HOW FOREST PAIR WILL BOLSTER BLUEBIRDS
BUT WILL CARDIFF’S DEADLINE DAY SIGNINGS WARD AND TRAORE BE PULLING UP ANY TREES? THE INSIDE TRACK ON THE NEW BOYS
WHILE Cardiff City fans might have raised questions over Warnock’s transfer dealings after a frantic deadline day, the 4-1 thumping of Leeds United on Saturday quickly allayed those concerns.
New signings Armand Traore and Jamie Ward were both in the Cardiff squad at Elland Road, with the former playing the full 90 minutes at left-back while the latter was an unused substitute.
It was the first glimmer of Traore, while the Bluebirds fans’ intrigue over whether they got the better end of the swap deal involving Ward and Lee Tomlin continues.
With that in mind, we asked Nottingham Post football writer Barry Cooper for the inside line on the former Forest pair and what they might bring to Cardiff...
Why they were allowed to leave Forest?
The first question for many Cardiff fans is why a club like Forest, hoping for a play-off place themselves, would let players join their Championship rivals.
Traore actually played against the Bluebirds in the 2-0 victory for Warnock’s side at the City Ground in November. And although the Senegalese international worked with Warnock at QPR, the pair did have a disagreement during their time at Loftus Road. Coupled with Forest concerns about Traore’s work-rate, it raises the question of whether he would improve the Cardiff squad despite a decent debut at Leeds. Cooper said: “I’m not sure Jamie Ward fits in with Aitor Karanka’s style of play, and the Northern Irishman’s game is probably more of a fit for Neil Warnock. “He did come off the bench against Preston on what was a torrid night for Forest last Tuesday, but had no impact and you’d struggle to see where he fitted in. “Traore’s attitude and commitment to training was often questioned by some and for different reasons to Ward, he just doesn’t strike me as a Karanka-type player.
“With care, he’s a decent player at this level but needs constant attention to ensure his confidence is at a point where he can be reliable, I just don’t think he’s been that at Forest and that’s why his time at the City Ground is most probably over.
“There is ability, of that there’s no doubt, he just needs cajoling.” Whether Warnock can cajole Traore - who he knows well - remains to be seen.
Are Forest fans happy or sad to see them go?
It was pretty clear from the social media reaction in Nottingham that Traore’s departure wasn’t being mourned very much. Yet he started 15 times for the East Midlands side this season before switching to Cardiff.
Ward, on the other hand, played just 118 minutes this term. Yet his move, according to Cooper, is more of a disappointment to the Forest faithful. He added: “In terms of Jamie Ward, I think fans enjoyed his work-rate and the penalty he won on the final day against Ipswich last season proved key in the Reds staying up.
“However, his goal return for an attacking player was disappointing. Just two goals last season for Forest, though in fairness to Ward, he did
have a loan spell at Burton where he netted four times. “Ward was a good servant and would always work hard, though I think fans won’t be too bothered that he’s been allowed to leave, judging by the comments made so far and you’d have to say, his profile suits Warnock and his style perfectly.
“In terms of Armand Traore, there’s no doubt he’s got talent. You don’t play numerous times for Arsenal and Juventus if you don’t have something. Again, similarly with Ward, I don’t get the feeling the majority of supporters are too disappointed.”
What are their main strengths and weaknesses?
Ward in particular is renowned for his work rate, but both players seem suited to Warnock in certain ways, despite Forest’s doubts.
Cooper said: “Ward is tiger-ish, chases, he harries and puts players under pressure. You can never fault his work ethic and I’m sure Ward would be the first to admit he needs to stay fit and add more goals to his game.
“He’s one you could rely on, one to have when things turn into a battle and he’s unlikely to let you down.
“Traore can look superb at times, and at others a liability. As mentioned above, he’s such a confidence player and when he’s fit and feeling good, he’s as good as any at this level.
“He’s prone to lapses in concentration and can often look lethargic and catch him when he’s not feeling good, low on morale and you’ve got a problem.
“Both could be decent signings for Cardiff, and both may well flourish at a different club under a man manager like Neil Warnock.”