Cardiff City

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Jason Perry says his former club Cardiff City are in "huge trouble" following their 3-2 loss to Championship relegation rivals Oxford United.

The Bluebirds are winless in nine matches and slipped to 23rd after being beaten by Gary Rowett's side.

And Perry admits Cardiff deserved nothing after their performance against the Us.

"They're in huge trouble. Before the game we said it's a must-win situation," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"The frightening part about it, I don't think the board in particular and the players realised they were in a relegation fight. 

"You were playing one of only two teams below you going into the game. It looked like that in the opening minutes, neither side looked confident, the game stuttered.

"Then suddenly, old player of Cardiff City Mark Harris taps the ball home and everything changes.

"Second half it was all Oxford. They did get two goals at the end, but it flattered Cardiff.

"They were flat, below the tempo and they looked like a side that were going to get relegated."

Ex-Wales international Perry pointed the finger firmly at the club's board following Cardiff's latest away defeat.

"It stems from the board. Unless there's a change, there won't be a change on the field," he added.

"Cardiff City reinvent themselves every single time they appoint a manager because there's nothing to build from, there's no long-term plan, it's short and reaction. 

"Cardiff is a boom and bust club, because there's no leadership. The bust could be bigger than we've seen for a long, long time."

Image source, Getty Images

Cardiff City saw two former Bluebirds score against them on Boxing Day, as they were beaten 3-2 away at Oxford United.

Striker Mark Harris and defender Ciaron Brown both scored for the Us, as did former Swansea winger Przemyslaw Placheta.

Harris joined the Cardiff academy back in 2015, and left the club on a first permanent move in July 2023 to join then-League One Oxford.

Former Cardiff midfielder Will Vaulks was also in the Oxford starting 11 on Boxing Day, as a trio of former players celebrated victory over their old club.

"We're all trying our best now for Oxford," Harris told BBC Radio Oxford.

"We were all at Cardiff and I'm sure the other two loved it there as much as I did.

"I can't thank them enough for how they treated me.

"I was there a long time, but we're focused on getting three points for Oxford now."

Having opened the scoring, Harris cupped his hand to his ear in the direction of the travelling Cardiff fans - but he said the celebration was in good spirits.

"I've had a bit of banter from them," added Harris.

"I gave a little bit back but it's just football, that's the way it goes.

"It's all about believing in yourself and working as hard as you can."

Image source, Getty Images

Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says the Bluebirds' position in the Championship might mean they have to focus on the loan market in January with players reluctant to join a club battling relegation.

The Welsh club slipped to 23rd after a 3-2 defeat by Oxford United and are now three points adrift of safety.

Riza says he has had a recruitment meeting with the Cardiff board, but admits the club might struggle to attract the right calibre of signing on a permanent basis, with a focus on the loan market likelier.

"We've had a meeting and a shortlist is with the board and discussions are taking place. Hopefully we can move ahead with transfers," Riza told BBC Radio Wales Sport. "It's an important window.

"There are a whole range of scenarios that might occur with our position at the minute, some players maybe don't want to come to a club who are in the position we're in at the moment.

£Maybe we might only be able to get loans in, there are a whole range of obstacles in the way, but we are looking at back-up as well, players further down the list who might be able to come in and help us."

The Bluebirds are now winless in nine games, but Riza says he remains optimistic and has only had discussions about transfer plans with the owners, when asked if he retains their support.

"A win can change everything. It's proving hard to get it at the moment," he added.

"We are in discussions all the time about what we need in January.

"We are not getting results and when that is happening there are always going to be questions asked."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott will join National League leaders York City when the January transfer window opens on a permanent transfer.

The 22-year-old made the loan move from the Championship club back in early September and has impressed for the Minstermen so far.

Fagan-Walcott made three senior appearances for the Bluebirds, having joined from Tottenham Hotspur in September 2023.

The defender also spent time on loan at Dundee in 2021.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Omer Riza has described Cardiff City's meeting with fellow strugglers Oxford United as a game his side "need to win".

Cardiff will attempt to end an eight-game sequence without victory when they go to the Kassam Stadium for a meeting of two sides in the Championship relegation zone on Thursday, 26 December.

