I caught up with ex Bluebirds defender Ben Turner, as we discuss Big Ben's time at the club, his view on the club currently and what the future holds for the 35 year-old.
111 games as a Cardiff player - what was your favourite game?
The Carling Cup Final although being so close to winning it still hurts.
Your goal in the League Cup final still lives in the memory of Cardiff City fans - what’s your recollection of than goal and how you felt when that ball hit the back of the net?
We were pushing so hard for an equaliser and I remember we had some sustained pressure with a few corners on the trot. I just tried to keep moving and being a nuisance on the back post and when the ball dropped in my area I just put my arms out so no one else could get near it and poked it in. When it went in it was such an amazing feeling it’s hard to describe I’m so grateful for that moment as a player for the club. Again it still hurts because if we had won the shootout it would mean even more to the club and that would have been even more special.
You also played on the winning side in the South Wales Derby - What’s your memories of that derby? How big was it to you?
The home game was everything we wanted it to be. We had reached the Premier League were getting decent results and really fancied it against Swansea being the home team. I remember putting a big tackle in on Jonjo Shelvey early on in the game which felt like it set me up for the rest of the match and it was great to win and get the clean sheet.
You were at Cardiff during the clubs highest and then arguably one of the lowest periods - on a whole, how do you feel looking back on your time at the club?
I’m so proud of that period of my career looking back. A number of us signed for the club under Malky and really suited the players Malky already had at the club. We were hard to beat hard working and represented the people sitting in the stands watching us. To play for Cardiff in the Premier League was amazing. I also loved to be Captain for the day when we went back to blue. That was an honour.
Cardiff appear to be on the up this season - what’s your opinion on the new manager Erol Bulut?
I’ve been very impressed from the outside looking in. I also speak to Rallsy a lot and he speaks very highly of him. I’m delighted it is moving in the right direction.
Do you believe Cardiff are capable of reaching the playoffs this season?
Yes. There’s not much between a lot of the teams in the Championship as we all know. Momentum is key and if they can keep that with them of course they can.
You’ve dabbled with coaching - is that a career you’re seeking to pursue?
Yes. I’m currently assistant manager at Woking FC in the National League and really enjoying it. We have inherited a difficult situation with the club closer to relegation than the playoffs but it’s great to have such a challenge.
Massive Thank You to Ben, and best of luck with Woking for the rest of the season!
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