Worrall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gT_A0AprM8

Bee Hole end
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm_Pa39Pe9I

I'm surprised Worrall made it to the interview spot in time he's that slow.

Why enter any competition and not play a team that gives the best chance of winning? If fringe players need a game then arrange a friendly.
This competition is now devalued and pointless.

Since62 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 10:50 am

Why enter any competition and not play a team that gives the best chance of winning? If fringe players need a game then arrange a friendly.
This competition is now devalued and pointless.

That starting XI had more than enough to win that game of football. The fact the performance simply wasn’t good enough is down to player performance on the night and, quite frankly, a lack of urgency or desire from too many.

Cheshireclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 11:03 am

That starting XI had more than enough to win that game of football. The fact the performance simply wasn’t good enough is down to player performance on the night and, quite frankly, a lack of urgency or desire from too many.

And the shocking tactics.

A disgraceful performance 1st half, improvement 2nd, Hannibal and Flemming up for it but not many others.

The starting 11 didn't bother me really. It was the bench that showed our true intentions. To not have some of the big guns ready and waiting suggested we had very little interest in going through.

There was no reason not to have a Cullen on the bench in case of injury. We then wouldn't have had to had to suffer with Humphreys in the middle of midfield, which really was a joke.

It was a great cup draw for us and we've chucked it away for no reason. We don't have many games as it is this season so basically the whole.squad bar the first 11 players will be lacking match sharpness now.

Players like Flemming and Broja, when are they going to get enough minutes now? Presably we will have training games arranged most weeks to try and get them game time.

Cheshireclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 11:03 am

That starting XI had more than enough to win that game of football. The fact the performance simply wasn’t good enough is down to player performance on the night and, quite frankly, a lack of urgency or desire from too many.

Correct, it wasn’t the personnel per se but the tactics and desire . Though 11 changes is a hell of a gamble , more so without a few “ shock troops” on the bench if needed . The sheer sloppiness and poor organisation was shambolic , Cardiff fully deserved their win , no fluke at all .

Cheshireclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 11:03 am

That starting XI had more than enough to win that game of football. The fact the performance simply wasn’t good enough is down to player performance on the night and, quite frankly, a lack of urgency or desire from too many.

It was a good side on paper but just shows you can't throw 11 players together who don't play together as a team and expect a top performance. Sad reflection on modern football with the Premier League dominating everything. Expect we'll see the same in the FA Cup as well. A real shame I think when finishing 17th is more important than a decent cup run. Where's the excitement in that?

Can't just blame the players & Parker for not being too bothered when only 6,000 turned up either. But then why would you when you know that we aren't going to take it seriously.

Goliath wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 11:35 am

The starting 11 didn't bother me really. It was the bench that showed our true intentions. To not have some of the big guns ready and waiting suggested we had very little interest in going through.

There was no reason not to have a Cullen on the bench in case of injury. We then wouldn't have had to had to suffer with Humphreys in the middle of midfield, which really was a joke.

It was a great cup draw for us and we've chucked it away for no reason. We don't have many games as it is this season so basically the whole.squad bar the first 11 players will be lacking match sharpness now.

Players like Flemming and Broja, when are they going to get enough minutes now? Presably we will have training games arranged most weeks to try and get them game time.

When we are an established PL side, fair enough.

That's why I couldn't understand Dyche not taking cup games seriously when we were a mid table Prem team.

In our current situation I can fully understand that the Carabao Cup is just a distraction this season.

billyhamilton82 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 12:28 pm

When we are an established PL side, fair enough.

That's why I couldn't understand Dyche not taking cup games seriously when we were a mid table Prem team.

In our current situation I can fully understand that the Carabao Cup is just a distraction this season.

Whys it a distraction. We only have 38 league games in the season with numerous international breaks along with the winter break.

It shows the stupidity of football types to me. They follow the herd way too much. The big clubs don't play their first 11 because they have so many games so it's a totally different kettle of fish.

Our problem is there isn't enough games, I'd argue if you just have 38 league games and you go out of the cups early, then even the starting 11 could do with topping up minutes when they can. Is 90 minutes once a week or even fortnight at times enough to really compete physically with those who play a lot more often. We've already seen numerous players cramping up towards the end of games this season.

There's clearly a balance to be had and I fear we are now on the wrong side of it.

Cups should never be a distraction, and this one isn't either.
Anyone remember our cup run under Coyle? They lift the fans, create excitement, breed a winning mentality, get some more cash in the coffers.

