UK Sports Journalist of Year winner; Ex-Head of Sport WalesOnline/Welsh papers. Author Nigel Owens, Gary Speed & Barry John books. Loving father of three boys
No good way to go down but if you’re going to be relegated then winning at Old Trafford in the sunshine and with 3059
@CardiffCityFC
fans completely out singing 71k
@ManUtd
fans throughout isn’t too bad, I guess
This video I share kind of sums up Sol beautifully. He’s looking at my son’s Cardiff shirts and gives him a jokey message at the end. Note the warm, friendly, affectionate nature, always a huge beaming smile on his face. This guy was the epitome of a true legend - on & off pitch
Told couple of weeks back Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Colwill. Seems others are interested too. Reminded me of when previous regime sold Ramsey for just 5m, among worst bits of Welsh footie transfer business. Swansea got 3 times that for Allen, who wasn’t at Aaron’s level
Fabulous touch from
@SwansOfficial
players who'll wear tributes to
@CardiffCityFC
fans' icon Sol Bamba and his 22 shirt number on the back of their Kick It Out training tops ahead of Saturday's big match. This is what respectful rivalry is about.
Extraordinary scenes at end as
@CardiffCityFC
fans cheer Neil Warnock, he does the Ayatollah & a fist pump to Canton and Ninian stands. Meantime 'Get out of our club' is sung to the current manager. Not sure I've ever seen that before, shows the depth of feeling. Can't continue
Just woken up to the devastating Sol Bamba news, can’t emphasise enough how heartbreaking it is. Good friend of mine, he’s been to the house, brilliant with my sons, always a smile on his face - absolutely loved talking
@CardiffCityFC
. You’ll be missed big man. Last Christmas…
Don’t let the Ralls red card, R Bennett one that wasn’t or Moore injury fool you as excuses. This is a shocking
@CardiffCityFC
performance from the start, but they’ve been like this most of the season. Harris lucky today the fans aren’t inside CCS to let him know what they think
Oli Tanner, wow! That is a SW derby cameo that will go into Bluebirds folklore. McGuinness absolutely magnificent, Ramsey majestic and led brilliantly, Siopis superb. The fans deserved that after recent woes, CCS absolutely rocking. Now follow up by beating Coventry on Tues
I really think
@CardiffCityFC
should forget Harris and Bowyer and give the job to Bellamy. He’d play fast, attacking football, bring through Welsh talent, has a brilliant foitball mind. Yes it’s a risk, but rather that than the underwhelming candidates they’re talking to
Isn't it funny, Cardiff finally get a decent manager who finally puts together a decent midfield - and as a result Grimes (who's a tidy player to be fair) & Fulton look like... well Grimes & Fulton in a derby, rather than Xavi & Iniesta. Bulut has dealt with City's biggest issue
Bulut deal on brink of happening. I'm only hesitant in case of unexpected last sec hitch, but should be full steam ahead
New coaching team too, which'll improve things.
Plans to sign quality 9, 8 & winger. There's already a v decent squad there
Big things ahead for
@CardiffCityFC
Magnificent game of football at CCS tonight. Those Kairdiff Kids gave everything, showed class, energy, pace, directness. Got standing ovation at end. No shame in losing in injury time at all. 11 players aged 22 and under, just hope Bulut works some of them into his league side
Thoughts very much with John Toshack and his family this morning. A genuine Welsh football legend, came through at
@CardiffCityFC
, almost won the league with
@SwansOfficial
, gave Bale/Ramsey et al
@Cymru
debuts. The big man needs to pull through this
So after 34 years (lots as Sports Ed) today was my last with Media Wales as I embark on freelance sports journo career. Exciting projects await, will still be commenting on Welsh football. Fab leaving gifts from my colleagues, including my own back page & Ramsey signed shirt 1/2
That’s 3
@CardiffCityFC
defeats in 4, tho the Harris backers can say 5 wins in 8. I prefer to look at the whole, it’s just 8 wins in 21 this season which is a MASSIVE underachievement with this squad. Tan/Dalman hv every right to feel let down. Side should be doing so much better
Wow what a win for Cardiff. Best they’ve played in months, tenacity, resolve, team spirit. Absolutely brilliant comeback v a very good side. Colwill & O’Dowda excellent players to bring on, big impact. Four victories in a row now, Swansea up next. This is a team on a roll
Neil Harris: 'We feel the capital city of Wales should have a Premier League football team and we've got to earn the right to get in there'. Well said - they'll give it another right old go next season.
