What players are saying

bluethrough™

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Never quite sure where to put these interview things, so here is a home for them



Kieffer Moore admits he's been impressed by the impact of Mark Harris' recent introduction to the Cardiff City first team, and says he's already struck up a strong partnership with the youngster.

Harris has played the last two games for the Bluebirds, subsequently helping his side to convincing wins over Luton Town and Huddersfield as Cardiff recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Moore himself netted a brace against the Terriers on Tuesday night, adding to his strike against the Hatters on the Saturday - a game that saw Harris also find the net.

And the former Wigan Athletic striker admits he's enjoying playing alongside the Wales Under-21 international, while also finding praise for fellow striker Robert Glatzel.

He told Cardiff City TV: "I've seen Mark play a couple of times for the Wales Under-21s and he's obviously seen me play too.

"I think we've both got a good understanding of what each other like to do and I think we complement each other very well.

"You saw Bobby's goal when he came on too - he took it extremely well and it was a very good strike."

The mood in the City camp appears to be high heading into Saturday's clash with Watford, a huge contrast to this time last week, when manager Neil Harris looked to be under real pressure after a sorry run of just one win in eight games.

But Moore insists everyone is sticking together as City bid to fire themselves up the table.

"We knew what we had to do and we all came together - staff, manager, players, everyone - and we ground out two great results at home," he said.

"We highlighted areas that we wanted to work on and I think we've implemented that really well, scoring seven goals in the last two games and keeping two clean sheets as well.

"That's really what we need to stick to now for the rest of the season and if we play along those lines, we'll do just great."
 

bluethrough™

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Looks like we could be seeing a lot of Harris this season, especially if Moore is showing a preference towards him as a partner
 

Knees up Brian Clark

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Looks like we could be seeing a lot of Harris this season, especially if Moore is showing a preference towards him as a partner
oh well done Bluethrough.Harris sure to get injured shortly:facepalm:
 

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Travis Bickle

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bluethrough™

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German striker Robert Glatzel says Cardiff City is like a "second home" now following his move from Bundesliga Two club Heidenheim in July 2019.

The 26-year-old broke his goal drought to score his first of the campaign in the Bluebirds' 3-0 win against Huddersfield on Tuesday evening.
Despite the lack of form, Glatzel says he loves being in Cardiff and has adjusted to the different culture.

"I love the team and I love the city," said Glatzel.

"It's almost like my second home. It has already been such a great experience for me, I just hope that I can give back more on the field.

"I'm not 100% happy with how everything has worked out until now, but I'm not giving up."

Despite feeling settled in the Welsh capital, Glatzel admitted it is "not easy to watch" as Wales international Kieffer Moore continues to impress.

As well as Moore's four goals in the last four games, manager Neil Harris has also turned to academy product Mark Harris ahead of Glatzel in recent matches.

But the German striker insists all the forwards at the club support each other despite the competition for places.


"It's a good professional relationship," said Glatzel.

"Three strikers and everybody wants to do the best and hopes the best for each other.

"It's not easy to sit on the bench most of the time.

"You have to accept it and accept the challenge, not give up, give your best and that's how it is to be a professional.

"That's my situation at the moment. I have to keep working hard and wait for my chance to come."
 

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German striker Robert Glatzel says Cardiff City is like a "second home" now following his move from Bundesliga Two club Heidenheim in July 2019.

The 26-year-old broke his goal drought to score his first of the campaign in the Bluebirds' 3-0 win against Huddersfield on Tuesday evening.
Despite the lack of form, Glatzel says he loves being in Cardiff and has adjusted to the different culture.

"I love the team and I love the city," said Glatzel.

"It's almost like my second home. It has already been such a great experience for me, I just hope that I can give back more on the field.

"I'm not 100% happy with how everything has worked out until now, but I'm not giving up."

Despite feeling settled in the Welsh capital, Glatzel admitted it is "not easy to watch" as Wales international Kieffer Moore continues to impress.

As well as Moore's four goals in the last four games, manager Neil Harris has also turned to academy product Mark Harris ahead of Glatzel in recent matches.

But the German striker insists all the forwards at the club support each other despite the competition for places.


