These are your Cardiff City headlines on Sunday, November 21.
Collins delighted to get off the mark
Cardiff substitute James Collins expressed his joy after finally opening his Bluebirds account against Preston.
Collins was named on the bench behind youngsters Isaak Davies and Chanka Zimba at Deepdale but it was his introduction that turned the game around for Steve Morison.
It has taken 16 games but Collins was delighted to get off the mark.
“It was one of those games where you’re itching to come on, because you can see there were chances created and a chance of getting a goal,” he said. “I was delighted that Morro decided to put me on at half-time, and I always knew I’d get a chance.
“I seem to always score at Preston, so I was really delighted to see the winner go in today. To get three points on the road is always more special.
“I’m so happy for the boys, because we’ve been training so hard and we’ve been through a lot, but to get an away win makes that journey home a lot more special.”
Collins has had to bide his time at Cardiff City Stadium and he revealed that Morison has been upfront with him over why he hasn’t been starting games.
“Everyone knows that players want to play – I certainly did – but I spoke to Morro and he explained to me why I wasn’t starting, and I respected his decision,” he added.
“I told him that I’d be ready whenever he needed me. I’m just really glad I can repay him with the winner.”
He continued: “It’s been like a fresh start. He’s given us confidence to go out and play, and has given us a different style of play. The lads have really bought into it. I think we could have scored three or four in the second half.
“Getting four points from the first three games gave the team confidence as well, and I think we’ve carried that on after the international break. We’re going to rest up now and go into the game on Wednesday full of confidence.”
For the 30-year-old, getting his first league goal for the club is an important milestone and one that’s been weighing on his mind.
He said candidly: “On a personal level, my goal ratio has been poor. I expect better from myself first and foremost, and I was brought to the club to score goals. No one will be a bigger critic of me than myself, so I’m delighted to get that weight off my shoulders.
“Any striker who says it doesn’t weigh on their shoulders, I think they’re probably telling little lies. It has been playing on my mind, but I’ve just stuck at it. I’ve kept trying to work hard and work on my finishing in games, so finally when that chance did come, I could put it away.
“I’ve been desperate to score, and I’ve been working so hard on the training pitch and in games. Luckily today my reward came, and hopefully now I can get a good run going. I’ll get over the wrist injury I had, and hopefully I can kick on from now.”
Hull man to miss Bluebirds clash
Hull City’s on-loan Manchester United youngster Di’Shon Bernard will miss the trip to south Wales next week though suspension.
He will add to Grant McCann’s selection problems in the capital – the Tigers boss is already without the the injured Alfie Jones, Callum Elder and Josh Emmanuel for the trip south.
“I’m going to see if Cliffy Byrne has got his boots and see if he’s available for Wednesday,” Grant joked. “Defensively we’re in trouble a little bit, obviously now we’ve only got Sean (McLoughlin) and (Jacob) Greavesy, the only two fit centre-halves.
“We’ll see how Callum Elder is, it’s not a great time for us in terms of the injuries and illness.
“It’s just a bug,” McCann said of Elder. “He wasn’t feeling too great this morning (Saturday), he’s been halfway around the world (on international duty) and jet-lag hits people differently, maybe that’s something to do with it.
“He trained Thursday, he trained Friday and we got a phone call this morning (Saturday) that he wasn’t right for the game.”
Solskjaer sacked
Former Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked by Manchester United.
An embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Watford – coupled with humiliations at home to Liverpool and Manchester City in recent weeks – sealed the club legend’s fate at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils released a statement on Sunday morning stating: “Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.
“Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.
“Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as manager and our very best wishes for the future. His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a Manager who gave us many great moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.
“Michael Carrick will now take charge of the team for forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season.”
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