Bluebird Believes Routledge Was A Big Loss

A Cardiff City supporter believes that Wayne Routledge is a ‘priceless commodity’ to any side and expects a hot reception for the former Bluebird loanee.

Rhodri from Vital Cardiff speaks to Vital QPR ahead of the clash at Ninian Park on Wednesday night.

You currently occupy a playoff place with games in hand – how confident are you of gaining promotion?

We’ve been in the hunt for several seasons but never made it, this time everything does seem different though. We’ve strengthened considerably, look better as a team and are in form at the right time – promotion is still a huge ask, but we’ve given ourselves every chance.

Dave Jones has made steady progress in recent years, how do you rate the job he has done at Ninian Park?

Dave Jones has done a fantastic job, its so easy to criticise when things go wrong but on the budget he’s had, to get better every season and sell your best players is remarkable! He’s not always the best tactically, and some of his signings have flopped terribly but all in all – great job.

Burke, Quincy and Chopra made up the trio of January signings for the Bluebirds how do you rate their arrivals?

Burke looks lively so far and adds the balance we desperately needed. We all know that Chopra can be a major force in this league and his signing is a massive coup for us. Quincy sounds a great prospect and did well at Birmingham but I just cant see how we fit him into our side!

Chopra, Bothroyd and McCormack have surely got the attack sorted while we have a number of left wingers already at the club!

You missed out on Wayne Routledge, do you feel that was a big loss or will you cope without him?

It was a big loss, he’s a top player and can run the show in the Championship. He did shirk his defensive duties somewhat and was frustratingly inconsistent, drifting in and out of games. I think you can only afford one player like Routledge in the side, but he really can make things happen – a priceless commodity.

What sort of reception can Routledge expect coming back to Ninian Park?

He’ll get booed no doubt. His departure was handled all wrong, and if Marcus Bent is any example – Routledge is in for some stick on Wednesday.

You`re about to move away from Ninian Park – is it a ground that you`ll miss?

Of course Ninian Park has a great deal of history and fond memories for any fan. We’ll all miss it, but its a vital step in our future – without a new stadium, we were on borrowed time.

No doubt you`ll have fond memories of facing QPR – but what has been your favourite meeting other than that playoff final?

Well the play-off final is the one that really sticks out but I remember QPR coming to Ninian Park a few years ago and seeing one of the most bizarre decisions I have ever witnessed. Rangers were 1-0 up with 20 minutes to go, we were shocking and creating virtually nothing except for Gareth Ainsworth marauding down our right to brilliant effect – just about a one man show.

Lennie ‘the loon’ Lawrence then decided to take him off to chants of ‘you don`t know what you’re doing’ – Ainsworth was as shocked and bemused as anybody – I don`t think he believed it. That was near the end for crazy Lennie.

Which player(s) should the R`s watch out for on Wednesday?

The most impressive difference about us this season is that there are any number of players who can step up and make the difference. McCormack, Chopra, Bothroyd, Burke and Parry can all be very dangerous to you but Joe Ledley is the key having switched to central midfield – he’s in the best form of his life.

In turn is there any player you would prefer to have playing for you than against you?

Lee Camp always seems to play a blinder against us – we haven’t solved our goalkeeper problems this year and Dimi has played just one game so far, scoring an own goal and dropping 2 points!

What are your predictions on how the game will pan out?

Much depends on the start and what QPR want from the game. If you let us run it, we’ll win. If its level after an hour, QPR could well sneak it. I think you have what it takes to hold on if you get in front but I think Cardiff can sneak it 2-1.

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