If you’re having girl problems I feel bad for you son/I got 99 problems/But these ain’t ‘em!

By: Martyn | August 8th, 2008

Reading back through my own posts I’ve noticed that there is a rather torrid malodorous stench of defeatism, regret, pessimism and kismet-submission. In fact some of my reportage on the club has been more negative than finding out that you are HIV Positive. Sure, there are still/have been far too many inexcusable aspects and issues docked in the club’s immune system like a debilitating virus. But there comes a time when one must climb out of the pit of despair and focus on jumping into the multi-coloured ball-pit of joyous buoyancy! So… dismayed with my own disillusion for a team I love so much that it borders on the disturbing, I contemplated and conjured 10 things that are great about Cardiff City FC at this moment in time. The most fulfilling thing about compiling such a list is not just that I found it so easy - which is always a healthy sign - but the fact that when you decide to sample life on the other side of the fence you discover that optimism truly is damn infectious! Hereto, parity is restored!

(1). We have a minimum of 8 players that would breeze their way straight into the first XI of every team in this league. McPhail, Johnson, Loovens, McNaughton, Scimeca, McCormack, Parry and Ledley. The majority of these have been secured on long-term deals so should a sale be initiated, we’ll end up with more notes than an over-prepared after-dinner speaker! For the time being and foreseeable future, it’s great to enjoy watching players of this calibre represent our club.

(2). Dave Jones has proved that he can be shrewd in the transfer market by securing a prodigal talent in Ross McCormack for little over £100k. Whatever happens this is a sound investment and it may not just stave off a coup de grace for Dave Jones, it could prove to be his deus ex machina!

(3). We are blessed with a brand spanking new, Premier League standard stadium on the way. Sure, it may look uglier than back hair and cheaper than a night at your local rugby club, but all the big teams need one.

(4). We didn’t lose a single game in pre-season. While some may deem this insignificant, ruts aren’t always easy to clamber out from and confidence breeds confidence.

(5). With West Bromwich Albion long gone we can stake a sole unimpeded claim for being the most attractive footballing side in the league. And that, my friends, is only to be commended. Aesthetics are often ignored as managers and players alike become slaves to the mantra ‘the end justifies the means’. Dave Jones and the coaching staff are fully-paid up members of a Trade Union however and stick their fingers right up to those slaves and their backwhippers. They understand that the means can be quantifiable yet beautifully rhythmic.

(6). With Keith Harris on board as a non-executive director, the boardroom and infrastructure at the club is taking shape in preparation of carrying us to the next level. I know that’s a horrible cliché, but the next level always represents something good so hear me out! Metamorphosis won’t be quick and painless but the eventual advancement will reap the rewards and embody us a Premier League club on all levels (pending being in the league itself!).

(7). The academy is churning out talented local lads at an incredible and exhilarating rate. By the time they graduate most are nigh-on fully moulded Championship level players! Next up, world… Darcy Blake, Jon Brown, and Aaron Wildig.

(8). Tomorrow’s game against the Saints is headed for a home sell-out and the club has sold 14k season tickets for the new season. This is fantastic and means Ninian Park will be more atmospheric than space come the 23 final league match-days it is set to host this season.

(9). We have the most loyal and passionate away support in the league. By far. After seeing so many dull and lowly attended away offerings by visitors at Ninian Park down the years, and having witnessed our fervent travellers in action there’s absolutely no doubt about who this league’s - and maybe the Football League’s - best away support is provided by.

(10). Everybody in the know considers us to be one of the main contenders to go up or as a major force/threat they must persistently be wary of. This isn’t opinion formed from uninformed, stoic Press-expected responses - managers and players in this division fear and respect us alike.