Cardiff City's turbulent transfer window and the impact

Cardiff City's turbulent transfer window and the impact it could have on promotion charge



By Tom Coleman


Thursday 15th August 2019



As the new season approached, I was very confident of Cardiff City's chances this season. I did not expect to see too much disruption to the squad and with additions expected to complement an already strong core, I could not see another Championship side with as much in their favour.

Then the transfer window really ramped up and now I’m not so sure.

In terms of departures, Bruno Ecuele Manga, who was keen to return to France, and Kenneth Zohore were disappointing to lose, but both were entering the final year of their contracts and caused the club a conundrum. They decided to cash in and £11m is a decent return under the circumstances.

Then there’s Bobby Reid. Plenty has been written and said about his shock departure, but I’m more surprised that Cardiff ever signed him in the first place than the fact that they saw fit to sell him.

Patently not a Neil Warnock type, Reid followed 12 months after Lee Tomlin, also acquired from Bristol City to play in the number 10 role. Neither was ever really afforded the opportunity to cement their place in the side, which makes you wonder what Warnock had in mind when he brought them in.

On the one hand, Reid’s departure is a crushing blow. He may have been the most talented player in the Cardiff squad. The timing was also awful because it gave Cardiff no chance to replace him, but why even bother if you likely won’t use them anyway?

Chances are that the return of Callum Paterson would have relegated Reid back to the bench anyway. Cardiff are now in a similar position to last year where they are once again relying on Paterson to take up the slack resulting from the void left by Zohore’s absences last year and Reid this.


It’s a lot to ask of a player who has just returned from a five-month absence, but Paterson will give it his all and that’s why Warnock has so much time for him. He looked ring-rusty on Saturday in his first game back, which is understandable having missed out on a proper pre-season, but still completed the full 90 minutes. He will have to get used to that!

Some people seem to have got their hopes up by assuming that Reid’s departure will lead to an opportunity for Tomlin, but I very much doubt that. I hope I’m wrong, but I expect he will still leave on loan for a League One side in the next couple of weeks.

Fortunately, Cardiff brought in some shrewd signings and most have already hit the ground running. Cardiff actually spent quite a lot of money this summer, even if it doesn’t necessarily feel like they have. Assuming the Reid loan is made permanent, they will have made a healthy profit overall.

It just goes to show how important perception can be because their spend was similar and comparable to that of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when Cardiff were last relegated from the top flight and that felt like more of a supermarket sweep.

Warnock has fished in waters where he is far more comfortable this year and has a keen eye for an underdog. Curtis Nelson, Gavin Whyte, Joe Day and Will Vaulks are all making the step up from League One and Two, while Isaac Vassell has a point to prove after a difficult couple of years.


Aden Flint’s stock dropped after a disappointing season at Middlesbrough, while Robert Glatzel is looking to make a name for himself after impressing in the German second division.

Marlon Pack seemed to divide the Bristol City fanbase, but Cardiff fans already love him after an impressive showing, marshalling the midfield against Luton. The last player to have that sort of instant impact was Sol Bamba, who also had a love/hate relationship with Leeds supporters.

My concern is that Cardiff have lost that little bit of class, and they didn’t have much to begin with if we’re being honest.

If you take Manga as a case in point, Flint is a good replacement, more than able deputy and has probably been Cardiff’s best player over the first couple of games, but he is not the same calibre as Manga. He’s not going to read a situation or radiate calm in the same way. It’s like when Darren Purse replaced Danny Gabbidon. Good, just not as good. Pack is in a similar boat having to step in to Aron Gunnarsson’s mighty shoes.

The best way for a Championship side to compensate for a shortfall of quality is to make optimum use of the loan market and it was a surprise that Cardiff did not explore this avenue. This is how Fulham managed to bring in the likes of Reid and Arter, with deals in place that can be activated if they secure promotion.


When you downgrade in a few key positions, you really start to notice it and that was very much the case in the first couple of games. It was not a great game at the weekend and rather low on quality overall, while a late winner masked a multitude of sins. There was very little between the two sides, which is a concern when you consider that one was playing in the Premier League until recently and the other two divisions below.

It feels like a window where some of the competition gained strength, while Cardiff lost a little bit of their sheen. It will understandably take time for Cardiff to reacclimatise to the Championship and bed in so many new players. The side has a new spine after all and although it may not be as strong as it once was, if anyone can make it work, it’s Warnock.

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Great article!

Great article!

