Planet Swans ArchivesThe Wales manager – who led Swansea City to the 1st division in 1981 believes that of the current crop, Cardiff are better equipped to make the push for the big time ahead of Swansea.
He cites Cardiff’s experience at this level as the main factor behind the decision although he also highlights the blow that was losing Ferrie Bodde as a potential factor in the end of season positions.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Toshack said “I think Cardiff would probably be a threat for the play-off places, more so than Swansea.
“I hope I’m wrong about Swansea. They don’t have one player who has played a full season in the Championship.
“A large percentage of Cardiff’s players have international experience.
“Cardiff for the last three years have threatened at some time [to reach the play-offs] but they haven’t finished in the top 10.
“They look to have a strong squad of players this year.
“You’d think it’s two of the three [Wolves, Birmingham and Reading] for the automatic places but with the four play-off places, there are so many options all the way down to 14th or 15th place.
“The manager’s in his second season. He’s very bright, I like Roberto a lot.
“I can see what he’s trying to do. His way of playing is different to the way any other side play.
“Championship sides don’t know how to combat it until they’re on the bus on the way home normally.
“Outside the Premier League, he is a serious candidate for manager of the year, for the calendar year.
“What he’s done for Swansea is terrific in his first year. I didn’t expect them to make the impression they have done. [Ferrie] Bodde’s injury is a big loss – he’s irreplaceable to the way they play.
“It’ll be interested to see how that affects them and to see whether the pressure of the league will catch up with some of the players.”
