Former Celt’s relief at avoiding play-off

Former Celtic keeper David Marshall will enjoy the Championship play-off’s as a spectator this year.

Twelve months ago Cardiff lost out to West Ham in the play-off semi finals but bounced back from that disappointment to earn automatic promotion by winning the Championship.

Marshall played in all 46 matches in the title winning season and after four seasons at the Welsh side is looking forward to the play-off’s knowing that his place in the Premiership is secure.

“At last, I am able to relax and watch the play-offs,” the keeper admitted. “We knew this season would be different.

This Cardiff squad was a really good group of players. in previous seasons we had good players, but probably not the strength in depth that we had this time. The work-rate of this team is faultless.

“When Malky Mackay took over as manager he had to rebuild and didn’t waste any time,” says Marshall.

“He brought in better players, gradually improved the squad and that showed in his first season when we reached the League Cup final against Liverpool and qualified for the play-offs.

“There is no doubt in my mind we over-achieved during that first season under the new manager. He had to make changes and that process continued going into this season.

“The gaffer wants everything to be as professional as it can be and he won’t leave any stones unturned in terms of preparation for matches. He and the staff are meticulous in everything they do.”