Another Colwill thread.

[Jimmy the Jock]

And the last two sentences are what I mean about the emotional stuff that's used in support of Colwill, none of it that true in my opinion, but used by people nevertheless. There's not much articulation on what Colwill does well and what he needs to improve on, that's something I can't understand. It doesn't make for good debate, especially when we're all on the same side.

He makes space ,can pick a pass and is capable of beating his man .
Its a good question and I shall pay more attention in future . He has the magical talent to change a game with any of the above.

Tanner started with that amazing goal against Swansea , he hasn't shown much since, yesterday he was selected in the defence against a team known for fast attacking football, he looked like a football player again going forward .
I am happy to wait with youngsters and give them more than a chance , especially home grown youngsters .
The belief that you can add King, Davies and any other player out on loan and build a side seems fanciful , you need to mix the youth with a degree of experience. I will be happy to be proved wrong on that one.

[Tuerto]

He makes space ,can pick a pass and is capable of beating his man .
Its a good question and I shall pay more attention in future . He has the magical talent to change a game with any of the above.

Tanner started with that amazing goal against Swansea , he hasn't shown much since, yesterday he was selected in the defence against a team known for fast attacking football, he looked like a football player again going forward .
I am happy to wait with youngsters and give them more than a chance , especially home grown youngsters .
The belief that you can add King, Davies and any other player out on loan and build a side seems fanciful , you need to mix the youth with a degree of experience. I will be happy to be proved wrong on that one.

Fair enough Jim. I don't doubt Colwill's natural ability and how he has come on this season on other aspects of his game. The issue i have is his end product. In my opinion it's not great, the success rate (from his point of view) isn't the best. For him to become a top end Championship player-Lower premier league player then it has to improve. It has to, because that's the role he plays. People have a go at Siopis or ralls, or whoever else based on their skill set, what is achievable on their part. And when they fail they're rightly criticised. Colwill possesses a different skill set, and when he fails to make the correct decisions then it's fair game, and he'd know that himself. Problem is that it's ignored on here because he's creative, local, Welsh, came through the academy etc. If people are happy with one great bit of skill in 5 then fair enough, although i bet Colwill isn't, and the people who will or can determine his future wont be either.

I always give him credit when he plays well, has done some exceptional, but for balance i think it only fair to pick up on his frailties as well. That isn't the case on here, people ignore stuff which is important in my opinion, andwe can't really have a sensible debate because some posters opinions are completely clouded with a blind loyalty towards local players, especially if they have come through the ranks.

[AdrianAlston]

I am happy to wait with youngsters and give them more than a chance , especially home grown youngsters .
The belief that you can add King, Davies and any other player out on loan and build a side seems fanciful , you need to mix the youth with a degree of experience. I will be happy to be proved wrong on that one.

I'm not sure anybody expects them to be the foundation of the side, but they would be an appropriate way to add squad depth. The two most successful English Clubs are Liverpool and Man City, they only operate a squad of about 20 senior players and then supplement with talented youngsters.

We currently have 23 senior pro's in our squad excluding Tanner and Rubin Colwill who still qualify as U21's. In addition Antwi counts as a senior player and we have 7 more senior players out on loan (Rinhomota, Adams, Davies, Evans, Bagan, Zimba and Ojo). In addition to Tanner and Rubin; King, Conte, Luthra, Turner, Denham, Fagan-Walcott and Kavanagh will, if they are still with us, become senior players next season.

We have a huge squad, we just need more quality guaranteed starters and fewer senior fringe players. Quality not quantity.

[North Cardiff Blue]

I like you didnt go.

My son came straight through the door and said Colwill was superb and just doesnt get why he doesnt play every week.

Ive got loads of friends who support Swansea. Every single one of them commented that they couldnt understand why he didnt start v them as he was different class when he came on.

The threads ive seen this season when weve been utter shit and its turned into Colwill bashing has been ridiculous. So yeah I think fans sometimes dont have a clue.

If Colwill did go to Southampton or a top Championship side im sure hed do really well.

Personally I think hes a real talent who looks comfortable on the ball. For someone so big he should improve his strength and aggression on the ball.

A better coach would get better out of him. I think minimum he will be a top Championship player - but of course i may know nothing as a fan.😂

It's just the consistency that's been keeping him out I think and some decision-making, but he has progressed this season, I would give him and Ashford Man of the match, they were both superb and no doubt will have scouts looking through our videos of this season and keeping a closer eye on their development, things are looking a little bit better on the young player development. Conte also set up the first goal and it was good to see him giving everything and looking surprisingly confident.

