Football Season Review

№20: Cardiff City

Cardiff City brought to an end their short stay in the Premier League with a two one home defeat on the final day of the season against third placed Chelsea. There was nothing but pride at stake for the Bluebirds. Their inevitable relegation was confirmed the previous weekend when they lost out to Newcastle United by three goals to nil at St James' Park. Having won the Championship outright the previous season, there were high hopes in the Welsh capital that Malky Mackay's side had a decent shot at staying up in the top flight. However, it very quickly became evident to even the most ardent of followers that an instant return to the Championship was very likely. Apart from Steven Caulkner, the other pre-season signings did not work out or add anything to the strength of the team or squad in anyway. Mackay and the club owner enjoyed a strained relationship at the best of times and late in December the Scotsman was dismissed. At that point Cardiff were the owners of just seventeen points. It took the club just a couple of days to confirm the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the new boss. In truth, the former Manchester United striker was always fighting a losing battle. They continued to struggle for goals, Jordon Mutch was their top scorer with just seven league goals, while at the back they conceded on a massive seventy four occasions. It appears as if Solskjaer will remain at the helm and lead the charge to return to the top flight at the first time of asking. At the time of writing they are the favorites to lift the title.


Player of the Season: David Marshall