TURNER'S PRIDE IN 'CITY FAITHFUL
Defensive talisman Ben Turner has thanked the Cardiff City faithful for the levels of support shown this season, not least in the Saturday victory over Hull City.
“I noticed on the weekend, that after some bad press following Charlton, you could sense in the stadium, even when we were warming up and right from the first minute the fans were resolute,” he told BBC Radio Wales’ Rob Phillips on Monday night. “They were like, ‘come on lads’, and we could sense that, that they hadn’t turned after what was admittedly a horror show of a second half (at the Valley). They turned out in their numbers again and offered support, which gave us a lift."
The home win was a welcome tonic for all, both in terms of keeping the record breaking home run going strong and also for bouncing back after two frustrating away results.
“We needed it, obviously with the two games before,” he admitted. “It wasn’t a make or break game, but we certainly didn’t want to lose three on the trot. Heidar scored and people have already picked up on how brave he is – it’s why he’s still going strong at the level he is at his age. A lot of the goals he’s scored throughout his career are down to his bravery, he’s willing to put himself on the line and put his head in, which showed for our opening goal last Saturday.”
Next on the radar are in form Middlesbrough, a 3pm Saturday test Ben is looking forward to.
“We’ll be preparing as we usually do and at this stage of the season it’s about as big a game as there’s going to be,” he said. “Middlesbrough are playing well, scoring goals similar to ourselves. We’re confident though, backed by not having dropped a point at home, where performances have been pretty much bang on. We’ll certainly be ready for them.”
Included in the ‘Boro ranks is an old mate and a weekend threat, former Sky Blues striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.
Talking of his friend, Ben said, “He’s had a few little niggling injuries to set him back, but he’s back and scoring goals. He’s scored five after what I think was a knee injury. He’s a good player, is strong and can score goals. He works really hard and is one of the players we’ll have to have in mind this Saturday.”
And Ben’s take on his own form following his own return from the sidelines?
“I don’t think I’ve hit my top form yet this season,” he said. “I had a little injury that set me back around six weeks and after having a pre-season with the lads, I played the first two games and then missed eight due to a tear in my foot. But it was one of those things that you have to deal with. Fortunately last season I didn’t have any setbacks like that and managed to keep improving my form as the season went on, whereas this season it’s set me back a couple of months.
“But we can’t complain and are in a good position. We’re not exactly where we want to be, but we’re in touch and we have to be positive. We have to be calm and confident while trying to keep winning. Hopefully a goal from me will come soon too. I’ve had a couple of chances now and have hit the crossbar at Charlton and have put my head on a few things. But I’ll concentrate on my defending and see if I can also chip in with a few goals too. Huds is doing it and if I can join in with that I’ll be happy.”