It should be taken seriously and give our first team players playing time with each other. There are plenty of new faces & many haven't played together much. These are games to gel a side together, not just give bench warmers a kickabout. Any fitness/sharpness gain they've got will be lost in a few weeks when they're sat back warming the bench. Florentino could easily have played 45 mins last night with Hannibal, for example.

dvalley69 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 12:38 pm

Cups should never be a distraction, and this one isn't either.
Anyone remember our cup run under Coyle? They lift the fans, create excitement, breed a winning mentality, get some more cash in the coffers.

It should be taken seriously and give our first team players playing time with each other. There are plenty of new faces & many haven't played together much. These are games to gel a side together, not just give bench warmers a kickabout. Any fitness/sharpness gain they've got will be lost in a few weeks when they're sat back warming the bench. Florentino could easily have played 45 mins last night with Hannibal, for example.

Agree with your first point massively. Our squad now compared to the Coyle squad, is infinitely more in depth with the amount of players we have. There’s no reason as to why this team couldn’t go on a decent cup run, given our depth our resources.

The cup games under Coyle also had the majority of first team players featuring in them. Couple this with a longer, 46 game championship season which ended in a play-off challenge means the 08/09 team were playing well north of 50 games that season.

I understand we are in the PL now, and the challenges are different. To rest your entire first 11 to the point of not even including them on the bench just feels massively reductive.

Cheshireclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 11:03 am

That starting XI had more than enough to win that game of football. The fact the performance simply wasn’t good enough is down to player performance on the night and, quite frankly, a lack of urgency or desire from too many.

I don't think that's right. I think the performance was what you get really if you put out 10 outfield players of whom only 2 have played with any regularity this season (one of whom, Hannibal was our best player), and attempt to shoehorn the 10 players that you most want to get minutes into a system that doesn't suit those personnel (particularly when the team consists of players who have never played together before at all, let alone in that system). If we want to play 3-4-3/5-2-3 this season that is absolutely fine, but Broja and Flemming are both central strikers and that's incompatible with the system unless one is specifically instructed to play an unfamiliar role (which didn't appear to be the case last night, and if it was the case, certainly didn't work). The result of that set up was that the midfield 2 were completely overrun and the full backs were always dealing with overloads, and they didn't have the necessary options when they did get the ball (in effect, we were playing something closer to a 3-5-2, and that only works if you've got more mobile runners than either Broja and Flemming offered last night).

I understand why Parker did it, and the minute it gave players will be helpful, but it always carried the risk of a completely incoherent performance and that's what we got.

It was all on Parker. He was the one to take off Fleming and put on a young kid for his debut, while we were chasing the equaliser.

Players like Edwards were sold a pup with constant tracking back, almost like it was a drill for playing at Man City, not Cardiff City. Did Sonne or Pires ever get to the penalty box area?

He wanted to be out. And if he carries on like this, it will be us wanting him out. I’m feeling as grumpy as I was back in January watching all those 0-0s because I’m sensing this is coming in the league too, but I will hold judgement until after Villa, Leeds and Wolves. If he wins two out of three, fair do.

CrosspoolClarets wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 1:08 pm

He wanted to be out. And if he carries on like this, it will be us wanting him out. .

That should be you not us wanting him out. Not everyone spits the dummy after a loss.

The inability of some to see the bigger picture is baffling. Our first XI are going to be chasing the ball for the best part of 90 minutes on Saturday. I think I'd prefer them to be fully rested and not injured, and clearly Parker agrees. We've seen already this season how tired players can make costly mistakes and we can't afford them.

Like it or not, giving the team the best chance of staying up is not just the top priority, it's the only priority. The cup matches are glorified friendlies and will be used to manage fitness of squad players and give opportunities to young players.

claretonthecoast1882 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 1:12 pm

That should be you not us wanting him out. Not everyone spits the dummy after a loss.

He was a hero Saturday evening.

Can’t imagine many will bother turning up for the FA Cup based on the desire shown last night. I certainly won’t. The maximum effort mantra was nowhere to be seen.

There’s comments on this (and other) threads that make you realise that people are just waiting for a bad result to pounce on Parker.

It’s generally accepted that Parker and the squad have done well so far this season in spite of a tough set of opening fixtures.

One poor performance from the reserves and people lose their minds.

Bacchus wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 1:22 pm

The inability of some to see the bigger picture is baffling. Our first XI are going to be chasing the ball for the best part of 90 minutes on Saturday. I think I'd prefer them to be fully rested and not injured, and clearly Parker agrees. We've seen already this season how tired players can make costly mistakes and we can't afford them.

Like it or not, giving the team the best chance of staying up is not just the top priority, it's the only priority. The cup matches are glorified friendlies and will be used to manage fitness of squad players and give opportunities to young players.

I agree regarding injury jeopardy but regarding fitness we aren't talking about geriatric old infirm people we are talking about young fit men in their prime. if playing 2 games in a week presents significant cause to rest something somehow is going wrong. More rest could arguably cause a drop off in fitness levels as fitness isn't being maintained in match conditions.

How much did that XI cost? Humphreys, Hannibal, Ugochuckwa, Broja, Edwards, Flemming....Tresor. You'd expect them to have enough about them to see off a league one side.

I must have missed the 'massive improvement' in the second half.

agreenwood wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 2:02 pm

There’s comments on this (and other) threads that make you realise that people are just waiting for a bad result to pounce on Parker.

It’s generally accepted that Parker and the squad have done well so far this season in spite of a tough set of opening fixtures.

One poor performance from the reserves and people lose their minds.

I just see him throwing the tie like Dyche used to do - and I'm not happy with that.

Is that ok?

dibraidio wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 2:18 pm

How much did that XI cost? Humphreys, Hannibal, Ugochuckwa, Broja, Edwards, Flemming....Tresor. You'd expect them to have enough about them to see off a league one side.

Around €105 million according to transfermarkt.co.uk

The magic of the cup.

agreenwood wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 2:02 pm

It’s generally accepted that Parker and the squad have done well so far this season in spite of a tough set of opening fixtures.

Can you let me know when the 'set of fixtures ' we face get easier. I've been looking through them but am unable to identify any.

claretspice wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 12:53 pm

I don't think that's right. I think the performance was what you get really if you put out 10 outfield players of whom only 2 have played with any regularity this season (one of whom, Hannibal was our best player), and attempt to shoehorn the 10 players that you most want to get minutes into a system that doesn't suit those personnel (particularly when the team consists of players who have never played together before at all, let alone in that system). If we want to play 3-4-3/5-2-3 this season that is absolutely fine, but Broja and Flemming are both central strikers and that's incompatible with the system unless one is specifically instructed to play an unfamiliar role (which didn't appear to be the case last night, and if it was the case, certainly didn't work). The result of that set up was that the midfield 2 were completely overrun and the full backs were always dealing with overloads, and they didn't have the necessary options when they did get the ball (in effect, we were playing something closer to a 3-5-2, and that only works if you've got more mobile runners than either Broja and Flemming offered last night).

I understand why Parker did it, and the minute it gave players will be helpful, but it always carried the risk of a completely incoherent performance and that's what we got.

I understand why he did it, but I think you are being far to generous to the players. They train together as a squad regularly, they are highly paid (would-be) premier league footballers, they should be able to cope with keeping the ball against a 3rd tier team regardless of tactics.

dibraidio wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 2:18 pm

How much did that XI cost? Humphreys, Hannibal, Ugochuckwa, Broja, Edwards, Flemming....Tresor. You'd expect them to have enough about them to see off a league one side.

You would expect a win with that team against League 1 opposition
But you should also be wary of a surprise especially if you want a victory
Having a few from the starting 11 on the bench would have been a safeguard for a reaction if needed
To have a bunch of kids was bad management

JohnMcGreal wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 3:48 pm

Around €105 million according to transfermarkt.co.uk

The magic of the cup.

Plus their (not inconsiderable) pay packets compared to the people who made the effort to go to Turf and pay their own money to watch. Not a good night to reflect on for BFC.

Well we’ve just rested our entire starting side ahead of a trip to Man City and forfeited our spot in the cup to do so.

Let’s see if it was worth it, I suspect we’ll get beat at City regardless of the team we put out.

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 9:12 am

Well we’ve just rested our entire starting side ahead of a trip to Man City and forfeited our spot in the cup to do so.

Let’s see if it was worth it, I suspect we’ll get beat at City regardless of the team we put out.

Might have been better playing our first team in the cup and making 11 changes for City.

Give up the chance of a cup run for the opportunity to play defence vs attack on Saturdays..
That's entertainment!

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:12 am

Might have been better playing our first team in the cup and making 11 changes for City.

I think you’re maybe saying it half in jest, but it’s exactly what I’d do. We’ll get nothing on Saturday, rested players or not, but we could’ve been looking at beating Wrexham for a place in the last 8.

Getting really fed up of these self-inflicted cup defeats. There’s 8 games less this season anyway, so take the cups more seriously. If not, then don’t bother entering them, because the current approach is disrespecting the fans.

hoskinsgoalatswansea wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 2:24 pm

I think you’re maybe saying it half in jest, but it’s exactly what I’d do.

I might have imagined this, but I seem to recall McCarthy putting out a very weakened side out against Man U in our 2010 relegation season, preserving his best team for the 6 pointer against us the following week...I think it worked too as they ragged a narrow win.. (and survived?)

fatboy47 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 4:28 pm

I might have imagined this, but I seem to recall McCarthy putting out a very weakened side out against Man U in our 2010 relegation season, preserving his best team for the 6 pointer against us the following week...I think it worked too as they ragged a narrow win.. (and survived?)

Not sure they ‘ragged’ that win although Clarke Carlisle and a deflection helped them. We hit the post and Fletcher missed a good chance but my memory is that we never looked like winning it.

agreenwood wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 24, 2025 2:02 pm

There’s comments on this (and other) threads that make you realise that people are just waiting for a bad result to pounce on Parker.

It’s generally accepted that Parker and the squad have done well so far this season in spite of a tough set of opening fixtures.

One poor performance from the reserves and people lose their minds.

100 percent agree, a few came off the back of a percieved lack of intent to win the game on Saturday too.

Not everyone but there's definitely some.

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 10:12 am

Might have been better playing our first team in the cup and making 11 changes for City.

10000% agree, I know we probably wouldn’t have drawn Wrexham like Cardiff have but if we did, what an opportunity to get into a quarter final.

We threw it all away to likely get our arse spanked away at City. Bizarre decision.

Culmclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 5:48 pm

Not sure they ‘ragged’ that win although Clarke Carlisle and a deflection helped them. We hit the post and Fletcher missed a good chance but my memory is that we never looked like winning it.

I'd say you are correct, I was at Molyneux that day.

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 8:03 pm

10000% agree, I know we probably wouldn’t have drawn Wrexham like Cardiff have but if we did, what an opportunity to get into a quarter final.

We threw it all away to likely get our arse spanked away at City. Bizarre decision.

Not from a managerial stand point of view it isn't it's more unlikely that we'll win the cup than pick up at least a point against city that could contribute towards PL survival. Taking into consideration 1 entity is more likely than the other a bigger prize awaits & more credence towards better managerial opportunities. We automatically think as fans that managers will do what's best for the club without considering other alternative gain.

I have no issue with the side selected to start but would have liked to see 2-3 first teamers on the bench.
We have cried out for cover in every position for ages and now that we've got it we have to use it.
It was a disjointed side and one or two defenders were so poor, lack of match fitness cannot be used as an excuse. For the rest definitely it was down to match fitness and I suppose now is the time to share my misgivings about Les as a regular first teamer. I feel I'm swimming against the tide with that opinion.

Elizabeth wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 9:39 pm

I have no issue with the side selected to start but would have liked to see 2-3 first teamers on the bench.
We have cried out for cover in every position for ages and now that we've got it we have to use it.
It was a disjointed side and one or two defenders were so poor, lack of match fitness cannot be used as an excuse. For the rest definitely it was down to match fitness and I suppose now is the time to share my misgivings about Les as a regular first teamer. I feel I'm swimming against the tide with that opinion.

Everything starts somewhere & the recruitment deficiencies can't be a better starting point to lament let alone the starting berths. The budgets been shaped around old, injured, unproven, potential punts & nothing longevity solid. It's not so bad right now league wise early on but problems are bound to set in & intensify an early exit cup wise could be a blessing.

Jakubclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 25, 2025 9:56 pm

Everything starts somewhere & the recruitment deficiencies can't be a better starting point to lament let alone the starting berths. The budgets been shaped around old, injured, unproven, potential punts & nothing longevity solid. It's not so bad right now league wise early on but problems are bound to set in & intensify an early exit cup wise could be a blessing.

Come on , the recruitment has been first class for a club like us. You try and manage a 25 man squad

Good job we sacrificed the cup to rest players. We might not have scored without all that extra energy, and had to suffer another 5-0.

hoskinsgoalatswansea wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 28, 2025 3:14 am

Good job we sacrificed the cup to rest players. We might not have scored without all that extra energy, and had to suffer another 5-0.

I don't think we rested players against Cardiff with only yesterday's game in mind. Avoiding injuries to key players will benefit us massively in the weeks and months to come.