McCARTHY: THE TRUTH & HARSH REALITY AT CARDIFF CITY / BUT Mc

MICK McCARTHY: “THE TRUTH & HARSH REALITY AT CARDIFF CITY / BUT McCARTHY IS HAPPY WITH SQUAD SAYING ITS BIG & WITH PLENTY OF DEPTH.”




By Glen Williams



Friday 30th July 2022



“Costs are being cut and transfer strategy is key in these harshest of times at Cardiff City.”

“Unless we sell one or two players first their will be no buying of new players, the reality is we have no money available .”



Even so, after Southampton's dismantling of a patchwork Bluebirds side on Tuesday, some supporters called for further reinforcements in the transfer window.

But, as Mick McCarthy has said on more than one occasion, that looks increasingly unlikely unless some money is pumped in to the club via the sale of a player or two.

It has been an indifferent pre-season campaign for City, but McCarthy has now got eight recruits from the Under 23’s, three free transfers and a new season long loan player.



Nevertheless, while some fans are calling for more signings, McCarthy believes he has a deep squad which has the ability to contend with another uncompromising Championship campaign.

"I've got no complaints with what I've got, we have a big squad now and plenty of depth," McCarthy said.

"We've got two good goalkeepers. I think we've got five good centre backs. Certainly, when they are fit and firing, our wing backs are excellent, but they are all recovering from something or other.

"Sangy [Tom Sang] with a toe operation, Perry [Ng] with Covid, Joel Bagan with a dislocated shoulder just coming back, although I can use Ryan Giles as cover for that position or Ciaron Brown. If we are to be a bit more attack-minded then Ryan Giles would certainly be there.

"Then midfield, we are covered in there. Sam Bowen has added to that.

"If you think we've got Kieffer Moore, James Collins, Ruben Colwill, Josh Murphy, Ryan Giles, we are alright up the top as well.

"In terms of the squad we've got, I'm pleased with it. I'm happy. But I need them all fit."



While free agent signings and the lack of stardust in the transfer window might leave some underwhelmed, some also appreciate the blackened financial backdrop of this summer window.

While there is merit to the school of thought that Cardiff need more creativity, playmakers and wingers are signed at premium and that sort of cash is nowhere to be found at the minute.

Based on this pre-season alone, though, the new signings have largely impressed. Collins has scored four goals while Giles looks a nippy player who is technically proficient; he will certainly add to City's forward line this summer.

Wintle has been unfortunate with his groin injury setting him back, but he looked neat and tidy enough against Forest Green.

The one who looks a real player, though, is McGuinness at centre-back. So calm and composed on the ball for a 20-year-old, the Arsenal product looks a top prospect and one McCarthy believes has a bright future in the Welsh capital.

"I thought Mark McGuinness was the pick of the bunch [against Southampton]," the manager added.

"I've no doubt he's going to be a good player for us."

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My View:

So Big Mick is very happy with his squad and says they have strength in numbers.

I remember these virtual exact words said by Neil Harris, let’s hope Micks experience will actually back up what he is saying as for me, nothing less than top 6 with what Mick saying


So their can be No moaning as he knew what he was taking on and if any injuries he says he has the back up and numbers.

Going to be an interesting season

“ CARDIFF CITY SQUAD 2021-22 “


1. PHILLIPS, Dillon

2. McGUINNESS, Mark

3. BAGAN, Joel

4. MORRISON, Sean (C)

5. FLINT, Aden

6. VAULKS, Will

7. BACUNA, Leandro

8. RALLS, Joe

10. MOORE, Kieffer

11. MURPHY, Josh

14. VASSELL, Isaac

15. WINTLE, Ryan

16. NELSON, Curtis

17. TOMLIN, Lee

19. COLLINS, James

20. WHYTE, Gavin

21. PACK, Marlon

25. SMITHIES, Alex

26. GILES, Ryan

27. COLWILL, Rubin

28. SANG, Tom

29. HARRIS, Mark

30. BROWN, Ciaron

31. RATCLIFFE, George

36. EVANS, Kieron

37. BOWEN, Sam

38. NG, Perry

39. DAVIES, Isaak

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14. VASSELL, Isaac

How long before he goes down with another injury ? - Im guessing he will be out for the season by the end of september if not before. Feel sorry for him - he has the talent but not the body for a professional footballer

I think it would be the same for any manager not just MM.

At Micks age you'd think he would have a footballing backbone... he's talked himself up in the past, or is this a last hurrah on a tidy contract?

PS., Sort out that feminine bouffant, it detracts from your tough Northerner image.