"It's a good professional relationship," said Glatzel.

"Three strikers and everybody wants to do the best and hopes the best for each other.

"It's not easy to sit on the bench most of the time.

"You have to accept it and accept the challenge, not give up, give your best and that's how it is to be a professional.

"That's my situation at the moment. I have to keep working hard and wait for my chance to come."
Sounds like a good lad. If he can be a bit more streetwise [can learn from Moore] then he has the technique to be a really useful player at Championship level.
 

bluethrough™

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Interesting piece I thought.



Jonathan Woodgate has revealed former Cardiff City star Stephen McPhail was the best player he featured alongside during his time with Leeds United.

Woodgate started his professional career with the Whites and made 142 appearances for the club before joining Newcastle United midway through the 2002/03 campaign.

McPhail progressed through the ranks at Elland Road in the late 1990s and early 2000s before joining the Bluebirds in 2006 following spells with Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley.

He was a pivotal figure in the Dave Jones era at Cardiff and starred in his side's dream run to the FA Cup final in 2008.

And when asked to name the best player he played alongside during his time at Leeds, Woodgate had no hesitation in talking up McPhail's talents.

"Stephen McPhail, in the youth team. He used to control the midfield," he told Jamie Carragher's The Greatest Game podcast.

"Left footer. He was silky on the eye. His weight of pass, timing, everything, he could just control a game. He was loved at Leeds. He made a lot of appearances for Leeds, but I didn't think he didn't had the athleticism."

Podcast host and current Sky Sports pundit Carragher went on to reveal that his former Liverpool and England team mate Steven Gerrard previously described McPhail as one of his toughest ever opponents.

"Stevie told me a story about Stephen McPhail," said Carragher.

"I remember Stevie telling me, it might have been for England's Under-18s or Under-16s, he always says 'he was one of the best players I ever played against'."

Former Republic of Ireland international McPhail had stints with Sheffield Wednesday and Shamrock Rovers before calling time on his career in 2016.

Woodgate also played alongside former Cardiff striker Craig Bellamy during his time at Newcastle.

Bellamy had two stints with his home town club at the back end of what was a glittering career at the top end of professional football.

And Woodgate has stated that the former Wales international was always among the best players in training, although he revealed Bellamy would often cross the line when it came to criticising others.

"I used to give him stick because he used to hammer other people, so I thought 'if you're going to hammer people, you're going to get it off me'," said Woodgate.

"Bellers was an unbelievable trainer. What he did sometimes, he used to give people a bit too much stick. So I used to give him a go as well, and when you give him a bit, he backs down a bit.

"But, a great lad. I've spoken to him a few times now he's over in Belgium in coaching. He's doing really well, he enjoys it.

"He absolutely adores the game and he always has done, so I hope he does really well."
 

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Interesting piece I thought.



Jonathan Woodgate has revealed former Cardiff City star Stephen McPhail was the best player he featured alongside during his time with Leeds United.

Woodgate started his professional career with the Whites and made 142 appearances for the club before joining Newcastle United midway through the 2002/03 campaign.

McPhail progressed through the ranks at Elland Road in the late 1990s and early 2000s before joining the Bluebirds in 2006 following spells with Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley.

He was a pivotal figure in the Dave Jones era at Cardiff and starred in his side's dream run to the FA Cup final in 2008.

And when asked to name the best player he played alongside during his time at Leeds, Woodgate had no hesitation in talking up McPhail's talents.

"Stephen McPhail, in the youth team. He used to control the midfield," he told Jamie Carragher's The Greatest Game podcast.

"Left footer. He was silky on the eye. His weight of pass, timing, everything, he could just control a game. He was loved at Leeds. He made a lot of appearances for Leeds, but I didn't think he didn't had the athleticism."

Podcast host and current Sky Sports pundit Carragher went on to reveal that his former Liverpool and England team mate Steven Gerrard previously described McPhail as one of his toughest ever opponents.

"Stevie told me a story about Stephen McPhail," said Carragher.

"I remember Stevie telling me, it might have been for England's Under-18s or Under-16s, he always says 'he was one of the best players I ever played against'."

