David Collins concludes his series of studies about current Welsh club managers by contemplating Steve Morison’s record at Cardiff City ahead of today’s clash between Cardiff City and Swansea City.

Cardiff City manager Steve Morison should have little trouble in motivating his side ahead of then latest encounter between the South Wales rivals but Bluebirds fans can still expect a determined, well prepared approach before the big game.

The West Walians ran out easy 3-0 winners when the sides met in Swansea earlier this season and will be keen to become the first outfit to “do the double” in this fixture when they visit the capital.

The Swans will include many of the personnel who achieved that first victory back in October and we can expect Joel Piroe and Jamie Paterson to cause more problems for the home side if they show similar form this time out. Skipper Matt Grimes and Michael Obafemi will also be looking forward to the derby after a much needed break from league football recently.

Morison, on the other hand, will approach this game with a significantly different line up from the side sent out by his predecessor Mick McCarthy in that earlier clash. He acted decisively in the recent transfer window and players such as Cody Drameh, Tommy Doyle and Jordan Hugill have added pace, craft and steel to the Bluebirds squad. Uche Ikpeazu has also chipped in with important contributions as Morison has slowly nudged his side clear of relegation worries.

Morison has not been afraid to give the Cardiff youngsters a chance this season. Isaak Davies, Joel Bagan and others have been presented with many opportunities for first team action and have grabbed their chances with great results. Morison is a canny operator though – witness his careful handling of current Wales star Rubin Colwill for example. The 19-year-old has caught the headlines with eye-catching displays and seems destined for a wonderful future for club and country. Morison is nurturing the young star carefully though and Colwill is set to begin the big derby on the bench.

Despite his London roots and long association with Millwall, Morison will understand the passion of the occasion and the importance of local bragging rights in South Wales.

Morison was able to represent Wales at international level as his grandmother was from Tredegar, near Ebbw Vale. His earned the first of his 20 caps in August 2010 and also has an international goal on his CV after scoring in a 2–1 victory against Montenegro in the very stadium where he now sits behind the manager’s desk. He was given his international debut by John Toshack – who played for Cardiff City and also famously managed Swansea City.

Indications are that the attendance could be somewhere near 28,000 for this eagerly awaited match at the Cardiff City Stadium.  The former Millwall, Leeds and Norwich striker has urged the home fans to create a special atmosphere throughout the derby fixture and, with Swansea City having sold out their allocation of tickets, we can expect a pulsating atmosphere as these two fierce local rivals lock horns once more.

 

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