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Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Everything we know about Cardiff City's manager search with deadline tomorrow
Everything we know about Cardiff City's manager search with deadline tomorrow The Bluebirds are still yet to appoint a new manager, with the month of June soon to be upon us Leicester City coach Brian Barry-Murphy (Image: Getty Images ) Cardiff City's search for a new manager is yet to reach its conclusion, with the natives understandably getting restless about the situation. Chairman Mehmet Dalman told the media and the club's Fan Advisory Board that they were confident a new man would be in post by the end of May. Indeed, club sources a week ago insisted they were still confident that would be the case. However, the month ends tomorrow – and there is no white smoke just yet. Omer Riza was sacked almost six weeks ago, meaning the club have had ample time to sort a successor. Granted, they ideally would have wanted to know in which division they would be playing their football next season, but even so, you suspect many clubs with more full-time footballing members of staff would have had swifter succession planning. For it is the third year in a row in which Cardiff risk starting the summer cold. Two years ago, the club cut loose from Sabri Lamouchi after he helped to steer the club to safety, albeit narrowly. Then, last year, it took an age for Cardiff to resolve the contract dispute with Erol Bulut, whose own deal was up after overseeing a 12th-placed finish. It risks poor transfer planning and less time to implement a robust strategy for the short term – and next season, the short term is very important. Cardiff will play in the third tier for the first time in more than two decades and it will be unfamiliar territory, getting the manager call right and the summer business correct are both paramount. While the Champions League final rings to its conclusion in Munich tomorrow night, there will be Cardiff fans pointing at their watches saying, "Well, it's June tomorrow? They said the end of May!" Right they did. More of a self-imposed deadline than a hard deadline, but a deadline nonetheless. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community The board's recommendation, from the shortlist, has been with Vincent Tan for more than a week now. There were considerations, we are told, post-recommendation, with one or two other names still in the offing, one of them likely Nathan Jones, who then took Charlton up via the play-offs on Sunday. A number of candidates have been in the mix over the course of the last three weeks or so. The main runners and riders, which you can read about more in depth here, being the likes of Ian Evatt, Rob Edwards, Des Buckingham, Brian Barry-Murphy, Aaron Ramsey, Ruben Selles and Co, although it must be stressed that is not an exhaustive list. We were told that Tan had gone a little colder on the idea of appointing a younger, or more inexperienced, should we say, senior boss, after taking culpability for appointing and then continuing with Riza for so long last season. We were also told that experience in English football and a promotion on the CV were both desirable qualities, too. However, two candidates buck that trend and are understood to be in the frame. Barry-Murphy has one poor spell at Rochdale to his name when it comes to senior football, however his work within the Manchester City academy is lauded. He is also on the staff under Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester City, who just got relegated from the Premier League. However, the Dutchman's future at the King Power Stadium is shrouded in doubt, so Barry-Murphy may be out of there shortly, either way. He would represent something of a project and Cardiff would need to commit to giving him time and resources to see that project through. Another is Vitor Campelos, a manager who was in the conversation before Bulut was appointed two years ago. It is understood that he is also a potential candidate. He has a strong track record of bringing through young players — his former Chaves player, Alexsandro, has just been called up by Brazil after impressing for Lille and the manager signed him for a pittance while in charge of Chaves. A clear question mark is hanging over his head, though, when it comes to experience of English football, of which he has none. The 50-year-old's experience is largely limited to the top few divisions in Portugal with spells at Trofense, Vitória Guimarães, Moreirense, Chaves, Gil Vicente and, most recently, AVS, where he lasted just 12 matches with the top-flight club before leaving in November last year. Of the others, Edwards and Selles would represent ambitious appointments, but both appear to be eyeing jobs higher in the pyramid than Cardiff at present. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. Evatt and Buckingham both have their merits and tentative backers from different corners within the club, too. Evatt's strong character and consistency at League One level are to be admired, while Buckingham's recent promotion with Oxford United is undoubtedly a tick in the 'pros' column. Buckingham, much like Barry-Murphy, would be a project-type manager, too. Ramsey is not to be discounted, of course, however it seems increasingly remote a prospect that he won't be playing football next season. He has stated his desire to play for Wales at the next World Cup and that, surely, prohibits him from taking on the all-encompassing job of managing the club the size of Cardiff City. Article continues below The only way that would happen is if the footballing structure he so craves is implemented in order for him to focus solely on matters at the training ground and on matchday. Will that sort of structure be put in place this summer? Again, looks unlikely. The reason for the delay would appear to be the broad spectrum of options having been put in front of the board and subsequently Tan. They all have different merits — once again, it's not an exhaustive list — and all have very different drawbacks. Fans will hope the delay isn't drawn out too much longer and a very important summer can then kick off in earnest.