[Nobody's Rep]

Russell Martin is known for using the word brave about his players in interviews.

Cheers - I find Martin an odious tosser who has convinced himself he is the next best thing - me I think he is classless and has achieved nothing to date - on that basis I tend to avoid listening to him but yesterday was an exception 😂😂

[WJ99mobile]

I think it's pretty simple when it comes to Colwill. He has to create a bit more and score a few more. When-If that happens then we can put the argument to bed in my opinion. I've no doubt he played well yesterday, and i reckon i know what Russ is talking about having seen Colwill play on numerous occasions. If he turns in to a consistent championship player then i'll take that, and i would have when he first came on to the scene. Plenty on hear (as usual) got carried away, got all emotional because he's Welsh, Academy etc, then did their usual thing where they dig their heels in and blame everyone else because it isn't working out as they expected. That's the problem on here, it's infantile, and we van't get a decent debate going because of all the emotive shit. Mozzer can't let Bulut go because he played futsbal once in 1989. As for Colwill, we'll see how far he can go, and good luck to him, and the other young players coming through.

Colwill has been done to death on here.

As someone said further up, he’s littered with mistakes with the occasional brilliance.

The biggest positive for Colwill is his biggest weakness. Risk taking and decision making. He’s unpredictable.

Personally I don’t think he’s a great footballer (yet) but is enjoyable to watch and I’d rather him in the team than out of it.

Now people hopefully leave him alone to mature and develop.

[Garth Blue]

he’s littered with mistakes with the occasional brilliance.


You should try being a motivational speaker.

[Nobody's Rep]

I like you didnt go.

My son came straight through the door and said Colwill was superb and just doesnt get why he doesnt play every week.

Ive got loads of friends who support Swansea. Every single one of them commented that they couldnt understand why he didnt start v them as he was different class when he came on.

The threads ive seen this season when weve been utter shit and its turned into Colwill bashing has been ridiculous. So yeah I think fans sometimes dont have a clue.

If Colwill did go to Southampton or a top Championship side im sure hed do really well.

Personally I think hes a real talent who looks comfortable on the ball. For someone so big he should improve his strength and aggression on the ball.

A better coach would get better out of him. I think minimum he will be a top Championship player - but of course i may know nothing as a fan.😂

I couldn't go either but my boy said he did well especially when he played 10

Felt he probably didn't enough support to tanner early on in terms of defensive duties

[bluebirds17]

Colwill's biggest weakness at the moment is composure. There's plenty of times this season and in yesterday's game where he rushed rather than composing himself before shooting/passing etc.

I feel this down to two things:

1) he's still young and learning the game and this is something that will develop with more game time. Game time that is consistent 80-90 minutes a game rather than 15-20 minutes cameos.

2) due to not being consistently in the team he is trying to hard to do something spectacular to impress his manager.

For me to help him develop Bulut or whoever is our next manager needs to trust him as the 10.

I will say for Bulut he has helped Rubin to develop his work rate around the pitch which was an issue last season and earlier this season.

The style of football we have played will never help a creative player but yesterday showed having players around you with pace and energy and can play some football will always bring the best out of players like Colwill.

[Tuerto]

Colwill's biggest weakness at the moment is composure. There's plenty of times this season and in yesterday's game where he rushed rather than composing himself before shooting/passing etc.

I feel this down to two things:

1) he's still young and learning the game and this is something that will develop with more game time. Game time that is consistent 80-90 minutes a game rather than 15-20 minutes cameos.

2) due to not being consistently in the team he is trying to hard to do something spectacular to impress his manager.

For me to help him develop Bulut or whoever is our next manager needs to trust him as the 10.

I will say for Bulut he has helped Rubin to develop his work rate around the pitch which was an issue last season and earlier this season.

The style of football we have played will never help a creative player but yesterday showed having players around you with pace and energy and can play some football will always bring the best out of players like Colwill.