Devastated to hear the news about the legend that is
@Sol14Bamba
Have got to know the big man well - a colossus on the pitch, trust me an absolute gentle giant off it. You’ll fight & beat this Sol, an army of
@CardiffCityFC
fans, and the football family at large, are with you
Bellamy says he has already looked at Turkey, Wales’ next opponents, EIGHT times! Wow, he only got the job yesterday! Says he’ll be constantly analysing, constantly going to games, treating it day to day like a club job. Really throwing himself into this job
Wow
@CardiffCityFC
THAT’S more like it. Much more energy, athleticism, tempo to team. Balanced midfield at last. Top performances all round but Ng, Hugill, Ralls, Doyle outstanding. Way Ng came out to win ball & set up opening goal hasn’t been seen all year. Fans helped greatly
Well that’ll be remembered as one of the most embarrassing results in Wales’ history, some might argue even THE worst. Gibraltar are 203rd in the FIFA rankings, there are only 7 teams below them in the entire world. Pagey not exactly winning over his (plentiful) critics is he?
Cardiff should hv been in with no chance of getting Panzo given Swansea could pay a seven figure fee which’d hv suited Forest. The player has driven this, he’s excited by the Bluebirds project, wants to be with City. Hinted yesterday he was keen on Cardiff. Now for Kieffer!!!!
Took this video from Old Trafford press box 5 years ago today. There’s no good way to go down, but if Carlsberg did relegations it’d be after winning 2-0 at Man Utd with 3k plus
@CardiffCityFC
fans staying behind to sing their hearts out in the sunshine
Most enjoyable
@CardiffCityFC
display of season by far. What a diff Drameh, Doyle, Davies make with their zip & panache on ball, but everyone v good tonight. I know Flint scored a ‘wonder goal’ but did I really see him do a back flick to Bagan 2nd half? Loved Ikpe’s celebration!!
Two CCS derbies, two 2-0 wins. Bulut’s players left absolutely everything on the pitch today. EVERYTHING. This manager just gets it and the fans love that commitment. As for that Colwill goal, wow! Very very special. Onwards and upwards . Enjoy your evening all
Wonderful feeling to see Wales’ capital city club win away thanks to the brilliance of two hugely gifted Academy kids. Colwill and Davies look so talented. City better when they’re both in the team. Flint outstanding at the back too. Well done
@CardiffCityFC
@CardiffCityFC
have had a LOT of interest, including from coaches at some of the biggest clubs in the UK keen to break into management, plus seasoned bosses. This is a major job, a huge opportunity for whoever gets it. Large fan base, great stadium - unlock that potential
This is my understanding of Bale situation.
@CardiffCityFC
can have done no more, put together a complex package & met demands. Bale's agent isn't pushing back. Gareth has been offered an alt opportunity (USA?) which he's considering. City respect his right to do so. Fair enough
Just asked Craig Bellamy if he knew much of Rubin Colwill when he was previously at
@CardiffCityFC
. ‘I coached him,’ came the reply, followed by ‘That’s a stupid question’!! That’s me told then 😂😂. Suspect Rubin will have a big
@Cymru
role to play under the new man
Just been told
@WalesOnline
has had more than 50 million (yes, that's 50 million) page views in February. Rather puts into perspective the claim from some cynics that 'no-one reads it any more'. Thanks to all our loyal readers who enjoy our great journalism on a daily basis.
