Pre-Season Discussion: Look Ahead to the Future: Cardiff City

Cardiff City won the Championship last season to gain automatic qualification to the Premier League. It is their first time in the EPL and for the first time two Welsh clubs will be competing in the Premier League. We take a look at the transfers, expectations, form, and final verdict for the newest Welsh side on the block.

Season 2012/13

• Cardiff City won the Championship scoring 87 points; 9 more than 2nd placed Hull City who finished at 79.
  
• Cardiff's biggest win came away to Blackburn Rovers where they won 4-1
• Heidar Helguson was top scorer for Cardiff scoring 9 goals. 
• Craig Bellamy had top assists raking up 10 for the season.
• Mark Hudson was awarded player of the season award.

Transfers

Departures

Heidar Helguson and Stephen McPhail, both released

Signings

Andreas Cornelius, John Brayford, Simon Moore, Steven Caulker, Gary Medel.

Record signing at the time Andreas Cornelius was signed from FC Copenhagen for 8m pounds. The Dane is a consistent goal scorer having scored 28 in 64 appearances on club and international level. Other major signings include youngster Steven Caulker from Tottenham Hotspurs who broke the record Cornelius set by securing a switch to Cardiff for a reported 9m pounds; he enjoyed a decent season at Swansea City(on loan) notching up some appearances and has taken a significant step in his quest to be a regular starting XI player. 

Man to Watch

Ofcourse record signings should be the main focus of the season for any club but in Cardiff's case it has to be the integral core of the squad which helped them gain promotion to the premier league in the first place. Players like Campbell, Bellamy, Gunnarsson, Tommy Smith, and Mark Hudson need to play at their highest level to make sure Cardiff City stay in the premier league. For Cardiff to retain their top flight status it is important for the entire squad to contribute rather than just one or two players shining altogether to save them.

Verdict

Relegation: 18th

Although Cardiff City have splashed decent amount of money but still they lack the experience in their ranks which is necessary to survive in the premier league. Their defense needs reinforcements; may be some loan deals will help, their midfield looks decent but nothing extravagant, and their forward line up relies heavily on the new recruit Cornelius. If by any chance the Dane fails to deliver there is not much Cardiff can rely upon for goals in their rank. Cardiff are placed in the relegation zone by all of the betting websites along with both the fellow newcomers to the league. For them to survive, they need at least one marquee signing which has to be a defender.