‘ A summer of opportunity ‘

A summer of opportunity


By Paul Abdanatato


Sunday 5th December 2021




There are many who reckon the Bluebirds are facing a crisis this summer with ten senior stars out of contract.

Cardiff need to view this as an opportunity, not a problem.

In particular when it comes to the midfield, which according to many fans has been too one-paced and lacking in creativity and control for some time - issues that neither Neil Harris nor Mick McCarthy addressed.

This summer Marlon Pack, Joe Ralls and Will Vaulks are out of contract, while it's hard to see how Leandro Bacuna, who will still have another year in his contract, can win over his critics among the supporter base.

Cardiff have been crying out for a couple of dominant new midfielders for some time and this summer presents a chance to wheel and deal.

Ralls appears likely to be offered a new contract and, to be fair, had decent moments against Sheffield United, particularly with his clever flick to set up Mark Harris' opener.

Vaulks offered so much promise when he first arrived, tenacity, leadership, athleticism, an ability to get forward and score goals, but perhaps he needs a regular run in the side to rediscover that form?

Pack divides opinion among Cardiff fans. Some reckon he is the one midfielder who can pass properly, others say he is too slow, doesn't influence games as he should and lets the opposition get on the front foot.

Since becoming manager, Steve Morison has quickly installed Pack as a kingpin.

But Pack let Morgan Gibbs-White go past him way too easily for the Blades' opener, didn't track his runner as Gibbs-White set up Billy Sharp's second. And whilst it would be harsh to blame him for the third, it was Pack's misplaced pass - albeit one made with good intentions - which led to Sheffield United's breakaway winner.

As a holding midfielder you are supposed to protect the defence, but that evidently didn't happen, down to 10 men or not.

Some Cardiff fans want to see Morison, or whoever is in charge next season, give youngsters Tom Sang and Sam Bowen their head in midfield, with Rubin Colwill slightly further forward at 10.

That would certainly offer Cardiff much-needed legs, energy, dynamism and creativity through the middle, but clearly experience is also required in the cut and thrust of Championship football.

Many believe the Bluebirds have needed a change of tempo in the middle for some time, with players who can shift the ball on much more quickly, get up and down, close down better, create more.

Ralls looks likely to stay, and there will be lots of supporters happy with that, but this summer does offer that opportunity for midfield change with newcomers coming on board.

What to do with the skipper?

Sean Morrison's red card helped turn the game some reckon he had been off the pace ahead of the sending off anyway.

Mozza's legs are gone, are the claims on social media, he's not the defender he was any more.

As another whose contract runs out this summer, Cardiff have a major decision to make. Given he is captain, perhaps this is the biggest of the lot.



Personally I think Morrison deserves some latitude. He was excellent the week before against Luton, he has been a brilliant servant to the club.

He had a poor game against the Blades, he has been below par and looked slow at other times this season, but dispensing with the know-how, experience, ability and aerial prowess Morrison offers would be a massive call.

It would be nice to think he still has plenty to offer. Together with Alex Smithies, a dominant new midfielder coming on board and Kieffer Moore, a back to form Morrison would complete a fabulous spine to the team for next season from which others could flourish.








Smithies must stay

Alex Smithies is yet another senior star whose deal runs out.

He's on big money, but Cardiff would be crazy to let him go.

Smithies is one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship and without some of his brilliance against the Blades the Bluebirds' defeat would have been much heavier.

One stop, when the ball appeared to be past him, was out of this world.

He can be part of the foundation upon which the team is built next season.

The problem, it appears, are Smithies wages and suggestions he is the highest earner at the club.

Another major decision looms. But Cardiff will be a better side if Smithies is in it.





Davies looks a little gem

Young Isaak Davies looks a teeny bit frail at times for the rough and tumble of Championship football.

But Cardiff could have a little gem on their hands here, someone with genuine pace who wants to run at defenders and create.

He almost scored a solo wonder goal in the first-half that would have changed the complexion of the entire match.

He'll be in and out of the side, as with other youngsters, but credit to Morison for giving another academy ace his chance in the big time.

If Cardiff can get the ball to Davies' feet more often, with the opportunity to go at opposition defences, they'll create lots of chances.

Yes I think the guy has a point.

All down to who we bring in obviously.