Lovely touch from
@CardiffCityFC
in memory of my former colleague Steve Tucker (or Tucks). His own plaque on the very CCS press seat he used to occupy
#bluebirds
In the space of 22 days
@CardiffCityFC
have soared from 15-16th up to 7th & eyeing play-offs. These talented players are finally getting the chance to prove how good they are with a more positive game plan. Kieffer looks a Premier League quality striker - team will get better too
And so it’s farewell to this little chap today, just 31 days short of his 18th birthday- heck of an innings. As my first dog Scoobs totally changed my perception, made me realise what warm, friendly, loving, charismatic creatures they are. Sleep tight little ‘un, love you always
Wow
@CardiffCityFC
THAT is a statement of promotion intent. In 33 days under Big Mick they've gone from 6 defeats in a row, morale rock bottom, into play-off spots. Oustanding effort. Kieffer brilliant tonight. As a bonus, Kardiff kid
@GarethBale11
scored, looking good for Euros!
An awful lot of rubbish being bandied around on here about
@CardiffCityFC
paying huge wages to Harry Wilson. They are paying NOTHING REMOTELY CLOSE to the figures being quoted. Nor is the loan fee as high as claimed. But they do pay more to
@LFC
if Wilson helps them into Prem.
Well I have no idea what to make of that!
@CardiffCityFC
were ponderous, no flow, no invention. All the subs made a huge difference which begs the question why they didn't start? Robbo is MUCH better than Kanga, Rubin HAS to play & this is Tanner we want to see. Lot to improve on
Mick has just hung himself with appalling selection/tactics AGAIN. 5 CBs & a static midfield of Pack/Ralls he appallingly didn’t address in the summer. Felt so sorry for Kieffer who fought manfully, but left isolated. Worse still, use of subs was woeful. Surely he can’t survive?
Wouldn't it be brilliant if
@Cymru
went with Craig Bellamy as manager. He was VERY close last time, only lost out to Giggs on President's casting vote. Feeling on FAW is he's mellowed a little working with Kompany. Sharp tactical brain, passion, commitment - what's not to like?
Ramsey (yes it WILL happen), Grant, Goutas, Meite, Ugbo, couple more - plus Robinson, Colwill (both really good players), McGuinness, Ng, Jamilu C. Lots of other options. This is starting to look rather exciting
@CardiffCityFC
I do think if Robinson has really knuckled down with
@CardiffCityFC
(and I’m told he has), Odowda is over his issues & Ramsey is fit (didn’t go on hols this summer cos he wants to get body ready for Championship rigours), it’s like THREE EXTRA pedigree summer signings right there
Great news that Craig Bellamy is on brink becoming new manager of
@Cymru
as reported tonight by BBC. As I also tweeted earlier, expect Simon Davies (ex Man Utd) to be his No2. Always felt this appointment would happen quicker than anticipated. Fun times ahead - enjoy the ride
That is an excellent win
@CardiffCityFC
. Morrison, Flint, Brown brilliant at the back, wing backs v good. Not sure I've seen a bigger turnaround in a player than Flint. Suddenly a real Bluebirds hero. Little break, then 8 games to go for top 6, which is where this team should be
Being told
@CardiffCityFC
hierarchy plan to do nothing about Mick until after Fulham/Boro games. 5 CBs again at Craven Cottage no doubt! Why can't he make bold calls & go - Smithies; Ng, McGuinness, Nelson, Bagan; Sang, Ralls, Bowen; Colwill, Kieffer, Giles. Front foot football
Who fancies a
@CardiffCityFC
forward line then of El Ghazi, Kanga, Willock and Ramsey/Colwill pulling the strings as the 10? Get a dynamic 8 now and it's already light years way from just a few months ago, is it not?
To those who reckon Colwill can’t last 90 mins I say watch the 100-plus of him versus a good Soton team. He was magnificent when moved to 10. Rubin, Ashford & those young FBs energised Ralls/Siopis/Meite & other older hands. Keep your ballers on the pitch and this is what happens
I love George North, as you well know
@andyhowellsport
@simonrug
. But how the heck did he get MoM ahead of Navidi (who continues to surprise me) and the again magnificent Tipuric, who must be the most underrated player in world rugby?
