nigel adkins

somebody had a decent camera

Cardiff City have moved to play down any significance surrounding Nigel Adkins’ presence in the directors’ box for Tuesday night’s 1-1 Championship draw with Blackburn.

Adkins, who took Southampton into the Premier League as manager, set tongues wagging when he was pictured in the VIP area of Cardiff City Stadium close to club chief executive Ken Choo, director Steve Borley and under-21 development manager Kevin Nicholson.

Social networking and messageboards were instantly full of speculation, Adkins’ presence in the ground coming at a time when Cardiff manager Russell Slade is under fire following poor results and performances.

Adkins himself took to social networking to tweet: “Tuesday night football under the floodlights in Wales. Thank you @CardiffCityFC for your hospitality tonight.”

But asked about Adkins being in the directors’ box, Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman emphasised: “We are always pleased to welcome football people like Nigel to Cardiff City.

“He was simply there as a guest and there is nothing more to it.”

A Bluebirds source said Adkins’ presence was connected to Football Association of Wales duty. Adkins watched Cardiff play better than they have done for weeks, although the Blackburn stalemate means they have won just one of their last 12 league games.

Manager Slade has come under fire from the fans, but has brought on board new head coach Paul Trollope to help out. There was a vast improvement in City’s team performance against Blackburn, with Trollope actively involved in the technical area.

Adkins made his name in management when he guided Southampton to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions between 2010 and 2012. He subsequently took over at Reading, but has been out of work since being sacked by the Royals in December.

He was invited along to watch Birmingham last night as well. Schlaaaag.

I'd go where the free dinners are as well mind but I'm VERY easily bought...just ask Mrs Arkay.