After an up-and-down season, Cardiff City finished comfortably mid-table. A scintillating start was followed by a dismal end and the same players looked half as effective as previously.
VitalCardiff brings you an end of season review of each player. If you disagree then feel free to leave a comment at the foot of this article or e-mail Vital Bluebirds with an alternative review!!
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15 – DAVID FORDE
Forde arrived at Ninian Park from Derry City in January, after it was certain that Mark Howard did not have a future at the Club. The former West Ham man was brought in as back-up to Neil Alexander but took the number 1 jersey towards the end of the season.
More in the mould of Dave Jones` preference, Forde is a large and dominant goalkeeper – more commanding and bulky than his predecessor. Forde`s chance came when Neil Alexander rejected the club`s offer of a new contract and was resigned to leave at the end of the season.
David Forde did not impose himself straight away, he looked less mobile and his kicking a little shaky in his first games. Some sections of Cardiff fans were not convinced but he grew into the position and looked safer each game.
Forde was blamed for a Deon Burton shot that he saved but could only direct back to the Sheffield Wednesday striker, who shot home. A particularly loud chant of ‘Scotland`s Number 1` followed the mistake but it was certainly not a howler and Forde had to come into a team in freefall with little experience playing with a young back four.
Nevertheless, at the end of the season, Forde has shown some good moments and will look to secure the number 1 jersey next season. Dave Jones is working on bringing one experienced keeper in with another younger player to challenge Forde.
So far, he looks like a back-up goalkeeper at Championship standard but deserves a chance to prove his quality.
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In my opinion he cant be blamed for the burton shot, keepers have to do what they can to save the goal, and he only got a touch on it, not his fault just unlucky i think
Looks like he is at least going to start the season with the jersey!