Brighton hv become such a terribly dull, defensive team lately under Hughton, they really have. I honestly feel the Premier League would be much more enriched by
@CardiffCityFC
being in it next season and everything their magnificent fans bring to the party
#fingerscrossed
When did two
@CardiffCityFC
players last score in the same game for
@Cymru
??? What a night for Wilson and Moore on their home ground. No excuses Neil Harris, start getting the best out of them this season and Bluebirds can fly up the table (where they should be anyway).
Welcome to the Welsh capital Wilfried Kanga, despite 11th hour bid from another club to hijack the deal. Now
@CardiffCityFC
MUST get a dynamic, box to box 8 who can take ball on the half turn and move forward with it progressively. Way more important than another winger for me
What next for Wales - some major decisions looming on Bale, Giggs, Page. Rather than retire, personally I think Bale should come home & join
@CardiffCityFC
for a couple of years - take his home-town club into Prem and
@Cymru
to World Cup. Double 2022 aim!
Devastated, CCS was rocking & fans deserved better finale.
No-one should hang Dan James, he is one of footballs genuine nice guys. Just like Paul Bodin. It happens, move on.
Not overly impressed by Page’s in game management mind, would a better boss hv qualified these players?
No
@CardiffCityFC
fan should be the slighted bit surprised at Harris’ team losing to the bottom club. City played just like they have for 85pc of the season under him - shockingly. No creativity AGAIN, no swagger, no intent. Question is how much longer Tan now tolerates this for
Have written a tribute piece to Peter Whittingham which'll go online shortly. One of the true
@CardiffCityFC
greats. One season he scored 25 goals in 51 matches - Dave Jones always felt that achievement didn't get the recognition it deserved. 'If that were Gerrard or Lampard...'
I know some
@CardiffCityFC
fans beg to differ (that’s fine, it’d be an awful world if everyone were always in full agreement), but given the circumstances, two hands tied behind back etc, this is surely the greatest transfer window the club have ever had? Truly outstanding work
Rubin Colwill is probably the best young talent to emerge in Wales since a teenage Aaron Ramsey, yet I always felt he was Morison's blind spot. More focus on what he can't do, than what he can. When fit again Colwill needs to be City's No.10, change the creative and team dynamic
Suspect
@CardiffCityFC
fans will be singing their version of Football’s Coming Home this season! Makes their Championship games unique, adds to the atmosphere. This time England did botch it up (to use clean version). Best squad at Euros, held back by poor tactics/selection
Loved watching
@KevMcnaughton
play for
@CardiffCityFC
. Was behind goal in play-off semi when a Reading player was clean through. From nowhere Kev raced back, launched himself from 5 yards behind and won the ball. It was the greatest tackle I have ever seen. Stay strong Super Kev
I was told
@CardiffCityFC
planned to announce Sala & Miller insurance news next week, so surprised it’s out today. But it’s highly significant. a) City hv netted a very large sum b) it helps with FFP c) which means Tan may well now spend on a striker in Jan. Very important twist
Wonder if Neil Harris thought that was another ‘excellent performance’ by his
@CardiffCityFC
team? No-one should be the least bit surprised by tonight. This is what happens when a manager puts his head in the sand, pretends things are excellent, rather than deal with real issues
As well as Lamouchi/Bamba management ticket, as published by
@GlenWilliams12
earlier, I'm told
@CardiffCityFC
have three players lined up to come in. No, I've no idea who at this stage!!! However, this is turning into a good week after all, is it not?
