Birtles backs Bluebirds to bounce back.CARDIFF CITY have been tipped to bounce back from their derby day the day of the annual race for the Derby stakes, - Wednesday of the week before Whitsuntide. See also: Derby disaster and prove they are one of the Championship's main promotion contenders. That's the view of former England striker and Sky Sports pundit An expert or knowledgeable person. From "pandit" in Hindi. See guru. Gary Birtles, who was at the Liberty Stadium to watch a below par Bluebirds stumble to a 3-2 defeat against bitter rivals Swansea City. Like so many watching the game, Birtles was left shocked by the early fragility of Dave Jones' defence on Saturday. But, while conceding it was a very bad day at the office for the visitors, he is confident history won't repeat itself on too many other occasions this season. The former Nottingham Forest frontman front·man n. 1. also front man A man who serves as a nominal leader but who lacks real authority. 2. Music A leading singer with a group. believes Jones still possesses one of the most talented squads in the league. And, while conceding the Swans will now be the team everyone is talking about, he claimed the Bluebirds still have every reason to remain optimistic op·ti·mist n. 1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome. 2. A believer in philosophical optimism. op about their prospects this season. "Cardiff are a lot better than they showed on Saturday," he explained. "I was surprised at how easily they conceded the first two goals. It's not like them to be so fragile and I'm sure Dave Jones
liv·id adj. . That wasn't the only problem and they were clearly missing the likes of Chopra, McPhail and Whittingham. "They perhaps don't have the strength in depth but, when everyone is fit, they have to be seen as one of the top play-off contenders." As what victory meant for Paulo Sousa's men, he continued: "That performance will make everyone sit up and take notice of Swansea. It could go on to be a big turning point for them." While the two rivals may have experienced very different afternoons, Birtles was quick to point out the occasion itself also deserved plenty of praise. The 53-year-old travels up and down the country commentating for Sky but it seems few games can match the South Wales South Wales south n → sud m du Pays de Galles derby. "The atmosphere was superb and it's good to see it was matched by the two team's quality," he added. "It's how football should be played and it's a great advert for Welsh football." |
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