' Where does Cardiff City go from here ? '

' Where does Cardiff City go from here ? '

Monday 5th May 2014.

Next seasons Championship will be strong. Bolton, Leeds, Reading, Blackburn and Nottingham Forrest will all be in the Championship next season, and will be hungry to fight for promotion.


' THE MANAGER '

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as Cardiff manager in January, replacing the very popular Malky Mackay. Cardiff lay in 16th when Solskjaer took over, yet have finished bottom of the table. Solskjaer has said that he will be in charge at the Cardiff City Stadium, even if the club are relegated. Many of the Cardiff faithful will be hoping to see the back of Solskjaer, but he is expected to be given the chance to bring the Welshmen straight back up.

Solskjaer, though, did only sign a contract until the end of the season, and therefore it would be easy for either Solskjaer himself to abandon the Cardiff ship, or for the Cardiff board to get rid of him before the start of the season. Who could take over, if Solskjaer did leave Cardiff?


' CRAIG BELLAMY '

Cardiff boy Craig Bellamy is coming to the end of his playing career, and could be tempted to take over the Cardiff hot-seat. Unproven managerially, but would certainly demand passion and fight from his players. Perhaps with an experienced assistant, such as Ray Wilkins, to guide him, Bellamy could be an astute appointment. Would certainly please the Cardiff faithful, and return some of the spirit lost at the club.

Likeliness: 7.5/10

' RYAN GIGGS '

It looks likely that Louis Van Gaal will be given the managerial reigns at Manchester United, and Giggs' remains uncertain. Could be offered a role in the Dutchman's back-room staff, but could seek for his own managerial experience elsewhere. A Cardiff boy, and a big name that Vincent Tan craves. Like Bellamy, his lack of experience could be worrying in a hostile Championship, and would require an experienced assistant.

Likeliness: 5/10


' STEVE CLARKE '

Sacked by West Brom earlier in the season, Clarke is available and out of contract. An experienced coach, and did well during his spell as a manager, and will be seeking the chance to rebuild his reputation as a manager. Cardiff could be the right club for Clarke, and the Cardiff faithful would warm to his passion. Not the big name that Vincent Tan would crave, but would be a good appointment for footballing reasons.

Likeliness: 7/10


' DAVE JONES '

A former Cardiff manager, and rumours of his close relationship to Vincent Tan. Jones was rumoured to be offered the role before Solskjaer, and is believed to be an advisor to Tan. Would be a hugely unpopular appointment with the Cardiff faithful, who were glad to see the back of Jones' arrogant, old-fashioned ways, despite his successful spell as manager of the club. Unpopular, but when has Vincent Tan ever looked to please the Cardiff locals?

Likeliness: 7/10


' Outside candidates: '

Graham Kavanagh - former Cardiff captain, and popular with the Cardiff fans. His recent relegation from League 1 with Carlisle might put off Tan. 4/10
Paul Ince - Unpopular with Cardiff fans, but available and a manager I'm sure Tan will be a fan of, due to his playing reputation. 6/10
Paulo Di Canio - Could there be a more controversial pair than Di Canio and Vincent Tan? A journalist's wet dream. 5/10
THE PLAYERS
Regardless of who is in charge of Cardiff City next season, be it Solskjaer, one of the men above, another candidate or even Vincent Tan himself; they will have a hell of a lot of work to do. One of the areas that will need work and a total revamp is the playing squad. I will take a look at the playing staff, who should stay and who should go.

' Staying '


The following players would stay at the club, if I was manager.

