Russell Slade’s appointment last season raised more than a few of Cardiff City’s fans’ eyebrows. An underwhelming finish last season prompted questions about his future and many fans felt the 54-year-old had outstayed his welcome.
However, after five games played this time around, The Bluebirds are unbeaten with three draws and two wins. Currently sitting fifth in the Sky Bet Championship Table, there is still disagreement between the Cardiff City faithful whether Slade should still be occupying his post despite the season’s results thus far.
Reaction on social media suggests some fans are unhappy with Slade’s team selections, transfer activity, and style of play. Having only brought in two players in the shape of loan signing Sammy Ameobi from Newcastle, and Gabriel Tamas on a free transfer, Slade has not made a move to bring in a ‘game-changer’ that could provide his side with a different approach.
Rumours linking The Bluebirds with the likes of Kevin Nolan, who has recently had his contract terminated with West Ham United, and Tikilo Rantie of Bournemouth, have had positive reaction from City fans. Nolan provides bags of experience and Rantie has that injection of pace Cardiff need. However, Slade has recently played down links that he is set to move for 32-year-old Nolan, with his wage demands the stand out factor against Cardiff’s new budget structure.
Team selections have also been criticised. Before the return of Kenwyne Jones to full fitness, Alex Revell partnered Joe Mason in the heart of The Bluebird’s attack. His inclusion confused a lot of people despite getting positive results and putting in a lot of effort — something that, some fans forget, Slade likes in his teams.
Fabio Da Silva had also been left out before the injury to Scott Malone. However, strong performances from Malone did not seem to change the minds of many fans, who preferred the Brazilian and questioned Slade’s decisions even though City had not lost. Fabio’s attacking intent maybe a slight risk that Slade did not want to take.
The inclusions of Alex Revell and Kenwyne Jones also prompted questions about Slade’s style of play, with the term “hoofball” being thrown around. Lumping the ball up to either Jones or Revell seemed to be a regular occurrence last campaign, but it seems Slade has minimised the use of the style this season, despite Jones getting two goals in two games, both of those headers, and Revell getting on the scoresheet as well.
The team has regained some much needed belief in the dressing room and this has shown on the pitch. Matthew Kennedy revealed last season that when he walked into the Cardiff dressing room for the first time, he had never seen a team so deflated. These feelings have clearly been eradicated and Slade has given his players a new-found belief that they can succeed this season. The results they have earned from this fixtures they have had so far have rejuvenated The Bluebirds and they will be hoping they can continue this run after the international break.
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