BIGGEST EVER BLUEBIRD SUMMER CLEAR OUT ON ITS WAY

Cardiff City ready for biggest squad shake-up in history as Bluebirds plan for future after derby day embarrassment
By Paul Abbandanato

Cardiff City are ready to crack on with plans for perhaps the biggest squad turnaround in their history in the wake of the derby day humiliation at the hands of Swansea City.

Steve Morison's own learning curve as Bluebirds manager was laid bare amid questionable team selection and tactics as his team were out-thought and out-fought by Russell Martin's Swans. But Morison will be tasked with the huge change of personnel this summer, which could see as many as 10 senior stars head out of Cardiff City Stadium exit door.

The 4-0 loss to Swansea is likely to hasten Cardiff's plans for those departures as the Bluebirds look to be creative in the transfer window. Morison is eyeing bargain signings from the continent, as well as experienced figures from the Championship and Premier League, to bolster a side already containing a number of talented Academy youngsters.

WalesOnline understands that of the glut of senior stars out of contract this summer, only Joe Ralls is likely to strike terms on a new deal as things stand. There is also the possibility of Cardiff's injured captain Sean Morison getting a short contract extension as he works his way back to fitness.

But with Cardiff tightening their budget in these troubled financial times, it seems probable Ralls and Morrison may each need to accept reduced terms.

We understand Cardiff's other out-of-contract men are likely to depart. Three of them, Aden Flint, Alex Smithies, and Will Vaulks, were in the matchday squad for the South Wales derby. Each have their merits and deals could yet be done, but we're told that is unlikely.

The loss of goalkeeper Smithies, in particular, would be a major blow, but he is reportedly one of the higher wage earners at the club and Nottingham Forest are among his admirers.

The others, Marlon Pack, Leandro Bacuna, Ciaron Brown, Josh Murphy and Isaac Vassell, have not been featuring under Morison. There is also the possibility the manager could look to offload striker James Collins and goalkeeper Dillon Phillips as part of the Cardiff cull as he completely revamps the Bluebirds for next season.

The overhaul of the squad probably will be bigger than even the one Malky Mackay was tasked with when he became Cardiff manager in 2011 and initially inherited just 10 senior players.

However, Mackay was in time heavily backed in the transfer window by owner Vincent Tan and took the Bluebirds into the Premier League and to a memorable Wembley cup final against Liverpool. Given the way the pandemic has affected Tan's leisure empire, Cardiff will be far more frugal in the market this time around with those overseas bargains, as well as shrewd free signings and loan captures on the agenda.

Cardiff have not utilised the European and indeed world market as well as other clubs over the years and have a scouting network in place to try to redress that balance.

Already, we understand, a number of irons are in the fire for new players. Those targets are likely to include a goalkeeper, a dominant centre-half, a midfielder, striker and wide player, individuals who could each step straight into the starting XI. Other players who would bolster the squad are also being assessed.

Cardiff need the experienced new hands to provide the foundation of the side moving forward, an issue brought into spotlight in the Welsh derby. Against Swansea, Flint had his poorest game for some time, while Ralls and Hugill were anonymous. Flint, to be fair, has been one of Cardiff's better performers this year, but he may well be among the cutbacks as the squad is reshaped.

There is a core of talented teens or early twenty-somethings who hold Cardiff's future in their hands. The most gifted of these are bang-in-form matchwinners Rubin Colwill and Isaak Davies, strangely overlooked by Morison against Swansea until the game had gone.

Those two are supplemented by further academy youngsters like Joel Bagan and Mark Harris, while Mark McGuinness, Ryan Wintle and Perry Ng are also set to be key figures under Morison in 2022-23.

But Cardiff know they need need wholesale changes in other areas after previous boss Neil Warnock left something of a lopsided squad. With senior players' contracts running out in the coming months, Cardiff's hierarchy are said to see this as an opportunity to reshape, rather than a major hindrance.

