"We had the control of the game, the possession and overall I think we deserved it."
That was club captain Mark Hudson's slightly frustrated post-match assessment following the Bluebirds 1-1 opening weekend draw at home to Sheffield United.
It was clearly the over-riding feeling amongst the camp as a whole with debutant midfielder Daniel Drinkwater offering, "We got a point, but we were disappointed not to get the three. With them getting a man sent off we should have won i suppose, but we did well to pull the game back.
"I think we were all hoping (to grab a second), but you can't expect a goal because they're a good team, but we are a bit disappointed that we didn't get the three points."
Manchester United loanee Drinkwater also commented on the step up he quality he discovered after spending last season on loan in League One with Lee Clark's Huddersfield Town side.
"It is quicker and a bit more physical," he admitted, "but a step up is what I was looking for and I hope the fans and the gaffer were pleased."
With regards to the dismissal of young Blades defender Matthew Lowton mid-way through the first half, Drinky's comments matched those of his manager, who had earlier backed the referees decision. He was also quick to praise the way which Sheffield United had dealt with the situation though, particularly during a second half which Cardiff dominated.
"I thought it was a sending off, the guy's gone in high on Kev and his studs were showing so it was a fair decision I think," said Danny. "It's going to change any game to be fair, but they stayed tight at the back and defended quite well. When any team tries to slow the game down it's frustrating, but that's what you've got to deal with."
Unsurprisingly, questioning soon turned towards the off the field issues at the club and both players were keen to stress the resounding team spirit possessed by the playing squad at the CCS.
MH "We know what we've got to do when we step on the pitch and that's win games, we can't let anything else that goes on off the pitch affect us. Today, i think what we've tried putting into action during pre-season has worked - keeping possession better and playing out of the back a bit more.
"I think our priority is on the pitch, even when we're training we go out and forget all about that. We cant worry too much about what goes on off the pitch, that's for the board and the staff to deal with, they take the pressure off us and allow us to go out and play the way we can, which I think we did today."
DD "The team spirit is great, and today we showed what a good team we've got and how well we work together. As soon as you cross the white line you've just got to get on with it, it's a game of football at the end of the day - it's not all about maths and money."
MH "TG came in the dressing room today, which was great for him to show his face before the first game, and he assures us that everything is in working order. We had a meeting with him about an hour and a half before kick-off and he told us everything we wanted to hear really.
"We've just had Koumas come through the door which is a great signing for us, and we've been assured that he'll be followed by a few more through the door which can only benefit us and is great for Cardiff City."
Finally, when asked to comment on certain views expressed by Nottingham Forest CEO Mark Arthur with regards Peter Whittingham, Hudson was forceful in his response and generous in praise of his team-mate.
MH "Well I think if look at the way Whitts performed today, as soon as he puts that shirt on he goes out and does nothing short of his best for us. He's a great lad, gets on well with everyone, he's definitely not unsettled by what's going on - it's just one of those rumours that spread in football. Look at his quality today, he's frightening. His left foot is like a wand and if we can keep hold of him it'll be great for us."
