It seems hard to believe that it is only 11 days since Portugal beat France in the final of Euro 2016, especially when the new EFL season is now only 16 days away! Whatever happened to a break between seasons? Most of the league teams were back in pre-season training before the international season had even finished, and in the case of our own beloved Cardiff City this was actually more of a problem than we expected, due to the fantastic performance of the Wales team in reaching the semi-final of the Euros. Our own manager Paul Trollope was involved in the coaching team for Wales, and so was unable to take up his full time position with the club until 2 weeks ago. Thankfully, he has now seen the impossibility of combining his coaching role with the Welsh squad and has now devoted himself completely to the Bluebirds.
Paul Trollope on duty with Wales
Comings and goings.
At this stage between seasons its difficult to finalise the complete list of ins and outs. The transfer window doesn't officially close until 31st August. This season, as an added complication, there is no "emergency" loan window for Football league clubs, so the players in your squad by the 31st August cannot be added to until the new window opens on the 1st January.
Two of our signings are already familiar to the club. Dutchman Lex Immers has now been signed to a permanent deal following his successful loan spell during the second half of last season. Also returning on a permanent deal is Danish under 21 international Kenneth Zohore who also showed good potential at the same time.
Kenneth Zohore
Lex Immers
I'm particularly pleased about the return of Immers, as his inclusion really boosted the team after Christmas. In hindsight, it may well have been his injury during the last few games of the season which prevented us from going on to get at least a playoff place.
A signing which had Bluebirds fans reaching for the Google search button was Frederic Gounongbe from relegated Belgian League 1 side Westerlo. He was a prolific scorer there in a struggling side - lets hope he can fill the need we have for a quality goalscorer.
Freddy signs!
Significant signing?
Perhaps the most significant signing of the closed season so far is of Welsh international Jazz Richards from Fulham. As a part of the deal, left back Scott Malone went in the other direction to Fulham. Jazz had been away with the Welsh squad at Euro 2016, and although he did not get any game time there he was under the coaching of Cardiff manager Paul Trollope. This seems to indicate a change of formation for the Bluebirds to the 3-5-2 system as employed by Wales (5-3-2 when defending). Considering the success the Wales had at the Euros with this formation, and Trollope being one of the coaches, this is an exciting development. Jazz has been playing as a wing-back successfully for Wales in the qualifiers, and at Cardiff we already have 2 natural wing-backs in Fabio and Declan John. If it works as well for Cardiff as it did for Wales we could yet have a very successful season. All we have to do now is sign Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey!
Jazz Richards on Wales duty.
Its a little difficult to say more at this time - there could be many changes before the season starts - but this is positive news and gives supporters a little hope. Hopefully we can keep hold of the players who ultimately did well for us last season and push on up the table. Now lets look forward to the opening game away at Birmingham city on the 6th August.
(Due to my annual holiday there is unlikely to be any more updates before the new season commences).
