Football Season Guide

Cardiff City

In


James Collins (att) - Luton Town, Ryan Wintle (def) - Crewe Alexandra, Ryan Giles (mid) - Wolverhampton Wanderers U23, Mark McGuiness (def) - Arsenal U23, Rubin Colwill (att) - Cardiff U23

Out


Gavin Whyte (sp) (mid) - Oxford Utd, Robert Glatzel (sp) (att) - Hamburger SV, Joe Day (sp) (gk) - Newport County, Sol Bamba (sp) (def) - Released, Max Watters (sp) (att) - MK Dons, Joe Bennett (r) (def) - Released, Junior Hoilett (r) (att) - Released, Jonathan Williams (sp) (mid) - Released

After a disastrous start to the 2020/21 season, Mick McCarthy came in to steady the ship and did just that, producing a fine run of results which saw Cardiff finish a credible 8th place. One of Cardiff's main strengths last season was their defence, conceding just 49 goals which equated to the 7th best defensive record in the Championship. Having kept the bulk of their defence from last season while adding a couple of fresh defensive faces, City will look to improve on that record this season. Mick McCarthy utilised a back three and it worked astoundingly, therefore expect the Irishman to stick with a similar setup heading into the new season. The likes of Bagan and Ng could see more game time following the departure of Bennett, with McCarthy a big believer in giving the younger players their chance. Despite having one of the best Championship strikers in Kieffer Moore, it was vital Cardiff added to their attacking arsenal and they've done that with the shrewd addition of Collins from Luton, which can only improve the attacking line. It would be expected Mick McCarthy has spent the off-season drilling into his players to cut the silly individual errors which cost City dearly particularly towards the end of last season. A big improvement to be made and watch out for these heading into the season.

Target


Play-offs. Mick McCarthy has now had pre-season to work further with the players at his disposal, while also having the chance to add some new faces of his own. Expect Cardiff to make a serious push for the play-offs in 2021/22.