I don't agree with all of that, (some of it i do) but good post. It's a well thought out argument which holds some water in my opinion, and you've been critical of the player as well which gives balance. My problem is the posters who think it's all one way and have this pretty unhealthy obsession with young players who come through our system (Even more so if they're Welsh) Good post

[Garth Blue]

I don't agree with all of that, (some of it i do) but good post. It's a well thought out argument which holds some water in my opinion, and you've been critical of the player as well which gives balance. My problem is the posters who think it's all one way and have this pretty unhealthy obsession with young players who come through our system (Even more so if they're Welsh) Good post

I think the unhealthy obsession is always picking on things Rubin is less good at, not the things he excels at.

[Citizen's Nephew]

I think the unhealthy obsession is always picking on things Rubin is less good at, not the things he excels at.

That’s not objective either way though. I think what some of us would like to read is more balanced debate which I think is what Tuerto is alluding to. There’s too much bias towards Welsh youth players at Cardiff imo by some fans. I could care less where a Cardiff City player comes from or is born.

[Garth Blue]

That’s not objective either way though. I think what some of us would like to read is more balanced debate which I think is what Tuerto is alluding to. There’s too much bias towards Welsh youth players at Cardiff imo by some fans. I could care less where a Cardiff City player comes from or is born.

Your "bias" is my support. What a ridiculous thing to say. If biased means wanting to encourage and be positive about academy players, then I plead guilty. God only knows we need some talent to come through the ranks, and not to be undermined as they progress. Some people's default position is to picks holes in our young players. I have watched Rubin for about 5 years, since he was in the under 19's. He has always stood out as a talent. Someone with real potential. That doesn't mean he's perfect. But some just want want to focus on his faults. This season the latest one was "he can't last 90 mins" - well he shot that to bits on Saturday. He just keeps proving people wrong.

[Tuerto]

I think the unhealthy obsession is always picking on things Rubin is less good at, not the things he excels at.

Problem with that is that I always give him credit for the good stuff he does,but let's just say nothing about the things he needs to improve on if his career is to advance. Hr needs to add goals and more assists, because that's the position he plays, it's not that difficult to understand. While we're at it let's say nothing of a goalkeeper who doesn't come for crosses, a full back who can't tackle or a midfield player who can't pass the ball. Let's just concentrate on the positives. I like that.

[Garth Blue]

Problem with that is that I always give him credit for the good stuff he does,but let's just say nothing about the things he needs to improve on if his career is to advance. Hr needs to add goals and more assists, because that's the position he plays, it's not that difficult to understand. While we're at it let's say nothing of a goalkeeper who doesn't come for crosses, a full back who can't tackle or a midfield player who can't pass the ball. Let's just concentrate on the positives. I like that.

Thanks for you input. I'll not be coming to any of your motivational sessions.

[WJ99mobile]

Colwill's biggest weakness at the moment is composure. There's plenty of times this season and in yesterday's game where he rushed rather than composing himself before shooting/passing etc.

I feel this down to two things:

1) he's still young and learning the game and this is something that will develop with more game time. Game time that is consistent 80-90 minutes a game rather than 15-20 minutes cameos.

2) due to not being consistently in the team he is trying to hard to do something spectacular to impress his manager.

For me to help him develop Bulut or whoever is our next manager needs to trust him as the 10.

I will say for Bulut he has helped Rubin to develop his work rate around the pitch which was an issue last season and earlier this season.

The style of football we have played will never help a creative player but yesterday showed having players around you with pace and energy and can play some football will always bring the best out of players like Colwill.

He’s the same age as Etete who’s been totally written off as a ‘at best league one striker’

[bluebirds17]

He’s the same age as Etete who’s been totally written off as a ‘at best league one striker’

I think Etete will be a good Championship striker. He's got a nice touch and is quick. His issue is he needs to get tougher. I find he's too easy to knock off the ball which unfortunately at the level if you are playing as the lone striker you can't allow. He can also do with working on his heading as well.

Again he's been unfortunate that at times this season he's been required to play as a target man which isn't his game.

[City123]

He was good when he was moved into the number 10 role yesterday, there's really no point playing him out wide and I don't think Turnbull suits playing as the attacking midfielder

He beats players with ease. There was a point in stoppage time yesterday where he brought a clearance down, beat their defender, went out wide, beat another two and was pulled down for a free kick. I can't see anyone else in our team doing that.

