"I only lived an hour or so away and I still look out for their result. There was even talk of me joining Cardiff City from Portsmouth. I was disappointed at the time that didn't happen."
Carl Robinson will return early from a broken nose to play for Sunderland in the Capital tomorrow. The recall of Darren Carter to Birmingham means Robinson will play against the Bluebirds.
In another twist Robinsons brother is employed by Cardiff City.
"Lee (Robinson) and I have had some banter about the game. I speak to him about the Cardiff team. He is upset that Cardiff have been struggling, but he kept telling me about the young players coming through the academy. They're doing a great job on that side and some of the lads coming through are outstanding."
"I'm still recovering from surgery and, in an ideal world, I wouldn't play against Cardiff, but I don't want to miss this match.
"I said that last week of course before the West Ham match and it was probably not wise to take the risk that quickly after having the operation.
"But I've had a extra week of healing and it would be nice to get back.
"Darren Carter was going to play his final game on Saturday, but he's gone now. It's been three weeks since the op and the surgeon said it would be four to six weeks before I could play.
"But it's the game I want to play in, I set my target for this weekend."
Best wishes to Carl and his future, only starting after tomorrows match.