A rubbish article, just a knee jerk reaction, Pack not as good as the ageing International that always came back injured or knackered Gunnerson, I don't think so!

Bobby Weed was rubbish and never put a shift in, Patterson, Glatzel, Vassell and the wingers are all a better more consistent and reliable option.

Manga is a loss and that was a real shame, but Flint is a brilliant replacement and offers something different, my only fear about this side is the lack of pace at the back against a small fast striker, but I think they may change things in that situation with some protection for the defence.

We were miles better than Luton, who offered nothing we should have been three up by half time, and that was with a team that had never played together before with five or six new players!

We haven't downgraded we've just Warnocked up!

It's a thought provoking article but I don't agree with all the assumptions.

On Flint, he is not in the same bracket oas Manga. However, I'm not sure the writer is correct in saying he doesn't read the games as well. He actually reads the game very well, it's just he doesn't have th epace of Manga to get himself out of trouble. That said I think both Peltier and Bennett are better players for their year in the Prem and I would hope that they will be sweeping up behind the CBs jujst like McNaughton used to do so well in his prime.

As for Pack, I know a few Bristol City fans and I'm not sure they are divided on him ! They are all actually gutted, and surprised, that he's gone. I said when the transfer happened that I thought he was an improvement on Gunnar and I'll stick by that, although I accept he'll have to do it over a season for him to really prove himself.

Finally Zohore and Reid.

A large number of us just wanted Zohore to make the break through that he threatened for a 6 month period, it never happened. Therefore £8m is an absolute steal of a deal and now that we have seen Glatzel I would argue that we're certainly no worse off in that we have a forward who looks to have potential and, on the evidence of his first outing, has more of a goal threat. Throw the added bonus of Vassell into the equation and surely we're stronger upfront than the last two seasons ?

Reid has hardly played for us, whatever your view on him, so therefore how can he be regarded as a major loss ? That position is possibly the weak link. I, personally, don't think that Paterson is the answer there but he will do a job. But there are other options and they will depend on who can best link with Glatzel which will be interesting. Paterson, Tomlin, Vassell or even Murphy or Hoilett could be used in there.

So in general I'm not sure we're any weaker, overall, than we were it's just a matter of whether this team gels better/quicker than our rivals who have spent big.

Totally agree with Bluebina and Pile-driver to be honest, both of whom have responded as I would have to the OP's article. The point about Gunnar did cause me to raise my eyebrows. As much as he provided leadership on the field, his lack of passing accuracy, mobility and pace will not be missed. Enough has been said about Zohore and Reid so no point going over old ground there.

I think it may take a few weeks or slightly longer for this team to gel but I'm confident that we have enough to give it a good go this season. If we are still in contention around Christmas, I'm pretty sure the board will sanction one or two signings to help get us over the line. And I'm thinking more of a Frazer Campbell than a Gary Madine !

Cardiff dont play possesion football so will never look good and classy. Like the Luton game, first half Luton couldnt really do much with the ball, just cause they passed it around the back does that make the classy?

First half we could of gone in 3 nil up, we got the ball back, counter and poor finishing let us down.

Improving a side is about perception just because a side buys a better player than we did doesnt mean they will finish above us ask Fulham? Our team is based on work rate and not many if any can match city in that respect.... plus I believe our forward line is better than last season and season before so I think with the added players we are equal if not better than previous championship team.

Great article!

A rubbish article, just a knee jerk reaction, Pack not as good as the ageing International that always came back injured or knackered Gunnerson, I don't think so!

Bobby Weed was rubbish and never put a shift in, Patterson, Glatzel, Vassell and the wingers are all a better more consistent and reliable option.

Manga is a loss and that was a real shame, but Flint is a brilliant replacement and offers something different, my only fear about this side is the lack of pace at the back against a small fast striker, but I think they may change things in that situation with some protection for the defence.

We were miles better than Luton, who offered nothing we should have been three up by half time, and that was with a team that had never played together before with five or six new players!

We haven't downgraded we've just Warnocked up!

Reid never put a shift in
Seemed the opposite to me, never stopped running.

I lost interest after being told that it was a disappointment that Zahore had left

I lost interest after being told that it was a disappointment that Zahore had left

Zahore a big miss,? I don't think so.I found him lazy and a born trouble maker,is there a worse combination.

Great article!

A rubbish article, just a knee jerk reaction, Pack not as good as the ageing International that always came back injured or knackered Gunnerson, I don't think so!