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Cardiff City must build future around generational crop of young talent
Cardiff City must build future around generational crop of young talent The Bluebirds many be down, but Wales' capital city club still has so much going for it - if bold decisions are made in the coming weeks In Joel and Rubin Colwill, the future can be bight at Cardiff City (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Right, enough of the doom and gloom. Cardiff City may be in League One, with Stevenage, Lincoln and Mansfield among the opposition next season, rather than Southampton, Leicester and Middlesbrough. They may be run in a baffling way which angers so many, making ridiculous decisions like appointing Omer Riza as manager - then compounding the error by keeping him for 37 matches which it was abundantly clear he was taking Wales' capital city club down. Vincent Tan may talk of a review of structures, when cynics reckon nothing tangible is likely to change. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. We know the above. But… there is also a huge BUT. This is still a football club with so much going for it. A wonderfully passionate, and large, fan base just desperate for the hierarchy to get it right. When the Bluebirds were in the Premier League not so far back they boasted the 11th highest attendances in the division. So outside of the traditional big six, plus powerhouses like Everton, Newcastle and West Ham, Cardiff were neck and neck for next best with recently crowned champions Leicester. Article continues below Not bad for a relegated side. That support, latent or not, is crying out to be tapped into. They own a fabulous modern stadium. A new training ground is being built, we're told. They have a thriving Academy system. And despite everything that's just gone wrong, they also possess a generational crop of talented young players who the future needs to be built around. That future can yet be blue. For way too much time the dressing room, in my view, appears to have been dominated by under-performing senior stars. That needs to be turned totally on its head. Make the young guns the new kingpins, let them grow together, in League One, then hopefully the Championship again and one day perhaps even the Premier League. Let the effervescence, enthusiasm, pace and no-fear approach they offer become the nucleus of the side. Supplement them with four or five key summer signings, men to do a man's job in the uncompromising nature of League One football. Rubin Colwill needs to be given the keys to No.10, possibly even indulged - and then he needs to deliver, in terms of goals and assists. We want the kind of swagger we saw earlier in the season, not the timid displays witnessed towards the end, the sign of a player whose confidence has been completely knocked out of him. Being told the team is being built around him might bring greater responsibility on a more regular basis. Colwill played very well at Norwich, to be fair. Joel Colwill will return a better player from his loan spells away with Cheltenham and Exeter City. Some shrewd judges tell me he'll be even better than Rubin. We'll see, but his athleticism, energy and ability also has to be part of the Cardiff midfield mix next season and beyond. Cian Ashford and Isaak Davies offer the flair and pace the Bluebirds have missed so often on the wing. They are key parts of the jigsaw, too. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here Yousef Salech, if Cardiff can keep him, can be a 20-goal a season man. Alex Robertson, if they can keep him too, can prove a midfield dynamo with the right set-up around him. Will Fish looked the club's best centre-back at times this season. Joel Bagan did well when handed his opportunities. Roko Simic scored in a UEFA Champions League win over Benfica last term. It's surely only a matter of time before he breaks through. Others itching to emerge, although it might need to be more slowly-slowly in their case, include defenders Dylan Lawlor - what a superb talent he looks - Ronan Kpakio, who also did well at Norwich, and Luey Giles. These players mentioned above are 23 or younger. They are the ones Cardiff need to invest in and plan around. The fans will feed off the passion of home-grown youngsters. They did when Nathan Blake, Jason Perry and Damon Searle came through during the loveable Eddie May era of the 1990s. They can again. 'He's one of our own…' is the modern-day chant. But experience is required too, key signings this summer. The recruitment team have to get this right. Cardiff desperately need a rock-solid, been there, worn the T-shirt centre-half. Preferably as captain. A leader. They also require a dominant defensive midfielder, someone capable of controlling play and ticking things over. Preferably as vice-captain. Another leader. A reliable right-back, again with experience but who is capable of bombing forward as well as defending, is another must. So too is a fast, dynamic winger who with Ashford or Davies is able to get Cardiff up the pitch at speed, race past full-backs, stretch defences and cross to Salech - or Simic - from the byline. The blend would be so much better. Youth and experience. Pace and know-how. It can pay for itself with bold wheeling and dealing in the transfer market. A host of senior players are already out of contract this summer and can be moved on. Others can be sold. Personally I'd keep Callum O'Dowda, Aaron Ramsey and David Turnbull. Possibly Callum Robinson, Jesper