‘IT’S JUST CRAZY’

CARDIFF City boss Neil Harris has called for the Championship’s ‘crazy’ festive fixture schedule to be changed to ensure crowds don’t dwindle further in FA Cup clashes.

The Bluebirds were forced to battle back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against League Two outfit Carlisle in the FA Cup third round clash, meaning they will have to trek to Cumbria for a replay, but there was a sparse crowd in place at Cardiff City Stadium.

The clash came after a hectic festive season for Bluebirds fans, who have had to trek up and down the country over the last few weeks to support their side.

It was somewhat understandable, then, that the clash against League Two minnows was so poorly attended - officially there were just 5,828 supporters at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Harris, however, believes that if one Championship match was moved to a different time in the season, the games would be better attended.

“I think the amount of fixtures in the schedule over this period makes it very difficult for supporters to support every single game,” Harris said after the draw with Carlisle.

“It’s crazy, I know, I’m a father of three myself, it’s expensive taking your kids places.

“Taking your family to football four times in 12 days is not easy.

“Scrap one of the league games. The FA Cup is here to stay and is a wonderful competition, everybody in football appreciates the FA Cup.

“British-based players, managers, supporters and foreign owners, managers and players love the FA Cup.

“To have this many league games is crazy, every manager has said the same thing. It causes nothing but cost for people and injuries.”

Harris afforded some of his fringe players the opportunity to impress against Carlisle.

The likes of Josh Murphy, Callum Paterson and Gavin Whyte were given their chance behind Danny Ward and each of them showed flashes of positivity. The manager, however, kept his cards close to his chest regarding who really impressed him and who fell short of the mark.

He hinted, however, that they all have a part to play moving forward this season.

“I was really pleased with some of them,” he added.

“Some really good performances. There were a couple that looked like they hadn’t played for a while - a little bit of rustiness I think it’s fair to say.

“I’m really pleased for Gavin and Callum to get on the scoresheet.

“Murphy gave us some of the best moments of the game, with his brightness and his quality.

“They’ve all good attributes we can use going forward, with Mendez-Laing being out for a period of time now it opens up a space in a wide area.

“All three of those lads can play in that position.”

■ Match report and all the rest of the FA Cup action: Sport on Sunday