For a season that began with high hopes, Cardiff City now face a bleak future going into tonight’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was relieved of his duties in October after managing to obtain only eight points out of a possible 21, deemed unacceptable under Tan’s totalitarian regime.
Russell Slade’s appointment offered a glimmer of hope when he was appointed, but the results have failed to materialise. Consistency is key to challenge in the Championship for the Premier League riches, yet Cardiff have fallen short of the required level under the former Leyton Orient manager.
The Bluebirds are without a win in four league games and are currently on their worst run since 2009. They were also knocked out of the FA cup after letting slip a lead against Reading.
A dour playing style has alienated many of the supporters hoping for a new dawn under Slade, yet his decision to sell 12 players has baffled many. Yet Slade received public support from the board on Friday.
Also questioned was his decision to omit top-scorer Kenwyne Jones during their defeat to Derby.
Slade will be hoping that deadline day signing Eoin Doyle can make early progress. Prolific for Chesterfield scoring 25 goals this season, he may be able to arrest Cardiff’s goalscoring woes.
Many fans will be hoping that Doyle, like Slade can make the step up to Championship level and after signing a three-year deal, potentially beyond.
Brighton are not without their woes. Three losses on the bounce under Chris Hughton means they will be hoping to come out on top in a mid-table encounter where both sides hover precariously above the drop zone.
Having hopes of a return to the Premier League, a dour Christmas period has all-but ensured they will spend next season – at best – in the Championship.
Remarkably, only 20 per cent of clubs that have been relegated to the Championship, have immediately ascended back to the top flight at the first time of asking. Whilst out of reach for this season, the Bluebirds will first want to first cement their place in the championship.
Probable teams:
Cardiff (4-4-2): Moore, Peltier, Morrison, Manga, Fabio, Harris, O’Keefe, Gunnarrsson, Whittingham, Doyle, Jones.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Stockdale; Bruno, Greer, Dunk, Bennett; Holla, Ince; Calderon, Teixeira, Lua Lua; Baldock.
Tom’s prediction: 1-2 – Brighton to grab a vital away win and pile the pressure on Slade.
