The Cardiff View – League Cup Preview (24/08/2010)

Ahead of our fixture with Cardiff on Tuesday night we caught up with Jordan Jones to get his opinion on Craig Bellamy, Cardiff’s chances this season and got his prediction for the result on Tuesday.

THE POSH BLOG: The obvious place to start is with Craig Bellamy. What is the feeling like amongst Bluebirds fans now that he has arrived?

JORDAN: It has brought a huge buzz to the city, there are Craig Bellamy tops everywhere!

THE POSH BLOG: I can imagine. Has there been a noticeable increase in attendances as well?

JORDAN: There has been a vast increase. Without Craig the attendance have been about six thousand less on Saturday.

THE POSH BLOG: It has clearly made a big difference then! I heard an interview with Bellamy where he said that he felt at home at Cardiff and was finally respected. Is that the overall feeling or are some fans still wary of his reputation as a ‘bad-boy’?

JORDAN: Everyone here loves Bellamy’s arrival, they don’t care about his past because they know he wants to be here and he lives near Dave Jones. Everyone just sees him as a great icon and are glad to see him here.

THE POSH BLOG: Naturally, some feel this transfer is a little unfair as Cardiff appear to be spending above themselves after facing such financial difficulties; is this a view you share or is it just jealousy from other clubs?

JORDAN: It’s jealousy from the other clubs. The board and the management staff have made this transfer because they know we can fund this. The people who criticise this move would obviously jump the chance to have a player of Craig’s calibre at their club. If you look at Crystal Palace they’ve just came out of administration and they’ve just signed Edgar Davids.

THE POSH BLOG: Obviously this transfer has gazumped your other additions, which have also been impressive, what have your initial impressions been of Dave Jones’ other transfers?

JORDAN: Seyi Olofinjana seems to be the player that we have been missing for all these years. Jason Koumas has come to the club again, which started the transfer craze off, and he seems very sharp. Danny Drinkwater seems a great addition and he works well with Seyi in the centre of midfield. I think the addition of Lee Naylor works well as we need defensive players. I feel Dave Jones has made the right signings but I think we could add a few more defensive players.

THE POSH BLOG: You’re obviously confident about this season then and feel you have a lot of quality within your squad. Who else should Posh fans be wary of on Tuesday night?

JORDAN: I don’t think that they should really be worried about the squad because they know what they’re up against but I feel there will be a lot of changes to the side.

THE POSH BLOG: Oh okay. So you’re not expecting your strongest line-up on Tuesday; does this mean Bellamy will be rested – I’m sure it will come as a relief to most the home fans if he is?

JORDAN: Craig does need to get a few games under his belt but I don’t see him playing on Tuesday. It will sort of come as a relief to the Posh fans because he has gelled very quickly and is playing sharply. I think Ross McCormack will have to step up to the plate though.

THE POSH BLOG: After suffering play-off heartache last season are you expecting promotion this year or would you settle with a play-off spot again?

JORDAN: I do sense that we can get automatic promotion; every Cardiff fan believes this is our season and I feel this is our year because we’ve got a great set of players. If we don’t get automatic promotion then I definitely think we can go up via the play-offs because we have the best squad in the Championship and we have players to cover near the end of the season to avoid fatigue setting in.

THE POSH BLOG: Glad to hear you are expecting another good year. Back to last season again. What were your emotions like at full-time in the dramatic game at London Road?

JORDAN: To be fair, I thought it was game over at half time because we were playing brilliantly. I felt sick inside when the full time whistle blew but fair-play to the Posh players for keeping faith and ending up with a result.

THE POSH BLOG: Finally, what’s your prediction for Tuesday night?

JORDAN: I’ve got a feeling that it will 0-0 after 90 minutes and go to extra time where Ross McCormack will score in the 115th minute.

I would like to thank Jordan for his excellent answers and being very easy arrange this preview with.