City 2 Southend 2
The game that finally convinced
Hamman and Gould that they couldn't gain promotion on a wave of
public expectation. It just wasn't good enough, not for Hamman,
Gould, or most importantly supporters. Gould rushed from his seat
in the stand to direct play from the dugout after the Southend
equaliser, casting grave doubts over the future of Billy Ayre..
This match seems to have prompted unprecedented spending at Ninian
Park. The list of City targets growing by the day. Cardiff might
be thinking big but their reputation is small. Gould and Hamman
are reaping the dubious rewards of last season's relegation.
Players and clubs are holding them to ransom, demanding larger
fees and higher wages because they don't want to move to a lowly
Third Division club. If City were starting from a divison higher
it would be so much easier. This is part of the reason why relegation
was so unforgiveable.