Whereas a number of current players on the books have no part in Morison's plans, his intention is to compile a more fit for purpose and streamlined squad for next season where everyone will have a role to play - young and old.

Cardiff have seven matches left this season and with the derby out of the way, and Championship status secured, Morison's remaining team selections will be interesting. While results always matter for Cardiff City, the bigger picture is next season and beyond and starting to prepare the team for that.

As such, many fans feel Morison should start choosing only players who will be here next year, thus offering the youngsters valuable Championship game time. Some fans also want to see Morison change tack to four at the back, which would enable him to get creative forces like Colwill, Davies and Tommy Doyle into the starting XI together.

Man City loanee Doyle will be among the summer targets again for Morison, while Leeds United's Cody Drameh is another he will be looking to re-sign on a season's deal.

Cardiff are also awaiting the outcome of their Court of Arbitration hearing into the Emiliano Sala transfer, which could have a bearing on transfer funds made available by Tan.

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Personally, I see it as a positive, so long as the manager is allowed his preferred choices (deals allowing) to be prioritised

He already knows his budget and looks like he is planning ahead already, which is to his credit...

Abb, has once again written old news and it was put out on here 10 days ago.

"Vassell has not featured under Morison"

Not to mention McCarthy and Harris and of course the 47 minutes under Warnock. William Hill have closed the book on him getting another contract offer it's NOT happening.

Also in his first season didn't MM rebuild of the squad include 8 free transfers and 4 loans throughout the season?


But to Abbandonato this passes as news

Tell us something we don't know.

Morison deserves the chance but he is back to square one after this weekend. By capping the wage he is going to have a massive job on his hands. I have seen some club do similar and do very well such as Luton so there is hope. Difference between us and Luton is their regime have a vison while ours don't care. Expect a couple of seasons fighting relegation if we are lucky.

Doesn’t matter if it’s old news or not it’s what’s happening and like Sven I think it’s a positive thing.

9-10 players likely to move plus 5 (I think) loan players.

What a major rebuild it’s going to be!

Doesn’t matter if it’s old news or not it’s what’s happening and like Sven I think it’s a positive thing.

9-10 players likely to move plus 5 (I think) loan players.

What a major rebuild it’s going to be!

Because it’s been repeated 50, Plus times we all know they are going.

Where is their positivity from our shambles of a committee????


This season alone , worst ever run of results in 120 yrs and then both our rival clubs embarrass us beyond, is that positivity?

Plus it’s all bullshit that we are going to strengthen big time this summer.

The last few yrs we end up with two managers a season why because we start of like a relegation team and have to be rescued every season by the 2nd manager.

Tan, Dalman, Choo all not interested.

Let’s be honest instead of pretending everything is positive, the media write what Dalman tells them all bullshit.


We as fans are at a very low right now, you might not be, but thousands upon thousands are including me.

No more bullshit please


Paul,

I can’t stand bullshit and that’s what media Wales keep writing

The manager, owner, Committee , players are not hurting.

But our fans are .

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The manager, owner, Committee , players are not hurting.

But our fans are .

They have all gone in hiding, the player and management that is.

I recall when we had a bad result when Riddler was in charge. At least he was transparent when we went through this. The manager and players showed no bottle on the pitch or after the game. These are not the sort of players we want.

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The manager, owner, Committee , players are not hurting.

But our fans are .

They have all gone in hiding, the player and management that is.

I recall when we had a bad result when Riddler was in charge. At least he was transparent when we went through this. The manager and players showed no bottle on the pitch or after the game. These are not the sort of players we want.

Ian,


They turned up today and No mention of letting the fans and our club down, one of coaches is fuming that NO one is hurting.

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From a Jack:

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This is the truth Abb has written:

But we will need to spend:

No more freebies like James Collins other clubs has been a.


Cardiff's derby day woe against Swansea City underlined the need for quality experienced players for the 2022-23 campaign to work next to the talented youngsters.

