Manager praises exceptional home support on derby day
Malky Mackay has paid special tribute to Cardiff City supporters on the back of Sunday's historical South-Wales derby victory over Swansea City.
Steven Caulker's second half header was enough to decide the Barclays Premier League fixture, with Swans 'keeper Michel Vorm dismissed late on for denying Fraizer Campbell a certain goal.
Speaking to the throng of Press in attendance at Cardiff City Stadium, the Manager said: “I’m delighted for everybody at our clubs, fans, players, staff and more. The fans here in our stadium and those watching at home were able to smile. I will be always grateful for that support. Our fans were immense.
“The atmosphere they gave us over the 90 minutes was incredible, while my players produced a mature performance and played tactically well against a good Swansea team.
“Swanseahave been in the Premier Division for a few years, are also in Europe and the way they play can cause opposing teams a lot of problems. They can pass between centre-backs all day, that’s fine, but we had to stop them passing in other areas. As the game went on we knew spaces would open up and we could exploit certain areas.
“We knew that if we could get Gary Medel on the ball in the second half he could orchestrate the whole game and for about half an hour he was able to do that.Medel was immense from the first to last minute. His organisation in the first half, followed by the courage to get on the ball at any point and keep the play flowing in the second. The amount of time he had on ball during the second half must have been huge.
"I am loathe to pick any individual player out because the whole team performance was mature. Considering what they have had to endure over the last few weeks. It feels good to put smiles on people’s faces.
“We desperately want to make sure we are here in the top division again next season and, on a lot of fronts I am extremely happy today.”
As for the match-winning goal – Caulker's 62nd minute header from a Craig Bellamy corner – the Gaffer commented: “The build-up was excellent from Medel’s 60-yard crossfield pass to Theophile going down the wing and ending up at outside right. His run forced a corner and Bellamy took it well. We have two or three guys who attack headers – and Steven is one of them.
“He was one of our key signings during the summer. I could not believe we got him, certainly at that price.He was brave to step out of Spurs; he did that with the best intentions for his football career and not his pocket. That is huge and great credit to him. He is Cardiff captain at 21 years old, playing regularly at a high level and will have a long England career.We knew he would be a good signing."