'Breath of fresh air' - Expert Cardiff City insight ahead of Doncaster Rovers clash
Ahead of Doncaster Rovers' weekend meeting with League One leaders Cardiff City, we got the inside track on the Bluebirds. Here, we speak to Glen Williams - the Cardiff City correspondent for WalesOnline.
Q: How has Cardiff's campaign been so far? Sitting pretty at the top of League One, is all going according to plan?
GW: In my seven years covering Cardiff, I've never known a season to go according to plan. It has been a joy to see this season pan out the way it has so far. The summer was chaotic, filled with rumours of three parties interested in launching takeover bids—one involving Gareth Bale—while the club delayed appointing Brian Barry-Murphy. That seems like a lifetime ago now.
Q: How has Brian Barry-Murphy fared and what's the relationship with the fans like?
GW: He's been a breath of fresh air, to be honest. He's ripped up the playbook at Cardiff, a club often known for playing a pragmatic way, and implemented an eye-catching, modern style. Fans adore him primarily because he has brought smiles back to their faces.
Q: Who's been the key men to the Bluebirds rise so far? And who should Rovers keep an eye out for on Saturday?
GW: Yousef Salech and Rubin Colwill were the key players at the start of the campaign, however, Salech is out injured and Colwill is just returning from a long-term injury lay-off. Ollie Tanner has been in top form over the last month, he has a remarkable eight assists in his last 10 games. Omari Kellyman, on loan from Chelsea, has stepped in during Salech's absence and has also looked a real threat up front.
Q: Possible starting XI or notable injuries?
GW: As mentioned, Salech will be absent.
Possible XI: Trott; Ng, Fish, Chambers, Bagan; Wintle, Robertson, R.Colwill; Tanner, Kellyman, Willock.
Q: Score prediction?
GW: I'll go for Doncaster 0-2 Cardiff City.