Told today that Vincent Tan's business empire has had a significant upturn, his leisure industry having been hit so badly during/post the pandemic. Things are apparently rocketing for him again. This can only be good news for Cardiff City
I think people already know what I think of Neco Williams, an elite player in the making. But tonight he also put in crunching ‘parks type’ challenges, which Liverpool stars don’t normally need to. He’s a very very special talent, non stop bundle of energy. Entire back 6 v good
Wow
@CardiffCityFC
. Where to start? Etheridge & whole back 4 immense; Gunnarsson, Arter, Camarasa offered proper midfield control. Front 3 worked socks off, so too subs. Camarasa is so so so good. What a goal, too. Team played so well. Huge result. Allez Allez Allez
Have always felt Liverpool fans are probably the best in the world, certainly among the very finest at least. Today they were totally outsung at Anfield by 7k
@CardiffCityFC
fans. Really comes across loud watching it back on tv for first time. Phenomenal support
@jasonmohammad
Six other clubs wanted Alex Robertson but what hope did any of them have now we learn Gavin Rae is his uncle & put in a good word! 4
@CardiffCityFC
seasons, more than 130 games, one FA Cup final, a move to the swish CCS - this might be Gav's best bit of Bluebirds business yet😀
Wow what a start for new look
@CardiffCityFC
. Stood toe to toe with one of best in division, stayed strong when it got feisty & ref decisions baffled & pulled off brilliant win. Connection with players/fans at end said everything. Kipre, Collins look great signings. Wintle MoM
The lack of urgency/numbers from Rotherham to clear that water was bad enough, but at one point I actually saw one of the groundstaff dragging water back ONTO the pitch. Had to rub my desbelieving eyes. Nothing will happen though,
@CardiffCityFC
will just have to go again
Spoke to Bale's agent this morning. He stressed nothing has been discussed & 'no options' on table just yet. But emphasised Gareth's next move would be personal, not money driven, and
@CardiffCityFC
would 'have a lot of plusses'. Who knows? Time will tell
I was with Cardiff hierarchy for an hour today & while nothing is definite I sense a new deal for Bulut is imminent. Irrespective of today's result/performance I feel there's a v good foundation to build upon with club eyeing a quality striker, winger, midfielder & CB in summer
@CardiffCityFC
deal for Chris Willock is done. Will bring much needed pace to the front line. What a good addition that is to Erol's squad. The first of 5/6 this window
Warnock would have taken
@Leetomlin10
off after 55 mins today. He stays on... sets up one, scores another and wins the game for
@CardiffCityFC
. Common sense, you keep your ball players on the pitch, partic when space is created in final 20 minutes. Credit to Neil Harris.
Poor again
@CardiffCityFC
. Can’t understand why Harris doesn’t see what the rest of us do - that the team is unbalanced, lacks creativity with his midfield selection. Needs to sign a 10 who starts if Tomlin can’t and a left winger who gets to the byline, which Hoilett doesn’t
@CardiffCityFC
update. Moves advancing for 5-6 signings, 2 strikers, winger, midfielder & poss 2 defenders. Hope to make 1st announcements next week, but often things don’t go to plan. To be funded by mix of outgoings, freeing up wages, plus Tan/Dalman dipping into their pockets
MASSIVE smile just came across the face of
@jaybothroyd
as he discussed Cardiff's win over Ipswich during Sky weekend footie debrief, said playing in front of those fans at CCS is 'amazing' and reckons they could make play-offs! What a guy, what a City player he was!
Things are very very very embryonic, not even sure official talks have yet taken place (?), but
@CardiffCityFC
are ready to try to bring Kieffer Moore back. Which would be another MAJOR statement of intent
Craig Bellamy about to become No2 at Bayern Munich. Imagine how much he’ll learn with them. There’s a future
@CardiffCityFC
or
@Cymru
boss for you - with the right experienced No2 next to him as a calming hand, of course.
