' City Fans Any Concerns So Far ?

Any concerns?

By Tom Coleman

Sunday 30th July 2017

Cardiff's only defeat of pre-season - a 2-1 loss at Shrewsbury - was a timely reminder that there is still plenty of work to be done.

Having squandered a number of first-half chances at the Montgomery Waters Meadow. They should have really been out of sight by the break, but could only muster a solitary Mendez-Laing strike just before half-time.

They were made to pay for their profligacy shortly after the interval as Shrewsbury hit back with two goals in as many minutes to snatch victory, much to the annoyance of the Bluebirds boss.

Warnock was quick to warn his side against what he perceived to be defensive sloppiness, stating at the time "If we're going to do anything next year we can't concede as sloppily as that".

Friday night was certainly the perfect response to that defeat, but it did perhaps highlight an issue that has seemingly lingered from last season.

Despite making a number of new signings to his ranks, Warnock's squad still looks potentially thin on the ground in certain areas.

The absence of Jazz Richards and newcomer Callum Paterson meant Greg Halford and Bruno Manga filled in at right-back on Friday and, to their credit, appeared quite comfortable.

However, playing players out of position is never an ideal situation to be in for any manager, although Bluebirds fans will at least take comfort in the fact that it's a problem clearly acknowledged by Warnock.


With further incomings looking unlikely, Warnock may have to simply make the most of what he's got, although that's a statement that certainly does little justice to the obvious potential at his disposal.

It does mean that Warnock might well have to think more carefully about team selection during the first few weeks of the season, particularly in the case of Hoilett, whose international exploits over the summer have left him without any real time to rest.

There will subsequently be question marks over whether the Canadian runs the risk of burning out if he's placed with too high a workload too soon.

I still think we are a centre midfielder and striker short, hoping to see these positions filled with loan signings

My biggest concern ATM really is the fans, it's great to see the feel good factor back at the club, however I feel fans on here are getting carried away before the season starts back. This league has changed only a few years ago £5m signing usually meant 20+ goals a season and promotion. I just fear fans might be expecting to much from warnock,

Definitely a striker and a central midfielder short at the moment. Most of our rivals have already, or almost certainly will before the end of August, bring in a quality loan signing from a top end Premier League club. Sam Gallagher of Southampton would be ideal cover for Zohore, if he's still available.

A spate of injuries would concern me a quality in just about every position but a bit light in numbers and also will be glad to see those not figuring in NW plans shipped out ASAP

My biggest concern ATM really is the fans, it's great to see the feel good factor back at the club, however I feel fans on here are getting carried away before the season starts back. This league has changed only a few years ago £5m signing usually meant 20+ goals a season and promotion. I just fear fans might be expecting to much from warnock,

You're right, lots on here are unrealistic and expect too much but that's not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from being optimistic and from enthusiasm.
I also think we're a bit short in centre mid if he gets rid of O'keefe. I, personally, would like to keep him.

Definitely a striker and a central midfielder short at the moment. Most of our rivals have already, or almost certainly will before the end of August, bring in a quality loan signing from a top end Premier League club. Sam Gallagher of Southampton would be ideal cover for Zohore, if he's still available.

You think Sam Gallagher would come here as 'cover' for Zohore?
Sit on the bench and wait until he gets injured or play for the last ten minutes occasionally?

We're OK at the back and goalkeepers, I think we'll get stronger there as injuries subside.

Wingers are fine and we have options.

We only really have Zohore and Ward to play up top, that's a concern. Tomlin will sit in behind. Zohore is a big lump and I think will get injured this season at some point.

In my opinion we'll not get promoted with Ralls in the centre of the park, he's OK but we need better. We need a more creativity and forward drive from that area.

My prediction with this squad is 8th.

We need to get rid of Pilkington (never liked him), Noone, O'Keefe, Gononononburggggg and Declan. We then use the wages for those guys to bring in two or three loan signings to push the rest of the team and add quality. I have a sneaking feeling that'll be Warnock's plan that may materialise toward the end of the transfer window. Fingers crossed.

Prediction for the first month of games:

Draw at Burton
Lose to Villa
Win against Utd
Lose against Wolves
Win against QPR

7 or 8 points by the end of August from 15.

Midfield still not addressed, it's been obvious for the last three seasons we need a leader. Ralls for me is not up to the job and if we let O Keefe go we will be down to three central midfield players which includes the young French lad.
That's makes our midfield shorter on numbers and quality than it was last season.

Definitely need another option up front, maybe a lone signing if big doesn't carry on from where he left off last season or gets injured then we will struggle for goals.

On a plus the pre season games I have seen Matt Kennedy has looked as though he's ready to push for a start this season and I hope Warnock gives him a chance.

Definitely a striker and a central midfielder short at the moment. Most of our rivals have already, or almost certainly will before the end of August, bring in a quality loan signing from a top end Premier League club. Sam Gallagher of Southampton would be ideal cover for Zohore, if he's still available.

You think Sam Gallagher would come here as 'cover' for Zohore?
Sit on the bench and wait until he gets injured or play for the last ten minutes occasionally?

You are probably right on that one but he could be prepared to back himself in a straight fight with Zohore. You never know. Either way we still need cover as I don't see a natural replacement at our Club at the moment.

I don't take too much notice of the Shrewsbury result. We beat them 4-0 last summer and that didn't mean a promotion push was coming. My only concern is we are yet to test ourselves against strong opposition, we could have done with a friendly against a PL side or PL/Champ level side from another country.

Having said that, I trust a man of NW's experience and am hopeful of a great start on Saturday.

Midfield still not addressed, it's been obvious for the last three seasons we need a leader. Ralls for me is not up to the job and if we let O Keefe go we will be down to three central midfield players which includes the young French lad.
That's makes our midfield shorter on numbers and quality than it was last season.

Definitely need another option up front, maybe a lone signing if big doesn't carry on from where he left off last season or gets injured then we will struggle for goals.

On a plus the pre season games I have seen Matt Kennedy has looked as though he's ready to push for a start this season and I hope Warnock gives him a chance.

We have Halford and I think we'll sign Ledley towards the end as I think Warnock has asked him to hang on until wages are freed up. He would've found a club by now surely...
We need someone like Tom Cairney who can pull the strings and play neat balls through to the wingers/strikers.

I still think we are a centre midfielder and striker short, hoping to see these positions filled with loan signings

Fully agree come Christmas this may be the difference from being able to keep the pace