Mick McCarthy explains reasons behind Marley Watkins signing as he issues unequivocal transfer claim
The former Norwich City and Barnsley forward struck twice in the win over Sutton United
Tuesday 10th August 2021
Cardiff City manager Mick McCarthy has explained that Marley Watkins' short-term contract with the Bluebirds will act as an extended trial period.
The Wales international, 30, struck twice for the Bluebirds as they came from behind to beat League Two outfit Sutton United 3-2 in the Carabao Cup first round.
It was only an hour before kick-off the club had announced the signing of the forward, whose deal runs until the end of August.
Watkins had played in the pre-season fixtures against both Bath City and Southampton but had failed to really make his mark on either tie.
But McCarthy believes he felt he owed it to Watkins to take a closer look at him over the coming weeks.
MICK McCARTHY:
"He's done [his chances of signing a longer-term contract] no harm," McCarthy said after the victory over the Us.
"It's just a short-term contract for now. But I thought he did really well today.
"It is a trial period. Absolutely that. He came in for pre-season but the rules dictate you can only play two friendlies and he played the one at Bath; he played with a bit of an injury and he was wanting to play, but he didn't do anything.
"Then he had 10 days, two weeks off. So, to be fair to him, and to be fair to us, we had to have another look at him.
"So we have just had this short-term deal and that's what it is."
When asked whether he was open to handing Watkins a longer-term deal, McCarthy kept his cards close to his chest, simply responding: "He did his chances no harm, let's put it that way."
Watkins becomes City's fifth summer signing, of sorts, following the arrivals of James Collins, Mark McGuinness, Ryan Wintle and Ryan Giles.
But when asked if, barring any outgoings, his recruitment is done for the window, McCarthy was unequivocal in his response.
MICK McCARTHY:
"Yes," he said simply.
"I think we've got a decent squad.
"If we can get those players at the top of the pitch back. Rubin (Colwill) was back in today, you could see already his impact.
"We had Isaac Vassell having 90 minutes for the under-23s, his first 90 minutes in two years, so talk about confidence, that'll be good for him.
"If we get Josh (Murphy) back playing, then we've got a good squad of players, I believe."
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