Cardiff City Play-By-Player Review: Capaldi

Vital Cardiff City reviews the season on a player by player basis. Today it’s the turn of full-back Tony Capaldi…

Tony Capaldi

Free transfer, Plymouth Argyle, July 2007.

Left-back.


Capaldi was a free transfer signing from Plymouth Argyle and came as an experience Championship campaigner to fill our troubled left-back position. If`s fair to say he was not an instant hit at Ninian Park and was less than convincing. He was afforded far greater protection from midfield by Ledley than the other flank but our right side remained a problem position. Indecision and a lack of confidence held back the Northern Irishman and his place came under scrutiny.


Through a lack of alternative options, Capaldi kept his place but was being targeted by opposing teams. He regularly stood off attackers but lacks the pace to recover when they try to get past. That led to far too many crosses and goals originating from that side.

As an ‘attacking` full-back, we saw very little of him as a threat to opponents although he did look dangerous when overlapping at pace. His greatest asset was the long throw, a decent attacking threat but not ideally designed for our side!

Gunter came in for Capaldi, but was sold in January and Tony won back his place. Ironically, the lack of competition brought about an improvement in his game and he enjoyed a spell of consistent and decent performances.


He has been a ‘safe` option for Cardiff City, and remains a useful squad player but the arrival of Miguel Comminges may see him need to raise his game. He has had a full season to settle and we could see an improved Capaldi next year. Although he has yet to convince many fans, rival clubs have been interested in him and even lodged firm bids.


Season rating: 6