Doesn’t matter if it’s old news or not it’s what’s happening and like Sven I think it’s a positive thing.

9-10 players likely to move plus 5 (I think) loan players.

What a major rebuild it’s going to be!

Because it’s been repeated 50, Plus times we all know they are going.

Where is their positivity from our shambles of a committee????


This season alone , worst ever run of results in 120 yrs and then both our rival clubs embarrass us beyond, is that positivity?

Plus it’s all bullshit that we are going to strengthen big time this summer.

The last few yrs we end up with two managers a season why because we start of like a relegation team and have to be rescued every season by the 2nd manager.

Tan, Dalman, Choo all not interested.

Let’s be honest instead of pretending everything is positive, the media write what Dalman tells them all bullshit.


We as fans are at a very low right now, you might not be, but thousands upon thousands are including me.

No more bullshit please


Paul,

I can’t stand bullshit and that’s what media Wales keep writing

Annis, I agree and understand what you’re saying.

The only positive for me is to get rid and start afresh. And I’m glad that’s happening. Yes there’s no money but it’s no good complaining as that’s what it is. It’s a fact until the owners move on and we maybe lucky enough to get someone who’ll invest in the squad.

I stayed until well after the final whistle on Saturday just to f*cking feel the pain! Was totally embarrassed and gutted about the performance.

The players didn’t want to know, had no fight and the manager takes some blame for not even doing the basics and getting the players riled up and fighting.

To the club and players it was just 3 points dropped.
To the the fans, we’ll need I say more!

Doesn’t matter if it’s old news or not it’s what’s happening and like Sven I think it’s a positive thing.

9-10 players likely to move plus 5 (I think) loan players.

What a major rebuild it’s going to be!

Because it’s been repeated 50, Plus times we all know they are going.

Where is their positivity from our shambles of a committee????


This season alone , worst ever run of results in 120 yrs and then both our rival clubs embarrass us beyond, is that positivity?

Plus it’s all bullshit that we are going to strengthen big time this summer.

The last few yrs we end up with two managers a season why because we start of like a relegation team and have to be rescued every season by the 2nd manager.

Tan, Dalman, Choo all not interested.

Let’s be honest instead of pretending everything is positive, the media write what Dalman tells them all bullshit.


We as fans are at a very low right now, you might not be, but thousands upon thousands are including me.

No more bullshit please


Paul,

I can’t stand bullshit and that’s what media Wales keep writing

Annis, I agree and understand what you’re saying.

The only positive for me is to get rid and start afresh. And I’m glad that’s happening. Yes there’s no money but it’s no good complaining as that’s what it is. It’s a fact until the owners move on and we maybe lucky enough to get someone who’ll invest in the squad.

I stayed until well after the final whistle on Saturday just to f*cking feel the pain! Was totally embarrassed and gutted about the performance.

The players didn’t want to know, had no fight and the manager takes some blame for not even doing the basics and getting the players riled up and fighting.

To the club and players it was just 3 points dropped.
To the the fans, we’ll need I say more!

Paul,

Your a very good poster and say it how you feel and I respect you for that, but I see NO positivity for the future under this regime.

Doesn’t matter if it’s old news or not it’s what’s happening and like Sven I think it’s a positive thing.

9-10 players likely to move plus 5 (I think) loan players.

What a major rebuild it’s going to be!

Because it’s been repeated 50, Plus times we all know they are going.

Where is their positivity from our shambles of a committee????


This season alone , worst ever run of results in 120 yrs and then both our rival clubs embarrass us beyond, is that positivity?

Plus it’s all bullshit that we are going to strengthen big time this summer.

The last few yrs we end up with two managers a season why because we start of like a relegation team and have to be rescued every season by the 2nd manager.

Tan, Dalman, Choo all not interested.

Let’s be honest instead of pretending everything is positive, the media write what Dalman tells them all bullshit.