Daland and Andy Rinomhota as a utility back-up too. You need a squad. But I wouldn't shed a tear if the other senior players - and there are a lot of them - departed this summer to make way for the kind of experienced newcomers I believe the team needs. To implement this, of course, requires the right manager. Ramsey might well be that man - I have not the slightest doubt he would be prepared to invest in youth. If not him, Tan must appoint someone else who is also prepared to embark down that route. Erol Bulut kicked off the season with the oldest team in the league, eight players in their 30th year or above. In an era where modern-day football is about legs and athleticism, it was pathetic management which set the tone Cardiff never recovered from for a truly dismal campaign. Bulut badly let down his many backers. Cardiff next need to go in the opposite direction by choosing a boss prepared to execute a plan, structure and vision for the future based around the youngsters Ramsey himself calls 'very talented' - and who is given adequate time to do the job. The short-termism Tan constantly goes for - enforced because of terrible managerial appointments - simply doesn't work. Relegation to League One is evidence of that. Not only does building around the young guns make sense football-wise, as for many they are Cardiff's better players, it's also an infinitely more sensible business model. In time, given their opportunity to shine, these early twentysomethings can be sold on for decent sums of money, which in turn can be ploughed back into the club. What's the point of the Academy if you're not going to utilise it properly? So football-wise and corporate-wise, it is win-win. Personally I feel it would be negligent of the board - and next manager - not to embark down this clear and exciting path forward that presents itself. Will they? I wish I could be convinced as I write these very words. Article continues below The choice of manager, which players are shown the exit door, just as pertinently which ones aren't, and then the profile of the newcomers arriving this summer, will tell us everything we need to know. Cardiff City may be down, but they don't have to be out. However, there needs to be a fundamental sea-change in attitude.
Wales Online
01-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Vincent Tan's next Cardiff City decision is his biggest yet as glaring statement omission sparks concern
Vincent Tan's next Cardiff City decision is his biggest yet as glaring statement omission sparks concern The Bluebirds owner addressed supporters with a statement following the club's relegation to League One Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) For the third summer in a row, Cardiff City enter the off-season under a cloud of uncertainty, with many huge decisions contingent on what Vincent Tan does next. Two years ago, supporters were waiting with bated breath to learn of Sabri Lamouchi's fate after the Frenchman had steered Cardiff to safety by the skin of their teeth. Lamouchi's contract was up and while Mehmet Dalman said he was confident he would stay, a lack of chemistry between owner and manager meant the former Nottingham Forest manager walked away after just four months in charge. Last summer, Erol Bulut was also eagerly awaiting a decision from the hierarchy after his first season in charge saw Cardiff bag a 12th-placed finish, punching well above their weight and finishing 10 places higher than their statistics suggested they should have. This time, Tan stuck with Bulut, offered him a two-year deal and it backfired miserably as the worst start to a season in the club's 125-year history played out in the weeks and months after. Once again, there is uncertainty, a lack of clarity and concern as Cardiff prepare for their first third-tier season for 23 years. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. Tan sought to reassure supporters with a statement earlier this week, in which he called relegation "upsetting", before saying: "A period of review is being undertaken; a permanent manager and management team will be appointed in the coming weeks." While it will be heartening to supporters that a managerial appointment process is already under way and is set to be concluded in a matter of weeks, fans were right to point out the lack of structural changes alluded to in Tan's statement. Article continues below Indeed, that fact was also pointed out in a subsequent statement released by the supporters' trust. Their statement read: "In terms of the club statement we note that a review of the overall structures and practices, culminating in the appointment of a new permanent manager and management team, is taking place. "As referred to in our statement there is a lack of football expertise at board level. Consequently, we would want to be assured that people with football expertise are being engaged to advise about that restructuring." In an ideal world, if Tan was to bring more football acumen on board, the club would appoint such a person before deciding on a new manager, because that call would come under the remit of a technical director. It is arguable that the decision to overhaul the structure at board level is just as great as the man the club chooses to appoint as manager in the weeks ahead. Aaron Ramsey, the interim manager, said at the weekend that other places where he's played have all had directors of football, a person responsible for carrying out a roadmap to footballing success. Indeed, on Wednesday, ahead