Former Republic of Ireland international McPhail had stints with Sheffield Wednesday and Shamrock Rovers before calling time on his career in 2016.

Woodgate also played alongside former Cardiff striker Craig Bellamy during his time at Newcastle.

Bellamy had two stints with his home town club at the back end of what was a glittering career at the top end of professional football.

And Woodgate has stated that the former Wales international was always among the best players in training, although he revealed Bellamy would often cross the line when it came to criticising others.

"I used to give him stick because he used to hammer other people, so I thought 'if you're going to hammer people, you're going to get it off me'," said Woodgate.

"Bellers was an unbelievable trainer. What he did sometimes, he used to give people a bit too much stick. So I used to give him a go as well, and when you give him a bit, he backs down a bit.

"But, a great lad. I've spoken to him a few times now he's over in Belgium in coaching. He's doing really well, he enjoys it.

"He absolutely adores the game and he always has done, so I hope he does really well."
Didn’t Steven Gerrard say something similar as well?
McPhail and Scimeca are probably my favourite midfield partnership since I’ve been watching the City, shame it didn’t happen more often.
 

bluethrough™

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Didn’t Steven Gerrard say something similar as well?
McPhail and Scimeca are probably my favourite midfield partnership since I’ve been watching the City, shame it didn’t happen more often.


You didn't read it did you:hehe:
 

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bluethrough™

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Apologies if I missed it but didn't realise that Flint was back at the club, that's not good



Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis has admitted he is unsure whether loan duo Aden Flint and Jack Marriott will return to Hillsborough.

Centre-half Flint and striker Marriott are back at their parent clubs Cardiff City and Derby County receiving treatment for hamstring and calf injuries respectively. Neither are expected to be fit until the New Year.

Flint, who has worked with Pulis before at Middlesbrough, has not featured since October while Marriott's last outing came in the goalless draw against Millwall on November 7.

The duo joined the Owls on season long-loan deals in January, but the Rams have the option to recall Marriott in January.

On Marriott's future, Pulis told Yorkshire Live: "It is between the two clubs. I have not even seen Jack since I have been at the football club.

"Him and Flinty have gone back to their mother clubs. Obviously I know Aden really well. They have gone back to their mother clubs and we will have to wait and see whether we will see them again. I'm not so sure."

There will be incomings and outgoings at S6 when the transfer window reopens next month, according to Pulis. He has spoken to the recruitment team, outlining the areas he feels must be addressed to give the club the best opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone.
 

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Adopted Welshman Joe Ralls on his love of Cardiff City, what fans will not accept and why he is ready to lead derby fight


There are few players as ingrained into the fabric of Cardiff City Football Club as Joe Ralls.

The midfielder, who has been at the club almost a decade now, has been one of the most consistent performers this season, through the bad times and the good, and is undoubtedly one of Neil Harris' trusted lieutenants.

He is the exact type of person Bluebirds fans will be happy to see in the middle of the park when both Cardiff and Swansea City stride out to the middle at Saturday lunchtime.

The squad has seen a major overhaul in the last 12 months, since Neil Harris took charge, but a core group of leaders still remain.

Ralls has emerged to become one of the key figures in the dressing room in recent months and, following the dismal display against QPR earlier in the season, he had a few choice words for the players in the dressing room.

He knows all too well the standard expected of the demanding Cardiff City fans and, following a weak at limp performance in west London, he did not hesitate to remind the players what is completely unacceptable while wearing the blue of Cardiff City.

"I've been at the club a long time now, I know what's expected," Ralls began. "I know what the fans want to see.

"They can accept bad performances sometimes, little blips in form, but QPR we got outfought and outrun and that is something that is not accepted at this football club.

"I don't think we have been outfought in a game since, we have just had a couple of bad performances. Since then, the boys have shown real fight, even the games we haven't gone out to win.

"The effort is there and on match days everyone is putting it in and trying to win their battles and that's what it is about sometimes.

"That's what football is about sometimes, going out there and winning your individual battles."

That statement is never truer as we head into a South Wales derby, where coming second best against your opposite number is not even a notion to bear thinking about.

