Western Mail stories roundup

Last updated : 04 August 2003 By Matthew Gabb
Kavanagh approves of the newly relaid pitch:

"It's a lot better than last season, the ground staff have worked hard on it," said Kavanagh. "Last season it was ruined after the match against Huddersfield Town.

"But it's looking good now. It's new and we hope it will help us play the football we are capable of."

Story here.


George Wood pays compliment to City third choice keeper Arran Lee-Barrett.

"Arran is quite cocky and arrogant - and any goalkeeper needs that to succeed. If you don't have that touch of arrogance as a 'keeper then forget it.

"Arran knows he must push Neil Alexander and Martyn Margetson this season," said Wood.

"He has set himself high standards and he has a good attitude to the job ahead. Arran has been excellent since he joined us and the only thing against him is that he isn't playing first-team football.

"But he has character and is working hard to put the two 'keepers who are ahead of him under pressure."

Full story here.


The referee at City's match on Saturday with Tiverton Town will also take charge of the Bradford City home match on Sat 16 August. His name is Keith Buller and he is from Bridgwater.

Story here.


On the back of last week's news that the club are £12.2 million in debt, City chief exec David Temme tells everyone "not to panic".

"These increased costs highlight the problems with an old stadium and one that has not been upgraded or progressively maintained prior to Sam Hammam's involvement with the club," he said.

"A new stadium is essential and without this stadium the club would remain within the lower reaches of the Football League, as it could not generate the income required to sustain a competitive first division or Premiership team from Ninian Park."

Full story here.


Also in other news - the Wales squad to travel to Belgrade to face Serbia on Aug 20 should be announced today. City players Robert Earnshaw, Daniel Gabbidon and Rhys Weston will probably play a part in the senior squad, with James Collins having a look in at U21 level.

As this date has not been designated a full international date, no Cardiff City first team matches will be affected. The home game with Watford on Sept 6 may well be postponed as Wales travel to Milan to face the Italians that day, and City are almost certain to have at least three players involved.