of his final game as caretaker boss against Norwich City, he added: "You haven't got someone here day to day, being amongst the place, someone has to link all that and put things into place that it needs." It would be a big oversight, the many people's view, for Tan not to add a football-specific body to the board this summer, however the weight of history suggests the owner is unlikely to change his view. Article continues below If that is the case, then it makes the next manager call even more important. Young head coaches struggle to manage upwards at Cardiff and/or deal with the size of the club. It's a club which tends to lend itself to big personalities or bosses with the requisite experience at the level. Retention of players and summer recruitment are all likely to be affected by Tan's next call, arguably his biggest in 15 years at the helm, in order to ensure this drop to League One is merely a blimp and that it does not somehow become the new normal. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Wales Online
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Vincent Tan breaks silence after Cardiff City relegation and hits back at fan accusations
Vincent Tan breaks silence after Cardiff City relegation and hits back at fan accusations The Bluebirds saw their relegation to the Championship confirmed last weekend Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan has spoken for the first time in years and hit back at those questioning his commitment to the club, insisting he's determined to turn their fortunes around following a disastrous relegation to League One. After a wretched season, the Bluebirds' fate was finally sealed courtesy of a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion, with the club sinking to the third tier for the first time in 22 years. Supporters have predictably reacted with sadness, and indeed frustration, much of which has been aimed at Tan and the rest of the board. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. The Cardiff City Supporters' Trust recently requested an urgent meeting with Tan "to discuss the failings which have culminated in our relegation to hear what fundamental changes are going to be put in place throughout the club from top to bottom to avoid further failings in future". Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. Yesterday, WalesOnline penned an open letter to the owner urging communication with supporters. In response to growing fan discontent, Tan said in a statement on Tuesday morning: "I wish to acknowledge the open letter that has been issued by our supporters' trust. We hear your words and I share your hurt and frustration. Not all decisions when it comes to the first team have worked as I had hoped for us. Article continues below "To lose our place in the Championship is upsetting. The important thing is that we regain it at the earliest opportunity and I would like to take this chance to tell you that I am committed to getting us back. A period of review is being undertaken; a permanent manager and management team will be appointed in the coming weeks. As a point of developing strategy, our board of directors have begun internal discussions with executive management and staff to strategise and plan for the summer and new season." Tan also hit back at critics, many of whom have questioned his level of interest in the team's fortunes over the last few years. "To say I don't care is wrong and I strongly push back on that," he added. "I watch every game and speak to the board and manager before and after each one. My family will tell you: I kick every ball! "We have enjoyed good times together. I can tell all Cardiff City supporters that it is my intention to support correcting the situation we find ourselves in. I want us to all pull in the same direction. "I will make every effort to be in Cardiff at the next opportunity that my scheduling allows. I am sorry that we are where we are this summer. It is now time to rebuild." The club has also released as statement acknowledging the Trust's comments, and echoed Tan's insistence that a thorough review of all areas of the club would be undertaken in response to what's been a traumatic season for everyone in the capital. "The club and its board of directors acknowledge the recent communication from Cardiff City Supporters' Trust and the overwhelming feeling of supporter sadness and frustration that accompanies us leaving the Championship for the 2025/26 season. "We hear you. "This will be the first time in 22 years that Cardiff City Football Club has not been a Premier League or Championship club and it's a reality that we are determined to address and correct at the earliest opportunity. "To have the best chance of achieving this, there will be a thorough period of review across several structures and practices. This review has begun and involves the owner, board, executive management and stakeholders. It will culminate in the appointment and announcement of a new permanent manager and management team that can sculpt and coach a competitive squad through pre-season and into the 2025/26 campaign. "This message has been internally communicated to club staff as the first point of a developing strategy. We commit to communicating further strategy points with you as the summer progresses; as appointments are made; as our revamped playing squad takes shape; and as we rebuild. "Thank you for your support." Article continues below Cardiff end their Championship campaign with a trip to Norwich City on Saturday.
