Wintle is but could
CARDIFF City midfielder Ryan Wintle is enjoying a terrific debut season in the Championship. Unfortunately for the Welsh capital city club, it’s not for Cardiff.
The Bluebirds man signed a seasonlong loan deal with Blackpool at the start of the campaign and has not looked back. He has, in fact, been one of the Seasiders’ most consistent performers this term.
His form has seen calls from Cardiff fans to recall him in January to bolster the Bluebirds’ midfield options.
Steve Morison recently said it might be more beneficial for Wintle to stay up at Bloomfield Road and complete a full Championship season before coming back “like a new signing” next summer.
“If Ryan Wintle is someone who is going to come back and play then there is an option for that,” Morison said.
“If he’s not going to play every week, from a football club point of view, him staying there and having 44 or 46 games under his belt for Blackpool, when he comes back at the start of next season he is worth so much more to us.
“He has come in with no Championship experience and then you’re getting an experienced Championship midfielder who is like a new signing.
“It’s weighing up the pros and cons.” Blackpool fans certainly don’t want to see Wintle get recalled by his parent club in the new year.
So, to gain a greater insight into how Wintle is faring up in the north-west, we spoke with Blackpool Gazette correspondent MATT SCRAFTON about his progress...
Q. Has Ryan Wintle impressed so far during his loan stint with Blackpool?
He’s been excellent. The fact he’s played almost every minute of every game since joining the club speaks volumes about how much Neil Critchley rates him.
He does a lot of work in the midfield areas that can often go unnoticed, but his efforts have certainly been appreciated by the fans who are desperate for him to stay for the remainder of the season and possibly beyond.
Given injuries to Kevin Stewart and Kenny Dougall often missing the odd game here and there due to international duty with Australia, Wintle’s contribution has been massive.
Q. What are his strengths and what are his weaknesses?
His work-rate is probably his most obvious strength. He covers so much ground yet never seems to tire.
He plays a very specific role at Blackpool, where - alongside his central midfield partner - they sit back a little and press,
harry and attempt to break things up.
That’s not to say he can’t get forward, pick a pass and contribute with goals and assists, it’s just that we haven’t seen it yet due to the role he’s being asked to play.
Q. Is there anything about him that would excite Cardiff City fans, who have not seen a great deal of him?
Hopefully Cardiff aren’t impressed with him and he remains at Blackpool for the whole season!
In all seriousness, he’s shown with Blackpool why Cardiff were so keen to sign him during the summer. There’s not one thing in particular that would excite fans, it’s just his all-round game and unselfishness that has earned so much praise from the Blackpool fans.
Q. Could you see him getting recalled in January?
I certainly hope not. Judging by Steve Morison’s recent comments, it doesn’t seem likely either.
Obviously a lot can change between now and January, injuries, suspensions, loss of form etc, but I would tend to agree with Morison that there’s little point recalling him if he’s just going to sit and warm the Cardiff bench.
He’s a player who needs to be playing 40/45 games a season. What I think is of more interest is whether or not the Seasiders are looking to sign Wintle on a permanent basis.
Q. This is his first season in the Championship, from what you’ve seen does he have what it takes to thrive at this level?
Absolutely.
He’s been a perfect fit for what Blackpool want from their midfielders, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll replicate that for Cardiff, who obviously play a different way.
But he’s been one of Blackpool’s standout and most consistent performers so far this season, so he’s certainly at home in the Championship.
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