Mark Hudson - Club captain, and will certainly be good enough for the Championship after he returns from injury.
Declan John - Has had a good first season in the first team, and faith must be shown in him in the Championship.
Peter Whittingham - The club's longest serving player, and his set-pieces can be key at Championship level.
Fraizer Campbell - Struggled at times leading the line in the Premiership, but is a good Championship player.
Magnus Wolf Eikrem - Young, and could need the time in the Championship to develop in Britain.
Mats Moller Daehli - Has certainly impressed since coming in, and a season in the Championship could see him develop further. Will be key in Cardiff's bid to bounce straight back.
Joe Mason - Currently out on loan, and potentially the best finisher at the club. Needs faith in him to lead the Cardiff line.
Kevin McNaughton - Up with Whittingham as longest serving player. Consistant, and valuable even if just from the bench.
Kevin Theophile-Catherine - Inconsistent , but has shown potential. Championship could be his level.
Craig Bellamy - Cardiff boy, and his passion will be important to keep Cardiff going. Player/coach role would suit.
John Brayford - Has been out on loan, after a strange career at Cardiff. Has shown his class, and should prove it for Cardiff in the Championship.
Joe Ralls - Always been promising, and a season on loan at Yeovil would've done him good. A good squad player for the Bluebirds.
Ben Nugent - Similar to Ralls, and will be a good back up to the club's starting centre backs. Future club captain, I feel.
Simon Moore - A talented keeper, and will have developed out on loan at Bristol City. Should Marshall leave, he should be given the number 1 shirt.
Nicky Maynard - His Cardiff career has been ruined by injury, but is a lethal finisher at this level. This could be his chance to prove his worth to Cardiff.
Ben Turner - A tough choice, but just makes it in. Found suspect at times in the Premiership, but solid at Championship level. Could stay or could go, tough to call.
The Maybe Men


The players who I would like to keep at Cardiff, but the club may struggle to keep hold of.


David Marshall - Arguably the best shot stopper in the Premiership this season.

Marshall has been key in Cardiff's season, and undoubtedly kept them afloat single handedly for as long as possible. Will be tough to keep hold of him.
Steven Caulker - Captained the side in Hudson's absence, and will probably look to leave to push himself into the England national side. The club's best centre half will be a big loss, should rumours of Liverpool and Spurs' interest be true.
Craig Noone - Arguably surprise of the season at Cardiff, producing some breathtaking performances at times. I'm sure he will stay at the club, but a Premiership mid-table side could take a gamble on him.
Jordon Mutch - young Mutch is Cardiff's top goalscorer in the Premiership this season. Still early in his career, and would be invaluable should he stay at the club. I would expect a top flight club to come in for him.

' Going '


These are the players I deem not good enough, and that should be shown the exit door at the Cardiff City Stadium.


Gary Medel - Undoubtedly a quality player, but I don't think Medel has quite settled into life in the Premiership. Didn't show the fight and passion we expected, and his large wages mean it might be sensible to cash in on the Chilean international.
Aron Gunnarsson - A good squad player, but not quite good enough. Time for Gunnarsson to leave the club for pastures new and first team football, especially if team leaking-gate allegations turn out true.
Matthew Connolly - Simply not good enough, and has not featured for a long time in the Premiership. A Championship player, but not for Cardiff.
Andrew Taylor - There were always questions over Taylor, and he was caught out several times in the Premiership. A lower-Championship player, which is not what Cardiff will be aiming for.
Kenwyne Jones - Poor acquisition, and surely will be shown the door. A lack of fight and desire means he will not be popular with the Cardiff fans, and big wages mean he should be shown the exit door.
Kim Bo-Kyung - I like Kimbo. Undoubtedly has the quality, but was at times a liability in the Premiership. I think a loan would be best, unless he can toughen up and add competitiveness to his game.
Tommy Smith - Getting closer to 40 every day, and surely is not good enough anymore for this level.
Don Cowie - Was a loyal Mackay servant, and is extremely hard working. Sadly, not good enough anymore, although could still do a job in the lower-end of the Championship.
Simon Lappin - Hasn't really featured much since joining the club, and will not be good enough. Versatile, but is that enough?
Joe Lewis - You've got to feel that Lewis will want first team football, and can do a job for another Championship club.
Jo Inge Berget - Hasn't figured since joining, and doubt he will contribute much in the Championship.
Fabio - Decent enough for the Championship, but I believe he is on high wages, which would not warrant keeping him around.

