In The Blue Corner

Vital Cardiff Editor Bluebirdshroom is the second to step up to take the Vital Barnsley ‘Getting To Know You’ interview.

Q: What made you become a Cardiff supporter?

Went with my dad from an early age, was always going to be Bluebirds

Q: Do you remember your first Cardiff game?

I think it was a 3-3 draw against Torquay, I remember it being very sunny – couldn`t tell you much else to be honest!

Q: Who is your favourite Cardiff player from your lifetime?

I think Carl Dale. He wasn`t as skilful as some of the strikers we have had recently but for sheer work-rate, enthusiasm and always popping up with crucial goals in the 89th minute – Dale is a legend.

Q: And your favourite current Cardiff player?

Chris Burke. Signed on the cheap from Rangers, he`s a menace on the right wing and has made a fool of some very accomplished defenders recently.

Q: What do you love about Cardiff?

I honestly believe we have the best away support in the division, if only we could replicate that encouragement and backing for the home games.

Q: What would you change about Cardiff?

Sometimes our supporters get too carried away, we`re naturally very pessimistic but so quick to jump on any poor performance etc. If we managed expectations better and were a bit more realistic – it would be earier to unite behind the team.

Q: Pick out the best and worst moment of last season?

Michael Chopra`s 91st minute winner against Swansea City at home virtually guaranteed a play-off place and saw them embark on a dismal run and drop to 7th – that was a pretty special one.
The moment Jay Bothroyd went off after 15 minutes in the play-off final against Blackpool was the biggest single blow. I`d rather have been 2-0 down with Jay on the pitch.

Q: What are your expectations for next season?

A play-off place must be the aim again, and should be manageable if we keep the squad together and add some cover.

Q: Who will stand out for Cardiff next season?

Anthony Gerrard matured a great deal last year. He has the passion and physical presence and improved over the campaign – we should look to build our defence around Gerrard for next year.

Q: If you could bring any player into the Cardiff squad, money and reputation aside, who would it be?

We`ve needed a tough tackling, ball-winning midfielder for almost 5 years now. Someone to spoil other teams attacks, get into their faces and add power and drive to our midfield – I suppose Steven Gerrard fits that job description best.

Q: Most memorable game against Barnsley and why?

Well that`s not too difficult! Wembley 2008, a spectacular overhead goal from hometown hero Joe Ledley to see us make the FA Cup final. Our first of three Wembley trips in recent years, and the only one we actually won!

With thanks to bluebirdshroom from Vital Cardiff for his answers to these questions and all the best for the new season.

More to come from our opponents’ Vital Editors later…