Usually, players have a fairly accurate, and immediate, barometer of their performance from the vociferous Bluebirds supporters on match days, letting them no in uncertain terms if they are pleased with what they are seeing.

But in the absence of fans, the onus falls on senior players to get the changing room revved up and that responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Ralls, and others, ahead of Saturday's clash against arch-rivals Swansea City.

"It's a lot different at the minute, without the fans," Ralls added.

"You know where you stand, generally, when the fans are there! You know whether you've done well or when you need to do better.

"Sometimes you've got to find that from within the changing room and we have got plenty of leaders, big characters in the dressing room, and we know when we are playing well or below standards.

"No one is scared to say that to each other in the dressing room and that's fine. It has to be said sometimes.

"QPR was one of those moments when something needed to be said from a few people just so everyone knew that performances like that first half are not acceptable at this club."

Ralls believes that dire QPR display was a bit of a reality check for this squad of players and, following a couple of nervy results thereafter, Cardiff are back on track.

But while the Bluebirds head into this fixture on the back of four impressive wins and brimming with confidence, Ralls himself has enjoyed a fine run of form.

His tenacity in the middle and bustling style of creativity at the business end of the pitch has been a massive asset and something which cannot be underestimated.

While the plaudits have been lavished on the attackers for scoring goals and the defenders for their impressive record of late, those doing the dog work in midfield can often be forgotten about.

But Ralls is certainly not someone who Cardiff fans take for granted. He really is one of their own, having joined the club way back in 2011.

Ralls' love of Cardiff City really shines through and it is that passion which will be so crucial heading into derby day, a fixture which he knows means so much to football fans in this part of the world.

So, having been here for so long, does he feel now feel almost like he has been adopted by the people of Wales?

"Yeah, I do actually!," Ralls laughed. "I get that quite a lot actually, from the supporters.

"I love living in Wales, I love being at Cardiff City, I've been here all my career and it's something I'm really proud of.

"It's something I hope continues, because I love playing for this football club."

And there will be nothing sweeter for Ralls, following a draw and a defeat last term, than to earn that very first derby victory for the club he loves so dearly.

"All the boys know what local derbies are like, but this one is really special derby," he said of the derby.

"It’s a big game and there hasn’t been many of them in recent years. It's one we haven't won in a little while and we will be looking to try and win on Saturday.

"We lost and drew with them last season, so, let's be honest, it will be nice to get a win over them at some point this season – hopefully that can be Saturday.

"It’s a massively important game. We are well aware that it's a derby and just how much it means to everyone."
 

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Apologies if I missed it but didn't realise that Flint was back at the club, that's not good



Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis has admitted he is unsure whether loan duo Aden Flint and Jack Marriott will return to Hillsborough.

Centre-half Flint and striker Marriott are back at their parent clubs Cardiff City and Derby County receiving treatment for hamstring and calf injuries respectively. Neither are expected to be fit until the New Year.

Flint, who has worked with Pulis before at Middlesbrough, has not featured since October while Marriott's last outing came in the goalless draw against Millwall on November 7.

The duo joined the Owls on season long-loan deals in January, but the Rams have the option to recall Marriott in January.

On Marriott's future, Pulis told Yorkshire Live: "It is between the two clubs. I have not even seen Jack since I have been at the football club.

"Him and Flinty have gone back to their mother clubs. Obviously I know Aden really well. They have gone back to their mother clubs and we will have to wait and see whether we will see them again. I'm not so sure."

There will be incomings and outgoings at S6 when the transfer window reopens next month, according to Pulis. He has spoken to the recruitment team, outlining the areas he feels must be addressed to give the club the best opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone.
How did Flint fo his hammy? Not sprinting surely :hehe:
 

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The sort of player we could do with now



Fabio Da Silva has had two too many brushes with tragedy in recent years. Both of which have been felt strongly in this corner of the world.

Cardiff City Football Club was brought to its knees by the losses of Emiliano Sala and Peter Whittingham over the space of 18 months and their deaths still sting just as harshly to this day.

One was a player in the prime of his career, who had just agreed the biggest move of his life to start a new chapter in the Welsh capital. Another was a bona fide Cardiff City legend.