14. VASSELL, Isaac

How long before he goes down with another injury ? - Im guessing he will be out for the season by the end of september if not before. Feel sorry for him - he has the talent but not the body for a professional footballer

You wishing it upon him, fella...?

If not, try giving the guy some support after a horrendous time...!

At Micks age you'd think he would have a footballing backbone... he's talked himself up in the past, or is this a last hurrah on a tidy contract?

PS., Sort out that feminine bouffant, it detracts from your tough Northerner image.

maybe he has told the powers that be he needs 2 or 3 to give play offs a real go , or even 2 or 3 just to make sure we are not in trouble at the wrong end... but if he has and the answer was no ..what can he say ? every club has taken a hit and there just isnt cash about... the irony being mounting a proper challenge this season would cost VT far less than in previous years

Our manager is saying what virtually any other manager would say in his position.
He’s explaining the situation, brought in what he can and is getting on with it. I see little wrong with his statement or attitude.

I’m sure secretly he would love to buy a few 3-5mill signings but he sure isn’t going to say that or that his squad is weak and poor.

Mid table or just above for me although I’m saying that without having seen players like Giles, Wintle, Collins and McGuinness so I could be way out!

My View:

So Big Mick is very happy with his squad and says they have strength in numbers.

I remember these virtual exact words said by Neil Harris, let’s hope Micks experience will actually back up what he is saying as for me, nothing less than top 6 with what Mick saying


So their can be No moaning as he knew what he was taking on and if any injuries he says he has the back up and numbers.

Going to be an interesting season

Agree

Our midfield will be our downfall this season imo. Mid table I predict but who knows!

On paper it’s still a pretty good squad, a mixture of youth and experience

Defensively we will be ok and hopefully we won’t concede to many goals

Keiffer needs to stay and we need to protect him better this season, we virtually ran him to a standstill last season. Hopefully Collins can take some of the burden off him

Midfield is what it is and will be solid if unspectacular

But to get into the playoffs we need either Tomlin or Murphy or preferably both to have good seasons. They are the 2 players who can turn a game.

Personally I’m not convinced either will be fit or consistent enough

My View:

So Big Mick is very happy with his squad and says they have strength in numbers.

I remember these virtual exact words said by Neil Harris, let’s hope Micks experience will actually back up what he is saying as for me, nothing less than top 6 with what Mick saying


So their can be No moaning as he knew what he was taking on and if any injuries he says he has the back up and numbers.

Going to be an interesting season

Only a week ago, he was stating he was happy Marley Watkins was training with us, as we were low on numbers! Or waz he referring to thise out injured & moore?

My View:

So Big Mick is very happy with his squad and says they have strength in numbers.

I remember these virtual exact words said by Neil Harris, let’s hope Micks experience will actually back up what he is saying as for me, nothing less than top 6 with what Mick saying


So their can be No moaning as he knew what he was taking on and if any injuries he says he has the back up and numbers.

Going to be an interesting season

Only a week ago, he was stating he was happy Marley Watkins was training with us, as we were low on numbers! Or waz he referring to thise out injured & moore?

I think we were low then, with Morris out and Virus 4 players, plus a couple of niggling injuries.

All looking good now, everyone back for Barnsley game

My View:

So Big Mick is very happy with his squad and says they have strength in numbers.

I remember these virtual exact words said by Neil Harris, let’s hope Micks experience will actually back up what he is saying as for me, nothing less than top 6 with what Mick saying


So their can be No moaning as he knew what he was taking on and if any injuries he says he has the back up and numbers.

Going to be an interesting season

Only a week ago, he was stating he was happy Marley Watkins was training with us, as we were low on numbers! Or waz he referring to thise out injured & moore?

I think we were low then, with Morris out and Virus 4 players, plus a couple of niggling injuries.

All looking good now, everyone back for Barnsley game

Ahh that makes more sense!cant see us getting 30k tho Annis, I reckon around 21/23k and dependent on weather.
Still waiting to hear if I will be able to attend, due to inability to be jabbed,hopefully a negative test is all I may need, fingers crossed! The time for new season is amost upon us,different kind of excitement this time though eh?

One player that certainly won't be involved is winger Gavin Whyte, who's completed a season-long loan move to Oxford United.



And McCarthy admits the move was mainly due to his inability to guarantee the Northern Irishman meaningful game time this season.



MICK McCARTHY:

"If I've got Josh Murphy, Ryan Giles, Kieffer Moore, James Collins, Rubin Colwill, Isaak Davies, Tommo (Tomlin), Mark Harris all in those forward places, he's not going to play.”

“We have a big squad and have strength in depth, so I could not guarantee him a game.”

"So for his good he needs to go out and play and if he can go and have another good season, then maybe he can come back here and play."