Bobby Weed was rubbish and never put a shift in, Patterson, Glatzel, Vassell and the wingers are all a better more consistent and reliable option.

Manga is a loss and that was a real shame, but Flint is a brilliant replacement and offers something different, my only fear about this side is the lack of pace at the back against a small fast striker, but I think they may change things in that situation with some protection for the defence.

We were miles better than Luton, who offered nothing we should have been three up by half time, and that was with a team that had never played together before with five or six new players!

We haven't downgraded we've just Warnocked up!

Reid never put a shift in
Seemed the opposite to me, never stopped running.

Not a proper shift in my eyes, a bit of headless chicken work upfront, but he didn't contribute to the teamwork effort defensively as Patterson does, he's a grafter and does ten times more for the team unit that Bobby Weed, that's why Warnock wouldn't play him and was happy to sell him!

We got £11 Million for a substitute and signed two better forward players, this is Neil Warnock's Cardiff City and they play as a team, teamwork and a positive attitude is everything no room for sulking in this squad

Great article!

A rubbish article, just a knee jerk reaction, Pack not as good as the ageing International that always came back injured or knackered Gunnerson, I don't think so!

Bobby Weed was rubbish and never put a shift in, Patterson, Glatzel, Vassell and the wingers are all a better more consistent and reliable option.

Manga is a loss and that was a real shame, but Flint is a brilliant replacement and offers something different, my only fear about this side is the lack of pace at the back against a small fast striker, but I think they may change things in that situation with some protection for the defence.

We were miles better than Luton, who offered nothing we should have been three up by half time, and that was with a team that had never played together before with five or six new players!

We haven't downgraded we've just Warnocked up!

Reid never put a shift in
Seemed the opposite to me, never stopped running.

Not a proper shift in my eyes, a bit of headless chicken work upfront, but he didn't contribute to the teamwork effort defensively as Patterson does, he's a grafter and does ten times more for the team unit that Bobby Weed, that's why Warnock wouldn't play him and was happy to sell him!

We got £11 Million for a substitute and signed two better forward players, this is Neil Warnock's Cardiff City and they play as a team, teamwork and a positive attitude is everything no room for sulking in this squad

Can't agree with any of that to be honest. Thought he was a great team player and put a great shift in when played. Can totally understand him being frustrated with lack of game time, most fans were the same. Obviously not as physical as Patterson but we knew that when he signed.

Guess we all see things differently.

Great article!

A rubbish article, just a knee jerk reaction, Pack not as good as the ageing International that always came back injured or knackered Gunnerson, I don't think so!

Bobby Weed was rubbish and never put a shift in, Patterson, Glatzel, Vassell and the wingers are all a better more consistent and reliable option.

Manga is a loss and that was a real shame, but Flint is a brilliant replacement and offers something different, my only fear about this side is the lack of pace at the back against a small fast striker, but I think they may change things in that situation with some protection for the defence.

We were miles better than Luton, who offered nothing we should have been three up by half time, and that was with a team that had never played together before with five or six new players!

We haven't downgraded we've just Warnocked up!

Reid never put a shift in
Seemed the opposite to me, never stopped running.

Not a proper shift in my eyes, a bit of headless chicken work upfront, but he didn't contribute to the teamwork effort defensively as Patterson does, he's a grafter and does ten times more for the team unit that Bobby Weed, that's why Warnock wouldn't play him and was happy to sell him!

We got £11 Million for a substitute and signed two better forward players, this is Neil Warnock's Cardiff City and they play as a team, teamwork and a positive attitude is everything no room for sulking in this squad

Can't agree with any of that to be honest. Thought he was a great team player and put a great shift in when played. Can totally understand him being frustrated with lack of game time, most fans were the same. Obviously not as physical as Patterson but we knew that when he signed.

Guess we all see things differently.

I agree with 2blue on this one. It didnt work out for Reid because we don't play to his strengths but whenever I seen him play he did work hard and you could easily see his ability when he had the ball at his feet. Patterson starts because he good in the air and is used like a battering ram.

Some players are happy to sit on the bench as long as the money is coming in but Reid obviously wants to play more regularly and that is fair enough. Fulham are one of the best passing sides in the championship and I think he will do well there. I hope we have some sort of sell on clause in the contract as his value is only going to go up.

Im hoping we finish in the top 6 but I have this nagging feeling that our lack of pace at the back and in centre midfield will eventually be exposed by better teams with pace and movement, and Im still not convinced that Paterson should be starting games in the 10 position when we have a creative maverick who should be able to rip teams down the bottom apart with his passing and vision. I guess we'll have to wait and see

Great article!