Wales Online
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
The raft of players who could now leave Cardiff City after relegation
The raft of players who could now leave Cardiff City after relegation The Bluebirds are likely to have to undergo a major squad overhaul in the summer after dropping into League One Andy Rinomhota is out of contract at Cardiff City, but the club should look to renew his deal (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Cardiff City are set for a busy summer with the revolving door of players likely to be swinging at a pace. The Bluebirds confirmed their status as a League One club next season after successive draws under interim manager Aaron Ramsey, coupled with other results going against them, meaning they are relegated with a game still left to play. It is the first relegation since 2019. The stability of Championship football typically means squads are generally tweaked or improved upon - or that's the aim, anyway - ahead of the new season. A drop into a lower division, however, can make things a little more complicated when it comes to player retention. Here, we run through all of the Bluebirds' contracted players and their transfer status as we head into what is likely to be an action-packed summer. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. Ethan Horvath: Has been No.1 since Jak Alnwick's injury. Wonderful shot-stopper but raises the heart rate when the ball is anywhere near his feet. You'd suspect Alnwick, back from injury and vice-vice-captain, if such a thing exists, becomes first choice again next season. Would Horvath want to play second fiddle in League One? Seems doubtful. Verdict: Jury's out. Jak Alnwick: Triggered a contract extension until next summer and is understood to be one of the squad's few leaders. Recently had a baby and is settled in Cardiff. Would want to stay, but would likely want the gloves at the start of the season. Verdict: Staying. Article continues below Matthew Turner: Third-choice goalkeeper with no meaningful senior football behind him. Ideally needs a loan away. Alternatively, if one of the above leave in some capacity, a No.2 spot would do him just fine. Verdict: Loan. Will Fish: Will probably be first-choice centre-back next season. Showed signs of promise but by no means error-free. Could stomp out some of those errors in League One and really emerge. Verdict: Keep. Dimitrios Goutas: His recent performances have seen him maligned by some, but some supporters would do well to remember how well he did in his first season at the club. Others this season got away with far less stick, too. Been a decent signing but he will be off in the summer. Verdict: Gone. Jesper Daland: This one is up in the air a little. Signed for decent money and has had a haywire campaign. Brings physical stature but also has an error in him. Did he come to Cardiff to play tier-three football? If a decent offer came in, you wouldn't be surprised to see him potentially make way. Verdict: Likely sold. Calum Chambers: A player who has spent most of his career playing in the Premier League, but now has three relegations on his CV. He is probably past his peak but had good spells this season. He will likely see his future higher up the ladder than League One and will have suitors in the Championship, you'd suspect. Verdict: Likely sold. Jamilu Collins: A strange and sad end to his time at Cardiff, although his three-year stay has been odd. Will leave on a free transfer, having never really fulfilled his potential with the Bluebirds. Verdict: Gone. Joel Bagan: Rarely let Cardiff down when he played this season and should perhaps have had more game-time. You'd think he could shine in League One and will likely get far more opportunity. Verdict: Keep. Perry Ng: One of Cardiff's most sellable assets, you'd think. Two-time player of the year winner at Cardiff and there's no doubt Championship clubs will be lining up a move for him. Would be almost impossible to keep hold of him this summer. Verdict: Likely sold. Joe Ralls: Didn't quite meet the criteria to trigger another one-year extension on his contract. If it was up to him, he'd love a crack at League One. He loves this club and this likely young squad will need a leader in the third tier. His injuries are catching up with him, though, but he probably gets a deal. Verdict: Keep. Aaron Ramsey: Now then, a tricky one. Ramsey said he was going to take time to reassess when asked if he would entertain the notion of playing in League One, as inconceivable as that might be. But he moved home to be close with his family and it's difficult to see him jetting off to America or Dubai for a payday. Equally, he's unlikely to sign for Middlesbrough of Bristol City. If they can work a deal where he is a player-coach - not manager - underneath a manager, then it might just work. Verdict: Keep as player-coach if possible. Callum O'Dowda: Another player who is Championship-quality and will no doubt have admirers. Recently signed a new contract, though, so would take some cash to get him out. Hull were sniffing around him back in January. Top operator and if he can be kept, then the club should try their utmost to do so. Verdict: Keep if possible David Turnbull: A player who has not had as much game-time as possible. Out of favour at the start then a hamstring injury wrecked his season this year. Not lived up to his potential just yet, but could do very well in League One. Will he want to play there, though? Depends if another Championship club takes a punt, but it's conceivable that he stays. Verdict: Likely stays. Sivert Mannsverk: A real fan-divider. Some appreciated his work rate, others thought he didn't quite offer enough. There was talk after his arrival that there might be some deal to be struck at the end of the campaign - fat chance now, though. Verdict: Gone. Alex Robertson: Had moments in the season where he oozed real quality. You can see the young midfielder has potential and is