Here’s your round-up of all the latest news from the Cardiff City Stadium for Friday, March 31.
New Rotherham pitch picture emerges
A picture of the Rotherham United pitch taken one hour after the game against Cardiff City was abandoned has been shared by a senior Cardiff figure.
In the final weekend before the international break, the Bluebirds headed to Yorkshire to face the Millers in a relegation six-pointer, only for the match to be called off just after half-time due to a waterlogged surface.
Cardiff were miffed with the perceived lack of effort from the home ground staff to clear the pitch of water. After a delay and two inspections, the officials deemed the conditions unplayable, and the away side now have to head back to the New York Stadium next month to replay the game from the start after an EFL ruling was made public yesterday.
Cardiff director Steve Borley has now shared a photo taken postmatch of the playing surface with heatlamps placed over the pitch with a telling caption.
"Think this photo says all that needs to be said, taken one hour after the game was abandoned," wrote Borley on Twitter.
The replayed match will take place on April 25.
Cardiff favourites - Roberts
Former Wales international Iwan Roberts puts Cardiff as favourites for the South Wales derby.
The Bluebirds head into the clash with Swansea City fighting for Championship survival, with relegation still hanging over them.
Swansea, despite their win over Bristol City last time out, have been in poor form since the World Cup restart and Roberts believes Cardiff are the form side heading into the game.
"If you look at their last six games, they've won 10 points," the former Wales international said of the Bluebirds on Elis James' Feast of Football. "If you look at their previous 18, they only won 11 points, so I think it shows the job (Sabri) Lamouchi has done since coming in, he's steadied the ship.
"At home they were in shocking form. Now, all of a sudden, they've got seven points from their last three home games. I do see them as slight favourites going into this game because of their home form, and Swansea, they had that good win against Bristol City, but, away from home they've been awful, one win in 13 and that came against 10-men Sunderland, so I do think Cardiff go into this game as slight favourites. And they don't want Swansea to do the double double."
Iwan Roberts' prediction: Cardiff City 2-1 Swansea City
Danny Gabbidon's prediction: Cardiff City 0-0 Swansea City
Martin hails Lamouchi and Bamba’s 'connection with fans'
Swansea City boss Russell Martin has commented on the impact Sabri Lamouchi and Sol Bamba have had ahead of the South Wales derby.
“He brought someone with him in Sol Bamba, who understands the club and the supporters and has a really good connection with them. I'm pretty sure he would have gotten everyone on board and on side,” Martin said.
“You don't pick up the results they have done without that, really. So, it's an interesting dynamic, isn't it? He's had this block of two weeks to probably get a lot of work done that he maybe wasn't done when he came in and had lots of games.
“I think it's a really interesting game for loads of reasons - because of the last game against them, because of the league position – and it’s one we're looking forward to."
Prutton predicts draw in South Wales derby
Sky Sports’ David Prutton has made his weekend predictions for the EFL Championship, including a thrilling 2-2 draw in the South Wales derby.
Prutton also discusses the frustration around the Rotherham vs Cardiff fixture.
“How frustrating would that have been for Cardiff? Leading in such a big game at Rotherham near the foot of the table, only to see it succumb to the weather. You could tell Sabri Lamouchi wasn't happy,” he said.
“Swansea are set for another season in mid-table, but this is a great chance for them to land one on their big rivals, and do the double again. I just think it will be a draw with a few goals in.”
Former club secretary passes away
Cardiff have paid tribute to former club secretary Jason Turner, who sadly passed away this week.
Turner, 50, worked for the club for a decade. In a statement, Cardiff said: "The thoughts of us all at Cardiff City Football Club are with the family, friends and colleagues of Jason Turner, who sadly passed away last night.
"Jason was Cardiff City club secretary between 2000 and 2010, and played an important role at the club during a time of significant transition both on and off the field.
"He will be greatly missed within the football community, and we offer our sincerest condolences to all who knew him."
Bluebirds legend Andy Legg led the tributes, saying he was “devastated” by the news.
Turner was the current chief executive of Notts County and had also worked for Bath City, Newport County and Plymouth Argyle.
A statement from his mother, Jen, and father, David, reads: “Words cannot describe our sadness following the loss of our beloved son, Jason.
“We know this feeling will be shared by all of his colleagues and his many, many friends.
“While we come to terms with this news, we ask for our family’s privacy to be respected.”
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