Gareth Pearce is back with a look at who’s had an impact for Cardiff City during a fabulous February, including over in the youth ranks.
Cardiff certainly picked up where the left off from January, However, not even the most optimistic of City fans would have seen 6 wins and 1 draw coming from the February schedule, The fantastic form has not only put smiles back on fans’ faces, but it has also pulled City into the Playoff race.
Cardiff City: a fabulous February
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat Mick McCarthy has achieved in his short spell in charge is nothing short of remarkable. Winning at playoff rivals Bournemouth showed that Cardiff can certainly mix it with the top 6 in the Championship. The current form gives the whole club belief that a playoff finish is certainly achievable for this group of players.
The draw at Middlesbrough at the end of the month stopped the Bluebirds from nearly completing a perfect 7 wins out of 7. However conceding late on at The Riverside could be a sign of fatigue as McCarthy has rarely made a change to The Bluebirds starting line up in what has been a very demanding period.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs Cardiff approach the business end of the season, March offers a difficult set of fixtures which concludes with the 2nd South Wales Derby before the International Break. I’m sure that If Cardiff are still in the race for the Playoffs going into April and manage to keep Matchwinners Keiffer Moore and Harry Wilson fit ahead of the run in, Cardiff fans will believe anything is possible.
“You’re a Wizard Harry”
Cardiff fans have finally started to see for real, what most fans have been calling for large parts of the season, “Build the team around Harry Wilson”. It’s a question, but Harry Wilson may be too good for The Championship. The fact that he has produced assists and goals in the Premier League backs that up.
Harry Wilson, even in a style that doesn’t always suit him, managed to produce plenty of magic in February returning 5 assists and 1 goal which has contributed to Cardiff’s success.
Wilson’s set piece delivery, left foot accuracy and ability, is second to none in the Championship and barring injury. Wilson will continue to add to his assist and goal tally which will only benefit the Bluebirds.
The partnership between Wilson and fellow Welshman Keiffer Moore continues to develop. It is disappointing to think that fans may not be able to see and cheer the duo on at the CCS this season.
I’m sure many a Cardiff fan would love the City to sign Wilson on a permanent deal. But, barring promotion, it is unlikely that Cardiff will be able to retain his services. So, Cardiff fans lets enjoy his moments of magic while we can. If he can continue to produce his magic to get us to the Playoff’s Never Say Never.
Youthful Bluebirds
Steve Morisons Cardiff City U23’s continue to impress as they managed to win all 4 games in February including a 0-3 away win at Bristol City. Not only have they won all 4 games but they have played very well doing it.
Plenty of fans have previously questioned the pathway for youth players at Cardiff. But It is clear that the club now see the U23’s as a stepping stone to the 1st team. A sign of this was Rubin Colwill getting his First Team Debut when replacing Harry Wilson as sub in the First Teams 3-1 Victory over Coventry.
The U23’s also start in 3-5-2 formation. However the youthful Bluebirds setup in a very fluid possession based system and have been a joy to watch.
There is plenty of talent in U23’s but notable players to keep a close eye on are Keenan Patten, Isaac Davies, Keiron Evans and Rubin Colwill. All 4 players have not only produced good performances but also netted for the U23’s.
Mick McCarthy has also given Lee Tomlin game time with the U23’s in an attempt to gain fitness ahead of First team duties. He’s noted that Max Watters and Ciaron Brown will also drop to U23’s to get minutes ahead of the run in for the first team.
Overall, there are plenty of things to smile about at the CCS.
image credit: Mick McCarthy Jon Candy from Cardiff, Wales, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons