I began watching Cardiff City at the age of 5. Dave Jones was manager at the time. Since then I have seen 6 managers, including Jones, take over in the Welsh capital. Undoubtedly, some had more success than others. Taking into account each managerial era, one or two stood out more than others.
It is fair to say, when Dave Jones took charge of Cardiff City in 2005, the club were in a tough position. On the brink of administration, Jones had an uphill battle to climb. For many, Jones was not a fan favourite amongst City supporters. Despite this, I believe his legacy was one of, if not the, most prominent.
Jones brought life back to the club alongside a brand of football that had been a distant memory for many supporters. With the likes of Michael Chopra, Jay Bothroyd, Ross McCormack, Peter Whittingham and Stephen McPhail playing under Jones, the Bluebirds produced some of the best football I have seen as a City supporter.
Despite the glorious football on display, to many fans the Dave Jones era was unsuccessful as Cardiff failed to gain promotion to the Premier League during this time. Even though they appeared at Wembley on two occasions, the 2008 FA Cup Final and the 2010 Championship Play Off Final, many fans disliked Jones because of his lack of emotion on the touch line. However, I highly rated him.
Although I would agree that the best football was produced during the Jones era, the lack of success tarnishes the idea that this was the best period overall.
During the last 14 years, Cardiff City have had a taste of success. They reached the top-flight of English football twice. The first being under Malky Mackay and most recently with Neil Warnock. Despite their efforts, they were relegated after just one season in the Premier League on both occasions.
Some would suggest that the Malky Mackay era has been the most successful over this period because during his first season in charge Mackay led Cardiff to their first ever League Cup Final. The South Walian side narrowly lost on penalties to Liverpool. Under Warnock, Cardiff failed to impress in cup competitions.
However, for me Mackay’s second season at the club was the most notorious in his managerial era. He guided Cardiff to promotion to the Premier League in 2013 for the first time in the club’s history.
During their time in the topflight, it was thought that Mackay was in dispute with club owner Vincent Tan. In 2013 Mackay was sacked and Cardiff were relegated during a controversial time when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge.
Had Mackay still been in charge I believe Cardiff would have remained a Premier League side the following season. It is a shame that the problems off the field could be seen on the pitch. Granted his time at Cardiff is now overshadowed by the issues held off the field.
Personally, the Warnock era was the most exciting time as a Cardiff supporter. Many, including myself, would never have thought that we would witness a second season in the Premier League. His eighth promotion was a special one for both him and the fans due to the club’s underdog status.
The football on display was not by all means pretty and could not be compared to Dave Jones’ style or even Mackay’s. However, because Cardiff were the dark horse I felt as though it meant a lot more to both the manager and fans.
A connection that goes beyond words. Warnock shared a love for the club and fans which was highly reciprocated. Despite being relegated after just one season in the top-flight as well as a rocky start to life back in the Championship, fans adored Warnock. Despite my disappointment regarding his departure I felt as though it came at the right time.
Neil Warnock’s time at Cardiff will live on in the memory of Cardiff fans for many years to come. Their second stint in the Premier League was the total opposite to the first. I was able to enjoy watching them and they missed out on Premiership football the following season by a whisker. As a result, for me the Warnock era was the best era of Cardiff City.
RhiannaDavies Sports 