TIME FOR A REALITY CHECK!
Well - the moment has finally arrived. The fixture list is out and the reality is there for all to see - Cardiff City amongst the elite of the Premier League!
Of course, the current fixture list is only a guide to what will be happening during the season. At the moment, every fixture is down for Saturday afternoon, but we all know that when matches take place will depend on which matches the 2 TV companies want to broadcast and at what time, as well as the other variables such as the leading teams participation in the Champions League and Europa League. Add to that one or two matches moved at the request of the Police and I would expect only around half of our matches to be played at the traditional time of 3 oclock on a Saturday afternoon.
First 6 matches:-
West Ham United Away
Manchester City Home
Everton Home
Hull City Away
Tottenham Hotspur Home
Fulham Away
So, we have 3 of last season’s top 6 in the first 3 home games of the season! no problem!
My first thought when skimming down the fixture list was thinking “where are we going to gain any points?”. Of course, if we only lose 2 home games all season like we did last year then that will be fine! but that’s not going to happen.
Let’s face it, any points we take of the top 5 clubs either home or way will be a bonus. But we have to pick up regular points home and away off the rest of the division. I could easily see us having only 3 points after those first 6 matches, and possibly losing all 3 at home. The fans have to stay patient and strong, as I think Malky can plan a successful campaign to keep us in the league.
Let’s hope Malky can keep us in the promised land of the Premier League!
NO SIGNINGS YET
And I wouldn’t really have expected any. Most of the League managers are on holiday until next week, and the transfer window doesn’t open properly for another 9 days. When the players came in last season, they were largely kept out of the press until the deal was done, and I expect Malky to do business in the same way this season. He has an extensive recruitment network which I have no doubt is working flat out to find the right players.
I also feel that what we already have isn’t too bad either. We have put together a team with a large number of players in their early 20s who haven’t yet reached the peak of their career, and they are still improving. One or two new additions may inject a little enthusiasm into the squad, but I firmly believe we already have a squad which is capable of remaining in the Premier League. However, one or 2 additions might make that task a heck of a lot easier!
More posts to follow when there is something to talk about. Only 57 days till the new Premier League season starts!