Oxford's form is miserable too, with the U's chasing a first win in eight and just a second in 17 matches.

Their poor run saw Des Buckingham lose his job earlier this month, with former Birmingham City, Stoke City and Millwall boss Gary Rowett taking charge of Oxford for the first time when Cardiff visit.

While all four of Oxford's league wins this season have come at home, Cardiff go in search of a first second-tier away triumph of the season at the 11th time of asking.

"Every game is a big game for us - whatever points we can pick up, that's what we need," Riza said.

"But this one, even more so. It's a big game. Two teams at the bottom trying to pick up points and it's one we need to win."

Image source, Getty Images

While they are still to win on their travels this season, Cardiff have drawn their last three away games, at Stoke, Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Riza, whose side face a tricky trip to Watford next Sunday, says that despite their record, the Bluebirds have played better on the road than they have at the Cardiff City Stadium.

"Obviously the game state changes with opposition away from home because the emphasis is more on them to win," he added.

"Potentially we can pick up more opportunities to counter-attack. I do feel our away performances have been better than our home performances.

"We haven't won away from home. I know it's a problem and it's something we are trying to fix."

Oxford will be hoping to turn around their wayward form of late which has seen them drop to 23rd in the Championship.

Gary Rowett has arrived at the U's with the club currently on a seven-game winless run, losing six of those seven.

Not that Cardiff have fared much better - the Bluebirds themselves have not won in eight games and are just a place above Oxford.

• This is the first league meeting between Oxford United and Cardiff City since January 2000, in which the sides played out a 1-1 draw at Ninian Park.

• In all competitions, the last meeting between Oxford United and Cardiff City was in August 2011 in a League Cup tie, with the Bluebirds winning 3-1.

• Oxford have won their last three home league games on Boxing Day since losing 1-0 to Southend United back in 2018.

• Cardiff have won two of their last 23 league games on Boxing Day (D12 L9) and are winless in their last 10 since winning 2-1 against Crystal Palace back in 2012.

• Cardiff have lost their last two away Championship matches against newly promoted clubs, last losing three in a row in the league back in September 1991.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City's hopes of striking a blow in the scrap to avoid relegation from the Championship at Oxford United will be hindered, once again, by injuries within Omer Riza's squad.

The Bluebirds will target a first win in nine league games when they travel to the Kassam Stadium on 26 December (15:00 GMT).

Oxford are winless in their past seven matches – and have registered only one victory in 16 – but will hope to be boosted by the appointment of new head coach Gary Rowett, who leads the U's for the first time against Cardiff.

But any prospect of a boost from the treatment room looks slim for Cardiff, with manager Riza suggesting Joe Ralls and Callum O'Dowda are "probably doubtful" for the Oxford trip having missed last Saturday's home defeat to Sheffield United.

Perry Ng and Ollie Tanner will definitely be absent, though neither has yet been ruled out of Cardiff's game at Watford on Sunday, 29 December.

Chris Willock is doubtful for the two festive away trips after he came off during the Blades loss with a hip problem, while the likes of Aaron Ramsey and David Turnbull remain sidelined.

Isaak Davies and Kion Etete are building towards first-team comebacks having not featured all season, while Riza has confirmed Jamilu Collins has not been involved for selection reasons rather than any fitness issue, amid speculation that he could move on in January.

Image source, Getty Images

Cardiff City have appointed former Coventry and Millwall defender Richard Shaw as assistant coach.

Shaw, 56, made over 150 Premier League appearances for Coventry between 1995 and 2001.

He went on to become caretaker manager of the Sky Blues in 2012, and held the same role at Millwall five years previous.

Shaw has since coached academy sides at Crystal Palace and Watford, where he worked alongside current Bluebirds manager Omer Riza.

Cardiff go into Christmas in the Championship's bottom three, and Shaw's first game with the Bluebirds will be on Boxing Day against fellow strugglers Oxford United.

Cardiff go into the game level on points with The Us, but one place higher on goal difference.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Omer Riza admits there is "an element of pressure" on his Cardiff City side on home soil at present.

