield signings during the summer rather than Scimeca sitting on the bench.

Feeney - loan spell at Dundee Utd is over. I'd like to see him given a chance. Has played well in Scotland, and likewise in a Northern Ireland shirt.

Wildig, Matthew, Morris, Brown & Magennis - ones for the future....hopefully

Make no bones about it. The team is going to look different next season. Pray God it's one that last for 46 games not 42.

Hang the DJ?

Let's start with a joke....

What's the difference between Dave Jones and an arsonist?
An arsonist wouldn't throw away his last four matches !!

All jokes aside, it'll be an interesting summer down Sloper Road way. There's going to be a lot of comings and goings over the next few months, but the most intriguing one will be the movements of Dave Jones himself. Opinion seems to be divided over his tenure. Has he taken the club as far as it can possibly go?, or is it time to maybe compromise, and give him one last shot at leading the club into the Promised Land. I personally still haven't made up my mind. Part of me wants him to stay, and part of me wants him to go. If he could just do away with the bizarre tactics and substitutions, then I may see light at the end of the tunnel. If he could just let go of this enduring faith he seems to have in Paul Parry, he may have a case.

The strange case of Paul Parry is another talking point altogether, one which I'm loathed to entertain. When he was substituted just before the hour mark against Ipswich, I wanted him to keep walking, down the tunnel, out the front door, down Sloper Road, to the nearest club who'd take him off our hands.

But Jones does have an eye for a player and a canny network of Scottish scouts. There's no denying that. McCormack and Gyepes to name but two. So do we give him another chance. Do we (or Ridsdale actually) thrust several million in his hands and see how many lower league gems he can bring to the club. Or is time to bring in more experienced players, ones in it for the long haul and accustomed to that final push for promotion.

So which ever way you slice it, next season will kick off with a faction of supporters unhappy with Dave Jones's whereabouts.