Filip Kiss - Barely been given a chance and has spent the season out on loan. Time for Kiss to leave the club, and get first team football elsewhere.

Etien Velikonja - Similar to Kiss, it's time for Velikonja to move on to first team football. The Cardiff fans have never been given a chance to see what he can do.


' SIGNINGS '

With undoubted out goings at Cardiff City this season, the club will need new players to fuel their bid to bounce back to the Premiership. I would expect Vincent Tan (should he stick around) to give the manager a bit of funds to get back up. He gave Mackay around £10million in his first season, and I would expect the same for Solskjaer, or a new manager.
Defenders

Billy Jones - Available on a free transfer from West Brom, he is a versatile defender who knows a lot about playing in the Championship. Could be an astute acquisition.
Andre Wisdom - Has been on loan at Derby this season, and could be seeking further Championship experience. Would be a fantastic choice at either centre back or right back for Cardiff.


' Central Midfielders '

Ben Watson - Available on a free transfer from Wigan, everybody knows about Watson after his FA Cup Winning goal. The type of player Cardiff need, especially if Mutch departs.
Tom Carroll - Has been on loan at QPR, and Spurs could want more Championship experience for the youngster. Has quality and creativity, and would be a good acquisition.
Dean Cox - The Leyton Orient attacking midfielder has scored 13 goals and laid on 14 assists this season for Leyton Orient. Should they fail in the play offs, he could be looking to make the step up to the Championship.
Thorgan Hazard - Eden's younger brother has impressed out on loan this season, but Chelsea could be seeking English football experience for him. The Championship could be the place for him, and Cardiff should be at the front of the queue for his services on loan for the season.


' Wingers '

Moses Odubajo - Has had a very good breakthrough season at Leyton Orient, and the speedy winger could be looking to make a step up. His pace and trickery would be key for Cardiff.
Adam Hammill - His big chance in the Premiership never worked out, but has shown this year at Huddersfield that he can cut it in the Championship. Has 10 assists this season, and could he bring that to South Wales, he would be a great signing.
Marc Albrighton - Available on a free transfer, but I feel that Aston Villa will look to keep him. Has looked promising when given a chance. Could be looking to find his feet somewhere, and could make Cardiff his home.
Jordan Ibe - Labelled as Raheem Sterling mark II, and could be looking for first team football. Would be an invaluable loan signing for Cardiff, and would certainly light the Championship up next season.


' Strikers '

Troy Deeney - Has impressed at Watford, and this season has been no different. He has scored 24 goals, and may be looking to push on his career. Would be a great striker for Cardiff, able to both lead the line, win balls in the air and score.
Ross McCormack - A former Cardiff man that was reportedly wanted in January by Solskjaer. The Scot could be the man Solskjaer will want to lead Cardiff back up to the Premiership. 28 goals and 9 assists for mid-table Leeds this season.
David Nugent - Available on a free transfer, Nugent is an experienced player. He has impressed for Leicester this season, scoring 20 goals and contributing 11 assists. I'm sure Leicester will want to keep him for their Premiership season, but he could be surplus to requirements should they look for a top-flight striker.

' TOUGH '

There's no question about it, next season will be tough for Cardiff City. They won the Championship last season, but I would not expect life to be that easy next year. The manager will be key, as well as holding onto the club's star players. I personally believe that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not the man to lead the club in the Championship. He showed his tactical inability during his spell in charge in the Premiership, and the Championship is incredibly tough. You have to be on top of your opposition,
reactive, and ultimately do the simple things right. This is not something that Solskjaer has proved capable so far in Cardiff. I believe we will lose Mutch, Caulker, Noone and Medel, who will all be big losses. The fans feel let down, and do not feel in touch with their club. The club is a mockery, and the future will not only be interesting, but will also be imperative for Cardiff City football club.