Kieffer Moore struck twice to earn league leaders Sheffield United a 2-0 win over his former club on Saturday as the Bluebirds fell into the Championship's relegation zone.

Defeat to the Blades leaves Cardiff winless in eight matches prior to the trip to fellow strugglers Oxford United on 26 December (15:00 GMT kick-off).

It was also Cardiff's seventh home league loss of the campaign, the most of any side in the division while their goal difference of -5 at Cardiff City Stadium is also the worst home return in the second tier this season.

"We're in a fight at the minute, and we need to get out of it," said Riza.

"Every mistake counts and that can lead to frustration, mistakes and nervousness.

"At home at the minute, I think there's an element of pressure there. The fans, maybe at the minute, the situation they're not happy with.

"They've got their opinions and they'll air their opinions and vent their frustrations.

"We can't do anything about it. All we can do is manage what we're managing.

"I can't control how the fans are. We want them to be happy and we want to perform so they're happy."

Image source, Getty Images

Omer Riza says "togetherness" is key for Cardiff City as the Bluebirds head into a potentially pivotal spell in their season.

Cardiff host Championship leaders Sheffield United on Saturday (15:00 GMT) in the first of five league games in a fortnight.

After a seven-match winless run which has left Cardiff just a point above the bottom three, the hectic festive fixture schedule offers Riza's side a chance to pull clear of the relegation scrap.

The Cardiff boss says unity between his team, supporters and the rest of the club will be central to their hopes of putting together a positive run.

"I think the biggest factor for me is making sure everybody's together," he said.

"That's fans, that's players, that's the club - there has to be an element of togetherness. I think maybe the players have felt that a little bit at home and hopefully we can change that.

"We can only change that through our own performances. We have to be brave, play with confidence, enjoy what we are doing and pick up as many points we can."

After a flying start to the Riza era, Cardiff have banked only three points from seven games as they prepare to face the Blades, who arrive in Wales on the back of a 10-match unbeaten run.

"For me it's the best team I the league at the moment," Riza added.

"It will be a really tough game, but it's one we are relishing and one we feel we can do well in."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Jesper Daland reckons consistency is key for Cardiff City as Omer Riza's side look to pull clear of the Championship relegation zone.

The Bluebirds host leaders Sheffield United on Saturday (15:00 GMT) after a run of seven games without a league win.

But Daland insists Cardiff, who are just a point above the bottom three heading into the weekend, are capable of avoiding a third relegation scrap in the last four seasons.

"We have a lot of new faces in the squad, including me, and sometimes it takes time," the former Norway Under-21 international said.

"I know it can be difficult for people around the club, the supporters, but I am in every day and I see the quality we have, I really do.

"I [also] know the ambitions of the club, so I am pretty calm about everything.

"When we are at the level, we know we can be really good. It's about showing consistency. I think in the end hopefully we can look back on a good season."

Thanks in part to injury, Daland has made only seven appearances since joining Cardiff from Belgian side Cercle Brugge in August.

But having played 90 minutes in last weekend's draw at Stoke City, the 24-year-old will hope to keep his place as Cardiff tackle the Blades.

Image source, Getty Images

"Those are the games you want to play, against the toughest opponents," Daland added.

"It's a good chance for us to show what we can do. I think everyone in the locker room will be looking forward to it.

"If we take things from last weekend, I think we can make problems for them."

Riza made a spectacular impact after taking the reins from Erol Bulut in September, taking 14 points from his first seven games in charge.

But a 1-0 loss at Luton in early November marked the start of a dispiriting run that has seen Cardiff bank only three points from the last 21 on offer.

Daland has backed Riza, who signed a deal running until the end of the season earlier this month, saying: "He is very passionate, very hard-working. The way he sees football is very positive.

"I think we all enjoy [playing under] him. He does a good job and I think he is the right man in charge now."

Image source, Getty Images

Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says Kion Etete and Isaak Davies are inching towards returns for the Bluebirds.

The forwards, who are yet to play this season, both suffered setbacks having been expected back in October following hamstring injuries.

