Bob Bank Hero

McPhail A Doubt For Palace Clash

Irish midfielder Steve McPhail may miss Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace after undergoing minor surgery.

In-form McPhail underwent minor surgery last week to remove a lump on his neck and will need time for stitches to heal.

It should mean a return for contract rebel Joe Ledley - if he recovers from his hip injury.

Meanwhile, striker Ross McCormack is in contention for the Palace game according to boss Dave Jones.

"Ross is fit and raring to go, Now it's a matter of building up his power and match-fitness," said Davey Jones.

McCormack will play in a friendly this week against Bristol Rovers as will fellow Scot Kevin McNaughton, who has not played this season due to ligament damage.

"Kevin is a fit lad - he doesn't carry a lot of weight," added Jones.

"The Rovers match will give Kevin and Ross another game for match practice. Then they will train with us later in the week."

Fingers crossed they both come through fit and well against Bristol. Having them both back will be two new signings.

Trust Magazine For City Fans Kicks Off

 
Moving to a Different Beat, Cardiff City Supporters' Trust official magazine, makes its debut at next Tuesday's Derby County game.
 
The superb, 36-page full colour magazine includes an exclusive five-page interview with Peter Ridsdale, the first part of the Fred Keenor Story, a facts and figures feature on Ninian Park, a Welsh language page written by Trust vice chairman Tim Hartley and updates on the Trust's work over the last 12 months.
 
Trust board member Dave Sugarman said: "The main aim of this magazine is to keep our existing members up to date with the Trust's activities. But we are also hoping that non-members who buy a copy will learn more about the organisation and will then be tempted to sign up and become a part of it. After all, the more people who get involved in the Trust and the bigger its membership becomes, the more work we will be able do for our fans, our football club and our local communities.

"The name of the magazine came from a suggestion by Trust member Jon Lovibond, who lives in Sheffield. It’s a reference to Jonathan Owen’s short film about being a Cardiff City supporter screened before the 2008 FA Cup Final appearance.

In his film, Jonathan said:  "If you began watching football in the late-Seventies or early-Eighties, your life was transformed from that point onwards. You were making a statement, particularly in South Wales, where you were considered a bit of a freak. To choose football meant you weren’t just choosing a sport. You were choosing a lifestyle. You wore different clothe; you listened to different music; you went to different places; you even walked differently. Basically, you moved to a different beat." Hence the name of the magazine.

The Trust is aiming to produce at least three magazines each season, so if you fancy making a contribution to our next issue, then please contact us. We are looking for articles, photographs, rare programmes, artwork –anything that you reckon may be of interest to your fellow Bluebirds. Also, if you would like to place an advertisement in future issues, or if you simply wish to sponsor a page, then please get in touch.
 
Issue One was designed and edited by Dave Sugarman and Tracey Marsh. Trust members can pick up a free copy from the Trust base in the stadium, and it’s just £1 to non-members.

Support The City!

CARDIFF CITY have a vast untapped reservoir of support living close to their new stadium, a major survey has revealed.

It is one of the key findings of a questionnaire in which more than 200 local people were asked by Cardiff City Supporters' Trust for their views and attitude to Cardiff City Football Club and watching football.

The survey found that one-third of football fans living near the stadium had never watched the Bluebirds play, despite the fact that club’s attendances have averaged more than 20,000 for their first four league games at their new home.

The findings will be given at a specially-organised event on Thursday night, September 24th (6.30pm), organised by the Trust, partnered by the British Council.

The key findings include:

• Of the 82 per cent who watched football, a total of 30 per cent said they had never watched Cardiff City play.

• 72 per cent of those interviewed intended to visit the new stadium. But of this group 36 per cent had only ever seen the Bluebirds play 2-9 times. 19 per cent had been to a match just once.

• 80 per cent of those intending to visit the new stadium have watched Cardiff City play before which means that 20 per cent are potential new supporters

• Among the comments about what they enjoyed about watching Cardiff City were "supporting my local team", "great atmosphere" and "cheap for teenagers".

• Among the comments about why they didn’t watch the City were "price of tickets", "time, family commitments", "bad behaviour and people standing up".

• People were also asked what would encourage them to go to matches. Among the answers were promotion, cheaper prices and family ticket deals, free parking and ‘taster’ tickets.

Trust board member Tracey Marsh, who organised the survey and event, said: "The survey reveals that there is untapped support among football fans living around the stadium with a significant number of those questioned not having watched Cardiff City more than nine times.

 It is up to the football club and organisations like the Trust to encourage those people to come along more often.

"If football fans did not have a great experience at Ninian Park, which some told us was the case, then we need to highlight the fantastic state-of-the-art facilities at the new stadium."

 

Ledley To Sign New Deal?

The Western Mail are reporting Joe is finally ready to sign a new deal although reading through the quotes there's nothing to suggest they are any closer than before really.

The emphasis still seems to be on "iff the contract is right."

Ledley told the Western Mail: “My agent spoke to the chairman (Peter Ridsdale) a couple of days ago and it’s all agreed we will sit down and sort out a contract.

“Now I’m just waiting for the club to come back with the terms on offer, hopefully within a few days or over the next week.

“If the contract is right I will sign it. It has to be right for me and my future, but Cardiff City is in my heart and always will be.

“Every player wants to be in the Premier League and I am no different. It would suit me to do that with Cardiff City – right now that looks a real possibility. It’s brilliant off the pitch at this club and when you look at the training facilities and our new stadium it’s fantastic.

“We all believe Cardiff City are going up to the Premier League.

“I’m excited about the future here. There are only a few days left in the transfer window and if nothing happens I will remain a Cardiff City player. I’m happy with that.”

News

For all the latest City gossip, rumours and breaking news.