We as fans are at a very low right now, you might not be, but thousands upon thousands are including me.

No more bullshit please


Paul,

I can’t stand bullshit and that’s what media Wales keep writing

Annis, I agree and understand what you’re saying.

The only positive for me is to get rid and start afresh. And I’m glad that’s happening. Yes there’s no money but it’s no good complaining as that’s what it is. It’s a fact until the owners move on and we maybe lucky enough to get someone who’ll invest in the squad.

I stayed until well after the final whistle on Saturday just to f*cking feel the pain! Was totally embarrassed and gutted about the performance.

The players didn’t want to know, had no fight and the manager takes some blame for not even doing the basics and getting the players riled up and fighting.

To the club and players it was just 3 points dropped.
To the the fans, we’ll need I say more!

Paul,

Your a very good poster and say it how you feel and I respect you for that, but I see NO positivity for the future under this regime.

We have been saying this for a few seasons now and have had our Haters knocking us. For me this weekend has been waiting to happen for this regime and they are now getting it full blast. I have never seem such discord from the fans and I hope most of the Haters will now look at the facts more carefully.

Its pointless having a money man on board who now has shown no interest in the club since the riches of the Premier are a long way off now. Since the arrival of this regime just look where we were then to were we are now. They are simple just not up to it and as soon as those supporting them see this the better. They have alienated themselves from the fans and its only one way from there and that is down. I can imagine Tan eating his Malaysian Sunday Lunch whatever that is and enjoying it all that is happening to us.

This regime should have left a long time ago.

Doesn’t matter if it’s old news or not it’s what’s happening and like Sven I think it’s a positive thing.

9-10 players likely to move plus 5 (I think) loan players.

What a major rebuild it’s going to be!

Because it’s been repeated 50, Plus times we all know they are going.

Where is their positivity from our shambles of a committee????


This season alone , worst ever run of results in 120 yrs and then both our rival clubs embarrass us beyond, is that positivity?

Plus it’s all bullshit that we are going to strengthen big time this summer.

The last few yrs we end up with two managers a season why because we start of like a relegation team and have to be rescued every season by the 2nd manager.

Tan, Dalman, Choo all not interested.

Let’s be honest instead of pretending everything is positive, the media write what Dalman tells them all bullshit.


We as fans are at a very low right now, you might not be, but thousands upon thousands are including me.

No more bullshit please


Paul,

I can’t stand bullshit and that’s what media Wales keep writing

Annis, I agree and understand what you’re saying.

The only positive for me is to get rid and start afresh. And I’m glad that’s happening. Yes there’s no money but it’s no good complaining as that’s what it is. It’s a fact until the owners move on and we maybe lucky enough to get someone who’ll invest in the squad.

I stayed until well after the final whistle on Saturday just to f*cking feel the pain! Was totally embarrassed and gutted about the performance.

The players didn’t want to know, had no fight and the manager takes some blame for not even doing the basics and getting the players riled up and fighting.

To the club and players it was just 3 points dropped.
To the the fans, we’ll need I say more!

Paul,

Your a very good poster and say it how you feel and I respect you for that, but I see NO positivity for the future under this regime.

We have been saying this for a few seasons now and have had our Haters knocking us. For me this weekend has been waiting to happen for this regime and they are now getting it full blast. I have never seem such discord from the fans and I hope most of the Haters will now look at the facts more carefully.

Its pointless having a money man on board who now has shown no interest in the club since the riches of the Premier are a long way off now. Since the arrival of this regime just look where we were then to were we are now. They are simple just not up to it and as soon as those supporting them see this the better. They have alienated themselves from the fans and its only one way from there and that is down. I can imagine Tan eating his Malaysian Sunday Lunch whatever that is and enjoying it all that is happening to us.

This regime should have left a long time ago.

100% Spot on Ian,


For ages we have been shot down, but we have club run by people who don’t give a dam.