Annis, some interesting points indeed. I look forward to the summer break in the hope that Ole (or whoever is in charge) is allowed to get rid of the deadwood and put together a squad that will WANT to play for both the manager AND for Cardiff City FC in a concerted promotion push next season

When wrote that

Nugent a future captain? Back up? Couldn't get on the Brentford bench last season for huge periods.

We need a clear out for a few reasons poor attitude, defensive attitude of who we have, high wages of average players.

When wrote that

Nugent a future captain? Back up? Couldn't get on the Brentford bench last season for huge periods.

We need a clear out for a few reasons poor attitude, defensive attitude of who we have, high wages of average players.

Luke, I never wrote it, I can only one finger type, I would be here all week

Annis, some interesting points indeed. I look forward to the summer break in the hope that Ole (or whoever is in charge) is allowed to get rid of the deadwood and put together a squad that will WANT to play for both the manager AND for Cardiff City FC in a concerted promotion push next season

Cheers Chris, I never wrote it, but it is interesting

See u next season

Annis, some interesting points indeed. I look forward to the summer break in the hope that Ole (or whoever is in charge) is allowed to get rid of the deadwood and put together a squad that will WANT to play for both the manager AND for Cardiff City FC in a concerted promotion push next season

Cheers Chris, I never wrote it, but it is interesting

See u next season

Will do, mate. Have a great summer with the family

Annis, some interesting points indeed. I look forward to the summer break in the hope that Ole (or whoever is in charge) is allowed to get rid of the deadwood and put together a squad that will WANT to play for both the manager AND for Cardiff City FC in a concerted promotion push next season

Cheers Chris, I never wrote it, but it is interesting

See u next season

Will do, mate. Have a great summer with the family

And u Chris, your a Gent

Championship confirmed annis

Annis,marks out of ten in your opinion what's the odds of vt staying next season

Annis,marks out of ten in your opinion what's the odds of vt staying next season

Vincent Tan himself wants ASAP.

But the club owes him £140 mill that is the main only prob, but its a big prob.

If Tan can get most of that back nil chance of Tan staying.
Chances of Tan getting that 3 out of 10.

Just a quick note to say that we originally wrote this article.

http://www.couldheplay.co.uk/1/post/201 ... -city.html

Check it out, and more Cardiff City articles here.

Keep the dj signings huds, whitts naughts marshall ( hard I know)

Get rid of the malky gang. They are good enough but are they loyal to Ole and hence CCFC. The lack of spirt and fight tells me all is not well in the camp. This is why chopping and changing managers is the quick way back to the dungeon

When wrote that

Nugent a future captain? Back up? Couldn't get on the Brentford bench last season for huge periods.

We need a clear out for a few reasons poor attitude, defensive attitude of who we have, high wages of average players.

Luke, I never wrote it, I can only one finger type, I would be here all week

lol

With Tan at the helm the only way is down.

We find a buyer this summer who returns us back to our rightful colours and restores out identity? The sky is the limit.

Its gonna be interesting thats for sure good post that very interesting read its all on what the owner wants to do next season. I believe he'll want to go straight back up as we aint worth shit in the champ but in the prem we are worth something in the next year or two tan will walk but he'll want paying so hes here for now as he is stuck he cant go nowhere.

Will be interesting to see what happens but when you think about it tan needs us in the prem big time

League 2

With current squad we will be lucky to survive, hope i'm wrong but got it spot on this season.

The first post of yours I totally agree with, especially about it going to be a hard division next season and the question mark hanging over OSG is he good enough we need to hit the ground running.............

The people on WBAs forum love Billy Jones. Around the time we played them I went on there and they said he is there best attacking player and he is there full back. Not sure whether they'd let him go.

I think the teams mentioned above will also be worried about us and Norwich coming down. If Mr tan sticks to his guns, we will still have a lot more financial resources than a lot of those teams mentioned.