The one thing they had in common? A friend in Fabio.

Fabio, by nature, is a bubbly, effervescent character, never short of a smile or a laugh, but even his voice strikes a sobering tone when our conversation turns to the losses of these two people bound so closely to those associated with Cardiff City.

"I was in shock with this news," Fabio says of Whittingham's passing in March. "First here with Sala and then, when I heard of Peter Whittingham, it was shocking.

"I couldn't believe it. Straight away, when someone told me, the first thing I did was text Matthew Connolly.

"Connolly said, 'No, he is still in hospital' and told me the story. But afterwards, he text me to say he had passed away. I was devastated. I couldn't believe it.

"He was such a nice guy, a fantastic pro."

Often being at arm's length to such horrendous stories, we can sometimes forget the impact a death like this has on those who knew them best.

For Fabio, the impact of Sala's death in January 2019 profoundly changed him as a person.

The Argentine sought counsel in Fabio, the former Manchester United left-back having intimate knowledge of the Bluebirds following his two-and-a-half seasons with the club, and picked his brains as excitement grew over his imminent move.

Fabio says he spoke to Sala on the afternoon before his ill-fated flight across the Channel and awaited his text when he touched down the other side. That text never came.

"In the afternoon he was going to take the plane, he asked me so many things about Cardiff, because he knew I had played there," Fabio explains.

"I told him that anything he needed or wanted from me, he could text me. And then, in the morning, when I heard the news, it was shocking.

"Before he signed he asked me and I told him how the fans were, how everyone is in the stadium, how the club works.

"He was such a professional and to be honest, I was happy for him, because I knew Cardiff fans would have loved him. He was a fantastic character."

Enduring such a personal tragedy had a real affect on the Brazilian. He admits that for a few months he really wasn't right.

But Sala's passing has taught him the most valuable lesson he could ever wish to learn; to cherish every moment. He smiles more now than he ever did before.

"I'll be honest, the first two months were hard," he admits. "You play games together and train every day, every week.

"So, you can imagine it being any one of us there. Life is so short, man, you need to give every moment in your life everything.

"Even now I think about it. Before, I smiled and I laughed, everyone knows me for that, but now even more, after everything that has happened.

"Because life is short.

"I'm sure it was one of the best moments in his life, he had signed for Cardiff for £15m. He was having the best month of his career and in one minute, everything is gone. His life is over."

Fabio, now 30, is a family man and that comes through clearly in everything he says.

He admits that, in 2014, it was difficult to move away from his brother Rafael for the first time, permanently, anyway, but his wife was pregnant with his first daughter and, even at 24, realised it was time for him to grow up and take care of his family, as well as his own future.

He reveals that in September 2013, then Manchester United manager David Moyes came to him with the offer of a new contract, but Fabio wanted to create a new path, for himself and his family, away from Old Trafford, the place he had called home for six years.

"Moyes came to me, he wanted to speak to me in September, but he never picked me," he says. "And he spoke with me and said, 'Sir Alex has spoken with me and actually we want you to re-sign with a new contract for two years.'

"And I straight away said, 'No, no, no. I never play. I know you like me but I want to be happy. I want to play football.'

"I was 24 years old and I just wanted to play football."
 

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The sort of player we could do with now



Fabio Da Silva has had two too many brushes with tragedy in recent years. Both of which have been felt strongly in this corner of the world.

Cardiff City Football Club was brought to its knees by the losses of Emiliano Sala and Peter Whittingham over the space of 18 months and their deaths still sting just as harshly to this day.

One was a player in the prime of his career, who had just agreed the biggest move of his life to start a new chapter in the Welsh capital. Another was a bona fide Cardiff City legend.

The one thing they had in common? A friend in Fabio.

Fabio, by nature, is a bubbly, effervescent character, never short of a smile or a laugh, but even his voice strikes a sobering tone when our conversation turns to the losses of these two people bound so closely to those associated with Cardiff City.

"I was in shock with this news," Fabio says of Whittingham's passing in March. "First here with Sala and then, when I heard of Peter Whittingham, it was shocking.

