Former Cardiff favourite Danny Gabbidon on what the future may hold for City following relegation
WITH Cardiff City’s time in the Premier League once again being shortlived, there are many big issues that need to be addressed if they are to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Many of these questions revolved around the future of manager Neil Warnock, but with that situation now resolved attentions will now turn to squad matters.
Bluebirds legend Danny Gabbidon says the Bluebirds can be “proud” of their efforts this season but now need to look ahead to the future.
Here, in his own words, are Gabbidon’s views on the future for Cardiff City.
Should Warnock have stayed or should he have gone?
HE is tried and trusted, the fans love him and what he’s done for the football club in the few years he’s been here has been nothing short of incredible.
He got them back in the Premier League ahead of schedule which was phenomenal. What the club needed to decide is if they want a short term or long-term approach.
If it’s a short one then Warnock’s your man, but if you look to the long term and want to make Cardiff a sustainable Premier League club, which in my opinion they should be with the facilities they’ve got, then the club may have needed to look in another direction.
Could Cardiff bring in a new coach under Warnock to achieve a long-term vision?
I’VE worked under Warnock and he doesn’t like to answer to anyone else, he is brilliant at running the club from top to bottom.
He is a very old-school manager and I don’t think it would work having someone come in and potentially be on a different page to him, so for me it’s one or the other, you keep Warnock or wipe the slate clean.
Should Cardiff cash in or retain their key players?
THE one positive Cardiff have to come out of this negative situation is they have a squad built perfectly for the Championship.
That lack of investment last summer now looks like sensible investment with the signings of Josh Murphy and Bobby Reid and you would think they can hold on to most of their players.
It’s more about getting the mentality right after relegation, some players want to leave, some want to stay and sorting out the dressing room and finding the players who actually want to be there.
If Warnock can hold on to the nucleus of this squad then they have a great chance of challenging. There’s some great players in it for Championship level.
The midfield signings needed
THEY will need to sign two or three in midfield with (Aron) Gunnarsson, (Victor) Camarasa and (Harry) Arter all leaving.
I’ve seen Rotherham’s Will Vaulks linked and I don’t think Cardiff would have to empty their coffers too much either to bring him in.
I think he would be an excellent signing. I watched him on his Wales debut up in Wrexham, he looked aggressive, strong in the tackle and has a long throw as well, almost like Gunnarsson. So I’m sure he’ll be someone they are looking at.
Also, a bit of experience, someone like Joe Ledley on a free transfer. He’s a good mate of mine. I’m sure he would love to come back. There’s plenty of options out there.
I have to say when it comes to wheeling and dealing, Warnock is usually pretty good, particularly at Championship level.
Should the Bluebirds turn to youth?
THERE are some players to look out for, but there hasn’t been that pathway we’ve seen in the years gone by.
As I mentioned about the long-term plan, you look at the manager and Warnock isn’t someone who looks to promote youth. He likes ready-made players who can come in and produce instant results.
I’ve watched a lot of the under-18s this season, who actually won their division. There’s definitely some there who if given the opportunity could develop and achieve great things.
Whether Cardiff want to go that way, I don’t know. If they do they will probably have to change their manager for that to happen.
It will have to go right from the top to the bottom, all academy sides playing the same style as the first team and the manager willing to give chances to these players. When you get that you will see players coming through.
The goal threat... and should Kenneth Zohore stay?
YOU would think at Championship level, Warnock may be able to get Zohore up and running again, but of course it’s up to the player if he wants to stay.
Warnock could see him as a player he could cash in on and get a few million for and bring someone else in.
You’ve got Gary Madine coming back from loan, Danny Ward is still around and Reid scored 20-plus goals last time he was in the Championship, so the quality is there.
Can Cardiff bounce straight back?
IT’S possible but I know how difficult it is following a relegation. You wouldn’t back against Neil Warnock, though.
The main thing is to keep that squad together and get the mentality right which Warnock will as he is a good man-manager.
It’s about the mental side as much as the playing side. It’s not all about the money – look at the last time Cardiff went up and Norwich and Sheffield United this year.
■■Danny Gabbidon was launching the McDonald’s & FAW Grassroots Football Awards at Sports Xtra, one of last year’s winners. Nominations for the 2019 awards are now open at mcdonalds.co.uk/awards.