' Junior Hoilett '

The verdict on Junior Hoilett’s Cardiff City career so far


Inside Cardiff City

By Rhys Rourke

Wednesday 12th April 2017

Flashes of brilliance from October’s arrival Junior Hoilett have been dimmed by the occasional lapse, but he remains a huge part of the impressive Cardiff resurgence under Neil Warnock.


There was no resting on laurels for Neil Warnock upon his arrival at Cardiff City, wasting no time in snapping up Canadian winger Junior Hoilett (along with Sol Bamba and the now-departed Marouane Chamakh) on a free transfer.

Hoilett made his name with Blackburn Rovers and QPR as a pacey left winger, capable of creating goals as well as scoring them. However, during this time he was also plagued by an inconsistent nature that held his game back.

There can be little doubt that the appointment of Warnock has been a real catalyst, propelling Cardiff from the relegation places to a mid-table slot. But how much of this resurgence can be attributed to early arrival Hoilett?






' The Good '

Warnock certainly rates Hoilett; the manager stated in February that he would have even signed Hoilett for Nottingham Forest, had he been given the job there. The feeling appears mutual after Hoilett revealed his admiration for Warnock (and the Cardiff City squad) later that month.

Hoillett, hailed as a ‘game changer’ by Warnock after his performance in the 3-2 victory over Huddersfield last November, appears to be ahead of Pilkington and Noone in the Cardiff pecking order. His importance to City was reiterated by Warnock in a press conference this month, with the manager confident that the winger will stay.

Hoilett, along with a resurgent Kadeem Harris, has brought an element to this Bluebirds side sorely lacking under Paul Trollope – pace. Warnock’s switch to a back four (and use of wingers, rather than wing backs), from Trollope’s ill-fated attempt to replicate the 5 man defence used by Wales, has also paid dividends for City’s wide men.

Hoilett is also fairly adaptable, and it wouldn’t be beyond all possibility to see him playing on the other wing, or in an even more advanced role in the box. His direct style can cause opponents real problems across the pitch.





' The Bad '

Two goals from 29 appearances is a relatively meagre return for such an attacking personality. One of those goals also came against whipping boys Rotherham, who Cardiff bullied 5-0. City will need the likes of Hoilett to start scoring more if they to truly mount a serious playoff challenge next season.

There has also been evidence of defensive frailty – Warnock was scathing in his criticism of Hoilett following his errors in the December defeat at home to Barnsley.





' The Verdict '

Hoilett is somewhat of a bastion of the new Bluebirds under Warnock; confident, sharp and direct, not unlike the manager himself. Next season will need to witness Hoilett improve his goal tally to spearhead a real effort to better City’s lot. Hoilett excites the fans, he could yet prove decisive in the complexion of Warnock’s Cardiff City career.

Warnock says Hoilett will be here next season and there’s no doubt he will be extended his contract and you’ll find very few supporters disappointed with that.

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For me, I hope we keep him next season.
Skilful, quick and always looking to get on the front foot. However, he really needs to score a few more goals as such an attacking player. That miss on Saturday where he blasted over the bar from 15 yards or so was a perfect example.

For me, I hope we keep him next season.
Skilful, quick and always looking to get on the front foot. However, he really needs to score a few more goals as such an attacking player. That miss on Saturday where he blasted over the bar from 15 yards or so was a perfect example.

With you on all your points there

For me, I hope we keep him next season.
Skilful, quick and always looking to get on the front foot. However, he really needs to score a few more goals as such an attacking player. That miss on Saturday where he blasted over the bar from 15 yards or so was a perfect example.

Spot on, he can't finish to save his life! Hopefuly it clicks for him next year.

JH arrived at the club not having had a full pre-season and not having played for months, except for Internationals, and bearing that in mind I think he has been fantastic. Give him a proper pre-season preparation and better quality players around him and I think he will be a big player for us next season.

So glad to hear NW say he will be here next season and I hope NW can get Tom Lawrence to fill the other wide role.

I've been disappointed with the number of goals and assists however I do think he can be a key player. A full preseason and a bit of confidence and I think he can be a big player for us.

JH arrived at the club not having had a full pre-season and not having played for months, except for Internationals, and bearing that in mind I think he has been fantastic. Give him a proper pre-season preparation and better quality players around him and I think he will be a big player for us next season.

So glad to hear NW say he will be here next season and I hope NW can get Tom Lawrence to fill the other wide role.

Totally agree

JH arrived at the club not having had a full pre-season and not having played for months, except for Internationals, and bearing that in mind I think he has been fantastic. Give him a proper pre-season preparation and better quality players around him and I think he will be a big player for us next season.

So glad to hear NW say he will be here next season and I hope NW can get Tom Lawrence to fill the other wide role.

Totally agree

I thought Lawrence looked really dangerous against us at our place when he was playing down the middle - real pace in the No 10 role, or as a second forward.

What's missing from Hoilett is goals - I agree a proper pre-season and he should be sharper in front of goal. I hope so or he'll be another ALF, and I don't think I can take the strain

It will be a gamble if we take him on next season.

As far as gambles go it is a reasonable onr this time.