The View From The Other Side

Last updated : 15 May 2008 By Jim Bonner
With the FA Cup Final just hours away now, I thought it would be good to get the views of a nervous Cardiff fan ahead of the big occasion. So let me introduce you to Benji, who will be answering the questions.

1) So, having broken the FA's unwritten rule of having one of the "big four" win the FA Cup this season, how do you fancy your chances going into the game? Surely our four game losing streak has given you confidence?

Obviously, this is a huge chance for both teams to win the FA Cup. I think it's more important for Cardiff to win due to the fact that Portsmouth are fast becoming one of the best teams in England and will probably have a similar chance in the near future. Your losing streak is obviously a boost, but we have hardly been strong since the semis. Since then, we've conceded a huge 11 in 6 games. It's quite worrying considering our defence has been our strongest area throughout the season.

2) How do you rate your season as a whole after finishing 12th in the Championship and how well has Dave Jones done during his time at the club?

Dave Jones is brilliant. I was obviously a little frustrated before Christmas. Christmas 06, we were top of the league, between Christmas 06 and Christmas 07, we had been diabolical.

However, I never thought Dave Jones should be fired as he has had little transfer funds to play with. I think 12th is a brilliant place to finish in the Championship. I think we may be the only team not to have spent anything in the top two leagues. I don't think many managers could achieve so much with so little.

3) Do you view the Cup Final as a game between
Portsmouth and Cardiff, or do you think that the national "England vs Wales" element has taken over to some degree?

Obviously the media will play it as an "
England v Wales" final, but I do not, not at all.

4) What do you make of the decision for the Welsh National Anthem to be played before the match?

I think it's silly. I'm not a fan of national anthems in general. I think the decision to play it just imposes the "
England v Wales" idea.

5) We all know about the potential threat that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Robbie Fowler possess from their time in the Premier League, but who are the other dangers in your team that we should be wary of?

There's plenty to be afraid of in
Cardiff, and not just the Sheep-Human cross-breeds.
You've probably heard of the likes of Joe Ledley, but there's a lot to deal with in our magical midfield. Aaron Ramsey is a 17 year-old prodigy. He's not the strongest of players, but he has a pass on him and if given the chance, will dribble through players like they aren't there.

Steve McPhail is another great player. A favourite amongst the boo-boys, but he's a decent player. He's recently realised that you need to be quick on the ball. He's not the fastest of players running-wise, but he can pick out a pass from any position. Peter Whittingham, an Villa reject, but I wouldn't be shocked if they wanted him back. He won our Most Improved Play of the Season this year. We robbed them blind and got him for about £300k. He has a hell of a cross on him and occasionally will give the 'keeper a shock with a shot from nowhere.

The only player in our team who can match any of your players physically is the mighty Gavin Rae. Strong on the ball, strong off the ball. He is not afraid of a challenge, and recently, he's become one of our essential midfielders.

Elsewhere, we have Paul Parry, who has been playing up front this season due to Fowler's injury. If any of your defenders, including the 'keeper, are shaky on the ball, Parry will exploit it. He chases down defenders for 90 minutes, every game. Also, our player of the season, Roger Johnson. Very committed, very talented and very tall. He plays centre back and is very good at breaking up the play and generally keeping the ball away from our goal.

6) What are the main weaknesses in your team?

Our strike-force. Hasselbaink can't run, Fowler can't walk. We've even had to rely on Sinclair playing up front this season.

7) Are there any particular players in the Pompey side that you are worried about?

All of the strong ones! I'm worried that our players will get bullied off the ball.

8) You had Gary O'Neil on loan at
Ninian Park once. What did you think of him?

He was decent. Creative and hard-working but I don't think we had him long enough really. He would have been more useful if he had stayed for the whole season.

9) What do you think of your FA Cup Final songs? If you have heard any of Pompey's efforts, what do you think of ours?

FA Cup final songs are great. It doesn't matter if they're crap; it's just about enjoying the final. I haven't actually heard Pompey's, but I'm sure it's not as good as our official one.

10) Finally, predict the score if you dare!

2-1 to the mighty Bluebirds! I think we have a slight advantage due to Defoe not being allowed to play.