technically class, even if you perhaps expected him to take more games by the scruff of the neck. Would be surprised if someone - maybe even his old club Portsmouth - don't test the water. He'll want to play higher than tier three. Verdict: Sold if money is right. Rubin Colwill: There was a point at the start of the season where it looked like this was his season, but he fizzled away. He improved under Erol Bulut but wilted under Omer Riza. The next manager is crucial for him. Many just hope the club don't panic sell for a cut-fee. Needs a big season, though, getting into do-or-die territory. Verdict: Keep if possible. Andy Rinomhota: The surprise package this season. Rightly won Players' Player of the Year. Out of contract this summer and if the club could tie him down to a new contract then he would be a central player to the Bluebirds' cause next season. Verdict: Try to sign him to a new contract. Chris Willock: Not worked out for the former QPR winger. Not enough moments of quality and lacked the energy and fight to get the buy-in from the supporters. Verdict: Likely sold. Yakou Meite: Had a strong end to the campaign but it feels like far too much water has gone under the bridge at this stage. His relationship with supporters grew a little toxic on occasions. While he always gave his all to the cause, the quality was just not there enough of the time. Contract is up, too. Verdict: Leave. Anwar El Ghazi: A real roll of the dice from Bulut last summer and it really hasn't worked out. The winger has been injury-prone and has not provided the consistent quality of which everyone knows he is capable. End of his contract and he will go. Verdict: Gone. Yousef Salech: One of the rare success stories of the season. So often the club have got striker signings wrong, but this one looks a real find. Would be staggering if no one came in for him, given his success since arriving, but he is also the sort of striker you need to fire you back up into the Championship. Verdict: Keep at all costs. Will Alves: The Leicester loanee will likely chalk this down as a big learning curve and a moderate success. His first proper taste of consistent senior football and showed some really positive moments. He looked like he could have played a big part in keeping City up at one stage but then his game-time fell away. Will go back a better player. Verdict: Gone. Roko Simic: A baffling year for the Croatian, who had a half-season loan in Kortrijk and was not given a minute by Riza nor Ramsey - unless he gets his bow at Norwich. The sort of player who could be really important in League One, but could also want to move on to a higher level with a club who gives him a chance. Difficult to know. Verdict: Jury's out. Ollie Tanner: Difficult season in the end, for Tanner, after that foot injury in January. Was one of the more important players before that and you'd expect him to have a big say on things in League One next season. Verdict: Keep. Isaak Davies: These injury troubles are incredibly frustrating, because the forward looks really exciting when he's in full flight. Needs to get his body right and have a full pre-season, because he could tear up League One defences if he was on form. Fresh off a new deal, he will likely stay. Verdict: Keep. Cian Ashford: A breakout campaign for the Young Player of the Season. During the early throes of 2025, he enjoyed a rich vein of form. While he is a 'moments' player as things stand, a year in tier three could really up that consistency and aid the end product. He might have drawn a few eyes from around the Championship, though. Verdict: Keep if possible. Callum Robinson: The top scorer endured a tough season with injuries, having to nurse an Achilles problem for much of the campaign. He signed a new contract a few months back, but he has shown once again that he is Championship-quality. Cardiff should look to keep him but he will likely want to play in the league above and there will be no shortage of suitors, you'd think. Verdict: Likely sold. Players returning from loan Ryotaro Tsunoda: Out in Kortrijk on his second loan stint, while he is yet to kick a ball for Cardiff. He's done well again, in another failing Vincent Tan team, and with Goutas and potentially another leaving, he might just get his shot, depending on the manager. Verdict: Could stay. Ryan Wintle: Provided there is no bad blood after the pretty bitter loan exit in the summer, he could be a real asset in League One. Fell out with Bulut, but before that was one of the leaders. Would not be surprising to see him have a central role if he still wants it and the new manager gives him their approval. Verdict: Keep. Joel Colwill: One of Cardiff's more exciting academy products and fresh off the back of winning Cheltenham Town's Young Player of the Year, despite leaving for Exeter in January. Had a tougher time there, but this lad is class and lots at Cardiff are excited about him. Verdict: Keep. Eli King: Had a good run of it on loan at Stevenage in the division in which Cardiff will be playing next season. Accustomed to the league and could be a useful squad player. However there are a lot of question marks around the make-up of the midfield at present with Wintle, Ramsey, Ralls, Robertson, Rinomhota and Turnbull not all dead certs. It all depends on where he falls in the pecking order, because he needs to start his career in earnest now. Verdict: Jury's out. Article continues below Kieron Evans: His contract will be up after he returns from League Two Newport County. He will be released. Verdict: Gone. Kion Etete: Had a quite frankly shocking season. Injured for the first half at Cardiff then injured for the second half at Bolton. It's been an utter disaster, but he did sign a two-year deal before leaving for the League One outfit. Not done it in a Cardiff shirt yet, whether he gets given the opportunity to do so next year remains to be seen. Verdict: Jury's out. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