What he does lack is aggression and I think he may be one of the worst players at heading the ball in the league despite being about 7 feet tall. He has certainly improved defensively though this season

[pipster]

My fear is that Colwill will get fed up and another club will snap him up and just about guarantee him a role. Russell Martin being one such manager and who could blame Colwill for leaving to go to a Soton type club

Personally I love watching him play, Conte is also someone who looks very interesting and seemed very self assured on the ball

[Citizen's Nephew]

My fear is that Colwill will get fed up and another club will snap him up and just about guarantee him a role. Russell Martin being one such manager and who could blame Colwill for leaving to go to a Soton type club

Personally I love watching him play, Conte is also someone who looks very interesting and seemed very self assured on the ball

It’d be great business for the club if Martin offers millions for Colwill. We should bite his hand off. I await all these offers for him in the summer. If it does happen, though I deeply suspect it won’t, he’d be a fool to hang around a Tan-owned Cardiff City anyway.

[North Cardiff Blue]

It’d be great business for the club if Martin offers millions for Colwill. We should bite his hand off. I await all these offers for him in the summer. If it does happen, though I deeply suspect it won’t, he’d be a fool to hang around a Tan-owned Cardiff City anyway.

Probably a bit soon, but he's coming on well now and will be watched and linked over the next season, he's starting to look like a player in the making.

[olderblue]

My fear is that Colwill will get fed up and another club will snap him up and just about guarantee him a role. Russell Martin being one such manager and who could blame Colwill for leaving to go to a Soton type club

Personally I love watching him play, Conte is also someone who looks very interesting and seemed very self assured on the ball

Two things I really liked with Conte, when the keeper had the ball, he was looking for space and calling for it, more impressive was the way he ran with the ball, looking to see what was on??

Long way to go, but for his first introduction to the team, he looked confident, composed and enthusiastic
Great to see

[City123]

I can't see there being offers for Colwill unless he starts adding more goals & assists to his game.

[Tuerto]

That’s not objective either way though. I think what some of us would like to read is more balanced debate which I think is what Tuerto is alluding to. There’s too much bias towards Welsh youth players at Cardiff imo by some fans. I could care less where a Cardiff City player comes from or is born.

Exactly. Thing is, the debate always ends up emotive, straw man tactics. I find it a bit odd that people get so attracted and protective over these players. It's not healthy. They must have their reasons though.

[the other bob wilson]

Exactly. Thing is, the debate always ends up emotive, straw man tactics. I find it a bit odd that people get so attracted and protective over these players. It's not healthy. They must have their reasons though.

One thing that there does seem to be generalagreement on is that our transfer committee has been something of a disaster over the past decade or so. We’ve made some good signings down the years, but the recent publicity about Perry Ng being sold has offered something of a reminder as to how bad our record is at selling players at a profit.

With making a profit on players being such a rarity at Cardiff, you would have thought that developing our own would become more of a priority. If you believe what we hear in the media, there is a desire for younger players to see first team action in the Board room, but most of our recent managers have it seems to me been more reluctant to use them than many of their counterparts at other clubs.

Moving on to the current situation, Ashford is someone who was identified early as a good prospect and he’s done his cause no harm at all so far. Conte was a very pleasant surprise to me as he didn’t seem phased about things at all on Saturday and coped well in a position he’s not used to. There are others away from the club like Isaak Davies and Eli King who I think have got a chance of becoming Championship players with City.

However,there is one young player who came up through theranks with us who there should be no more argument about at the moment. I’ve always backed Rubin Colwill and fought his corner at times when he was having a rough time of it last year with his growth spurts or whatever they’re called.

With the season virtually over, his goal scoring and assist figures are disappointing, but, based on what he has shown since the turn of the year and given the general level of the squad when it comes to things like creativity and individual ability, I’d argue strongly that Colwill has to be starting every week for us.

I’ll admit the fact he’s Welsh has been a factor in me championing his cause, but I do because for most of my City supporting life, there has been a nucleus of young, home grown players in first team - indeed, Colwill is at an age now where he would not have been the subject of debates like these in the past because it would have been thought that if he hadn’t broken through to be a first team regular by now, he never would be.

The idea that players of the age Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter and Declan John were when they first played for City cannot do so now has become the accepted wisdom at the club in the last ten years or so, yet Premier Division Wolves had a fifteen year old on the bench on Saturday! City have spent fortunes under this owner while becoming a club where the winner of the annual young player of the year award is closer to twenty five than twenty and where’s it got us? Arguably, were worse now at first team level than when Ramsey and Gunter were breaking through.