A rubbish article, just a knee jerk reaction, Pack not as good as the ageing International that always came back injured or knackered Gunnerson, I don't think so!

Bobby Weed was rubbish and never put a shift in, Patterson, Glatzel, Vassell and the wingers are all a better more consistent and reliable option.

Manga is a loss and that was a real shame, but Flint is a brilliant replacement and offers something different, my only fear about this side is the lack of pace at the back against a small fast striker, but I think they may change things in that situation with some protection for the defence.

We were miles better than Luton, who offered nothing we should have been three up by half time, and that was with a team that had never played together before with five or six new players!

We haven't downgraded we've just Warnocked up!

Reid never put a shift in
Seemed the opposite to me, never stopped running.

Not a proper shift in my eyes, a bit of headless chicken work upfront, but he didn't contribute to the teamwork effort defensively as Patterson does, he's a grafter and does ten times more for the team unit that Bobby Weed, that's why Warnock wouldn't play him and was happy to sell him!

We got £11 Million for a substitute and signed two better forward players, this is Neil Warnock's Cardiff City and they play as a team, teamwork and a positive attitude is everything no room for sulking in this squad

Can't agree with any of that to be honest. Thought he was a great team player and put a great shift in when played. Can totally understand him being frustrated with lack of game time, most fans were the same. Obviously not as physical as Patterson but we knew that when he signed.

Guess we all see things differently.

Fair enough, valid opinion, let us see what happens, I think we are going to batter teams when we get out of second gear and up to sixth

Great article!

A rubbish article, just a knee jerk reaction, Pack not as good as the ageing International that always came back injured or knackered Gunnerson, I don't think so!

Bobby Weed was rubbish and never put a shift in, Patterson, Glatzel, Vassell and the wingers are all a better more consistent and reliable option.

Manga is a loss and that was a real shame, but Flint is a brilliant replacement and offers something different, my only fear about this side is the lack of pace at the back against a small fast striker, but I think they may change things in that situation with some protection for the defence.

We were miles better than Luton, who offered nothing we should have been three up by half time, and that was with a team that had never played together before with five or six new players!

We haven't downgraded we've just Warnocked up!

Reid never put a shift in
Seemed the opposite to me, never stopped running.

Not a proper shift in my eyes, a bit of headless chicken work upfront, but he didn't contribute to the teamwork effort defensively as Patterson does, he's a grafter and does ten times more for the team unit that Bobby Weed, that's why Warnock wouldn't play him and was happy to sell him!

We got £11 Million for a substitute and signed two better forward players, this is Neil Warnock's Cardiff City and they play as a team, teamwork and a positive attitude is everything no room for sulking in this squad

Can't agree with any of that to be honest. Thought he was a great team player and put a great shift in when played. Can totally understand him being frustrated with lack of game time, most fans were the same. Obviously not as physical as Patterson but we knew that when he signed.

Guess we all see things differently.

I agree with 2blue on this one. It didnt work out for Reid because we don't play to his strengths but whenever I seen him play he did work hard and you could easily see his ability when he had the ball at his feet. Patterson starts because he good in the air and is used like a battering ram.

Some players are happy to sit on the bench as long as the money is coming in but Reid obviously wants to play more regularly and that is fair enough. Fulham are one of the best passing sides in the championship and I think he will do well there. I hope we have some sort of sell on clause in the contract as his value is only going to go up.

He is definitely better suited to them, let's see how he does?

He missed a sitter Saturday

Personally, I think he is a bit overrated by many Cardiff fans for some reason?

Great article!

A rubbish article, just a knee jerk reaction, Pack not as good as the ageing International that always came back injured or knackered Gunnerson, I don't think so!

Bobby Weed was rubbish and never put a shift in, Patterson, Glatzel, Vassell and the wingers are all a better more consistent and reliable option.

Manga is a loss and that was a real shame, but Flint is a brilliant replacement and offers something different, my only fear about this side is the lack of pace at the back against a small fast striker, but I think they may change things in that situation with some protection for the defence.

We were miles better than Luton, who offered nothing we should have been three up by half time, and that was with a team that had never played together before with five or six new players!

We haven't downgraded we've just Warnocked up!

Fair play your comment about Reid astonished me and, no offence, but it’s absolute nonsense!

Love your quote ‘we’ve just Warnocked up’ though!