Can the signing of Rickie Lambert kick-start Cardiff City's season?
Saturday 3rd September 2016
Vital Cardiff City
Rickie Lambert joined Cardiff City on deadline day on a two-year deal.
One thing that Cardiff City fans expected on deadline day was a striker who can score at least 15 goals, and the ability to guide the Welsh team back into the Premier League.
With the departures of strikers Kenwyne Jones, Federico Macheda, Rhys Healey, Eoin Doyle and Etien Velikonja, Cardiff had to bring in someone to play up front and time was running out.
However, in the final hours of the transfer window, The Bluebirds brought in West Brom striker Rickie Lambert for an undisclosed fee.
At 34, what can Lambert bring to the side?
Rickie Lambert admits he is not good enough to get into West Brom’s team - less than two years after playing in the World Cup for England.
Despite his age, the striker does have a lot of Championship experience under his belt. However, Lambert only scored one goal in 26 appearances during his time at West Brom - not exactly figures that will excite Cardiff fans. Manager Paul Trollope will be expecting Lambert to bring goals to the side and end the Bluebirds goal drought.
It says something when you realise that Cardiff's leading goalscorer this season is former Blackburn Rovers defender Shane Duffy. The defender scored two own goals when the sides met at the Cardiff City stadium.
Lambert does still have the ability to score, though. The 34-year-old can also bring leadership to the team, something that the Welsh side have been missing.
Is Lambert Cardiff's catalyst for promotion?
The Welsh side have a lot to do before convincing fans that they can compete at the top. Recent poor performances have shown a lack of motivation and quality from the Bluebirds, which has led to frustration from fans.
The departure of captain and goalkeeper David Marshall will leave a massive hole in the Welsh sides’ squad. The stopper joined Hull for an undisclosed fee, a huge blow given that his quality as a 'keeper made him one of the Bluebirds best players. With a character like Marshall leaving, it will be a tough test for Trollope's side this season.
Cardiff City will travel to Carrow Road to face relegated Norwich in their first game after the international break. Fans will be looking closely at Lambert with the hope that the striker can provide them with some much-needed firepower.
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