Etete was named in the starting line-up for the Bluebirds' under-21 side in their Premier League Cup match against Watford on Thursday, 19 December as Cardiff won 3-1.

Wales Under-21 striker Davies is also nearing a return having started running.

Defender Perry Ng and midfielder Ollie Tanner remain sidelined with injury and they have been joined by forward Michael Reindorf prior to Saturday's home game against Championship leaders Sheffield United.

"Michael Reindorf went down injured [on Thursday]. He hurt his ankle and I'm not sure the extent of that yet," Riza told BBC Sport Wales.

"The others, Isaak is starting to do some running on the pitch and we will hopefully incorporate him in football stuff over the next week. Kion will be getting minutes with the under-21s and all the rest are either long-standing or medium-term.

"Perry Ng is still not quite there yet, Ollie Tanner the same. We are a bit thin at the moment, but all the boys are ready to go into the game confident and with fighting spirit."

Image source, Getty Images

Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says he will not rule out a return to the club for Ryan Wintle, but believes he might not want to rejoin the Bluebirds due to a lack of game time.

Wintle joined Millwall on loan after falling out of favour with previous manager Erol Bulut.

"The potential for that to happen [Wintle returning in January] could be there, but when Ryan left the building it's because he wanted to play more football regularly and that could probably be a potential issue again if he came back in the building and that could bring frustrations with it," Riza explained.

"Currently we have three, four, five midfielders in the building, granted there are a few injuries. Ryan Wintle is a good player. He has gone out on loan, he has played here a while and he has got good qualities."

Riza says youngster Joel Colwill could be moved to a higher level of football after excelling this season at Cheltenham Town.

The 20-year old has been involved in nine goals for Cheltenham in 24 appearances and the Wales youth international was also nominated for League Two player of the month.

Riza says he think Colwill should remain out on loan, but ideally with a club in League One.

"Joel has been excellent," Riza said. "We are always keeping an eye on him and watching games, casting an eye, making sure we are talking to him."

Image source, Getty Images

Omer Riza says he is "looking forward" to his first transfer window as a manager but has not yet had any recruitment meetings with the Cardiff City hierarchy.

The Bluebirds are a point outside the Championship relegation zone ahead of Saturday's home game against league leaders Sheffield United.

Riza says he wants to be proactive in the market but is yet to discuss his plans with Cardiff's owners.

"Fans always want new signings, of course," the Cardiff boss Riza told BBC Sport Wales.

"We are always talking about players, whether it be signings or free agents, we've got a long list and a short list.

"We are scheduled to have meetings with the board, which I am sure will happen soon."

Riza says he has a clear idea as to what Cardiff, who are without a win in seven games, need to do in January.

He anticipates that there will be departures from the Welsh capital as well as new faces arriving.

"I think there will be an option of loans or permanent signings, it all depends on what the remit is after we've had a discussion and had our conversations about how we approach it," he said.

"I am looking forward to it. I want things to start moving - I don't want it to all come in a rush at the end.

"I have been preparing for a while. I have a list of players, I have been doing my homework for positions we need to strengthen. We've been looking abroad and at home.

"Once we've sat down we will know more. There will be outgoings, potentially senior outgoings and younger players as well."

Table-topping Sheffield United head to Cardiff looking to at least maintain their three-point lead over closest rivals Leeds.

With rock-bottom Hull City and third-bottom Portsmouth both playing at lunchtime, the Bluebirds could find themselves back in the Championship relegation zone by the time the game kicks-off.

• Cardiff City have lost each of their past four league games against Sheffield United, as many as across their prior 18 meetings with the Blades combined (W7 D7).

• Sheffield United have lost just one of their past six away league games against Cardiff City (W3 D2), a 2-0 defeat in August 2017.

• Cardiff have failed to win any of their past five league games against sides from Yorkshire (D1 L4), conceding 15 goals in total during that time.

• Sheffield United are unbeaten across their past five away league games (W3 D2), scoring exactly two goals in four of those matches. The Blades haven't enjoyed a longer run on their travels since a run of seven matches ending in February 2023.

• Both teams have scored in just five of Sheffield United's 21 Championship matches so far this season (24%) – the lowest tally in the competition.