Absolutely loved that
@CardiffCityFC
game. Rip roaring atmosphere, war of attrition, 5 from the Academy in Mick’s starting xi, young Sang brilliant, Men of Harlech & Yma O Hyd sung beforehand. Something special might just be happening here you know
Fabulous
@CardiffCityFC
. 5 academy kids, Rubin Colwill playing with confidence & looking a real class act. Start of a glittering career here, me thinks, loved his
'One of our own' celebrations with the fans afterwards. Special word for Kieffer, utterly brilliant when he came on
Bulut is letting down all who backed him. Negative football, negative team selection, refusing to pick Academy aces. Last 8 league games hv yielded just 7 goals with 23 conceded. Only bright spot of that was verve/dynamism of the kids in beating Soton. Learn the clear lesson Erol
Appreciate Rugby is different to football but this is a brilliant
@Nigelrefowens
column on how to sort the problems with VAR. Even more apt after that West Ham farce last night. Problem isn’t VAR, it’s how it’s being used in
@premierleague
Just spoken to the
@CardiffCityFC
legend that is
@Sol14Bamba
. He's really grateful to City fans for the wonderful ovations given him today, and humbled. 'Love them', he says with a blue heart emoji. Also insists 'better days are coming, I'm sure of that'. What a top guy
WHAT a win
@CardiffCityFC
. Wow. Best performance of season for me, too. Have always argued Bluebirds will be biggest beneficiaries of the enforced break, Tomlin & Mendez two of the reasons. Squad depth key in these 9 games. Big advantage. Play-offs really are on
BIG win that for
@CardiffCityFC
. Terrific commitment, great organisation, fab team spirit tonight summed up by Alssop racing length of pitch to celebrate Robinson goal. Lamouchi rewarded for attacking subs. Bamba doing Warnock fist pumps at end. The escape is on!!!!
If People Power has anything to do with it
@GarethBale11
will sign for
@CardiffCityFC
. There is no place on earth where he would be loved as much, Bluebirds fans have made their feelings well & truly known. Unfortunately it's more complicated than that, but still hoping...
Lovely touch from
@CardiffCityFC
to let
@NewportCounty
train at CCS ahead of play off final. ‘Shows the class of the club’ says Michael Flynn. Welsh football working in tandem
Brilliant win for
@CardiffCityFC
. Didn't play as well as v Leeds, Leicester, Ipswich, but this time had better fortune. This team is NOWHERE NEAR peaking under Bulut, they'll get stronger as season goes on. Standing firmly by my top 8 (could be anywhere) pre-season prediction
The captain of Wales continues his excellent scoring start to the season - for club & country. What a talent. Hope he’s fit for Cardiff at weekend cos SWD always needs the best players on the pitch & he’s obviously the best in Welsh club football. Truly beautiful for Brooks too
Wow what a FAB effort by those Kairdiff Kids (with help of course from the old guard!) So great to see their verve, adventure, bravery & ability on the ball. Gave absolutely everything, fans responded. Frankly this team is better off without some of those missing Bulut regulars
Beautiful sun kissed evening, home of Welsh football looking fabulous as always. No idea what season has in store for
@CardiffCityFC
but it’ll be exciting. Big crowd Saturday I’m told, ground will be rocking again. Enjoy everyone
Truly magnificent
@CardiffCityFC
win on a highly emotional night. To a man Bluebirds were magnificent. I lost a lot of belief after Sala & midweek results, but it’s been restored. There’s plenty of fight left in this team. Club, players and fans are a credit to the city & Wales.
I said at time Erol Bulut cost Cardiff v Ipswich with poor substitutions/going defensive too early, but that he'd learn from it. He has. When Ramsey went off last night, he didn't send on Ralls to close game out but Robinson. This is important as it shows mindset moving forward
When Wales reached Euro semis they were good v Slovakia, poor v England, exhilarating v Russia, professional v N Ire & went toe to toe to beat a brilliant Belgium side. Won 4 out of 5, England despite truly stellar talent, have managed 1 out of 5 in 90 mins. Southgate handbrake
Like the idea of Thierry Henry as Wales manager. Not necessarily their first choice, but he'd certainly inspire a nation and put Wales very much on the world map. Imagine the buzz around games were he in charge!
'There was no better place than Cardiff City Stadium on match-day. That crowd was buzzing, sent the hairs up on back of my neck' - well said Neil Warnock, who reckons Cardiff was greatest achievement in 41 years as a manager
Kieffer Moore showing with that header exactly why
@CardiffCityFC
need to step up their bid to sign him in January. Would bring so so much to Bulut's team, in the air, on the deck, linking play, set-pieces, offensively & defensively. Make it happen Erol, you know it makes sense!