Promotion is Cardiff's 'only goal'

BBC News

7 hours ago

Goalkeeper Nathan Trott says anything other than promotion for Cardiff City is "not good enough" this season as the Bluebirds target an immediate return to the Championship.Brian Barry-Murphy's side have made an impressive start to their League One campaign - their first in the third tier since 2002-03 - having collected seven points from the nine on offer.And Trott says the club's sole aim this season is to ensure they are playing second tier football next term."That's the only goal we have in mind, that's the only thing we speak about. Anything other than that is not good enough - especially for the squad we have," he said."It's way too early to get too positive about it, I think we've got a long way to go, but it's certainly the start we were looking for."
Trott has been the only player brought in to Cardiff City Stadium since the Bluebirds were relegated from the Championship.He has kept clean sheets in each of his two league appearances against Port Vale and Rotherhan United while he also featured in the EFL Cup first round win against Swindon Town.His style of play has been evident from the outset - with the 26-year-old demonstrating an impressive ability to help Cardiff build from the back.And Trott says his capabilities in possession were a pivotal factor in Barry-Murphy's decision to sign him on loan from Copenhagen."For me it was just the energy I had from the coaching staff and the sporting director - speaking with them on a few calls, the energy I felt was that they wanted me and the type of 'keeper that I am and how they would use me in the system that we play. I think it'll bring the best out of my game," said Trott."I think that (style) was one of the main factors, to have someone who is comfortable with the ball at their feet. I think that's one of my strengths."For me it's just to keep adapting to the system that we have and getting used to different tactics and finding the fine details on how we're supposed to play and our identity as a team. That, for me, is the next challenge, just to try and keep improving."
Trott returns to former club Wimbledon on Tuesday night (19:45 BST) as Cardiff bid to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2025-26 season.The goalkeeper made 26 appearances across all competitions for the Dons while on loan from West Ham United during the 2019-20 campaign."That was my first loan. I loved it, it was my first experience of senior football," he said."I was a different 'keeper then than I am now, but it'll be interesting to go back and maybe see a few familiar faces."I think since then I've matured and become a whole different type of person and player but I have a lot of good memories there."Then, as now, Wimbledon were in League One."I know about the division and how competitive it can be," added Trott."This year compared to when I was at Wimbledon is a completely different experience."The goal for us at Wimbledon was survival whereas here it's to win everything and get promoted back to where the club belongs, so it's a different type of environment for me."