"I couldn't believe it. Straight away, when someone told me, the first thing I did was text Matthew Connolly.

"Connolly said, 'No, he is still in hospital' and told me the story. But afterwards, he text me to say he had passed away. I was devastated. I couldn't believe it.

"He was such a nice guy, a fantastic pro."

Often being at arm's length to such horrendous stories, we can sometimes forget the impact a death like this has on those who knew them best.

For Fabio, the impact of Sala's death in January 2019 profoundly changed him as a person.

The Argentine sought counsel in Fabio, the former Manchester United left-back having intimate knowledge of the Bluebirds following his two-and-a-half seasons with the club, and picked his brains as excitement grew over his imminent move.

Fabio says he spoke to Sala on the afternoon before his ill-fated flight across the Channel and awaited his text when he touched down the other side. That text never came.

"In the afternoon he was going to take the plane, he asked me so many things about Cardiff, because he knew I had played there," Fabio explains.

"I told him that anything he needed or wanted from me, he could text me. And then, in the morning, when I heard the news, it was shocking.

"Before he signed he asked me and I told him how the fans were, how everyone is in the stadium, how the club works.

"He was such a professional and to be honest, I was happy for him, because I knew Cardiff fans would have loved him. He was a fantastic character."

Enduring such a personal tragedy had a real affect on the Brazilian. He admits that for a few months he really wasn't right.

But Sala's passing has taught him the most valuable lesson he could ever wish to learn; to cherish every moment. He smiles more now than he ever did before.

"I'll be honest, the first two months were hard," he admits. "You play games together and train every day, every week.

"So, you can imagine it being any one of us there. Life is so short, man, you need to give every moment in your life everything.

"Even now I think about it. Before, I smiled and I laughed, everyone knows me for that, but now even more, after everything that has happened.

"Because life is short.

"I'm sure it was one of the best moments in his life, he had signed for Cardiff for £15m. He was having the best month of his career and in one minute, everything is gone. His life is over."

Fabio, now 30, is a family man and that comes through clearly in everything he says.

He admits that, in 2014, it was difficult to move away from his brother Rafael for the first time, permanently, anyway, but his wife was pregnant with his first daughter and, even at 24, realised it was time for him to grow up and take care of his family, as well as his own future.

He reveals that in September 2013, then Manchester United manager David Moyes came to him with the offer of a new contract, but Fabio wanted to create a new path, for himself and his family, away from Old Trafford, the place he had called home for six years.

"Moyes came to me, he wanted to speak to me in September, but he never picked me," he says. "And he spoke with me and said, 'Sir Alex has spoken with me and actually we want you to re-sign with a new contract for two years.'

"And I straight away said, 'No, no, no. I never play. I know you like me but I want to be happy. I want to play football.'

"I was 24 years old and I just wanted to play football."

Argued with my mates every game he played. They loved Fabio - a 100% trier.

Personally I thought he was a hot head who couldn't tackle, pass, head or had any positional sense :hehe:
 

bluethrough™

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Argued with my mates every game he played. They loved Fabio - a 100% trier.

Personally I thought he was a hot head who couldn't tackle, pass, head or had any positional sense :hehe:



Seems you expect far too much from our players:hehe:
 

Jimmytaff

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Argued with my mates every game he played. They loved Fabio - a 100% trier.

Personally I thought he was a hot head who couldn't tackle, pass, head or had any positional sense :hehe:
I think he was a bad fit for our side back then and his pace and enthusiasm meant he got off quite lightly with our fan base. He had some lovely technique but it rarely led to anything. I quite liked the guy but he wasn't worth the big salary he was supposedly on.

I think he might actually fit into our current set up quite well provided he had a disciplined, hard working player prepared to cover for him [Hoilett type]. His pace and ovelapping would be useful in what is a more workmanlike team - I could see him getting behind the opposition's back 4 a fair bit
 

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Argued with my mates every game he played. They loved Fabio - a 100% trier.

Personally I thought he was a hot head who couldn't tackle, pass, head or had any positional sense :hehe:
Yeah all the attributes needed to be a City legend:hehe:
 
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