Championship Season Preview 2006/07 - Cardiff City

Cardiff City

Odds: 33/1

Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 11 (Championship), 2004/05 - 16 (Championship), 2003/04 - 13 (Championship), 2002/03 - 6 (League One, Promoted), 2001/02 - 4 (League One).

2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup Third Round vs Arsenal (a) - lost 2-1.
Carling Cup Third Round vs Leicester City (h) - lost 1-0.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Cameron Jerome (striker) - 20 goals.

Players In
Michael Chopra (Newcastle United - £500,000), Roger Johnson (Wycombe Wanderers - £275,000), Stephen McPhail (Barnsley - Free), Glenn Loovens (Feyenoord - Free), Kevin McNaughton (Aberdeen - Free), Mark Howard (Arsenal - Free), Malvin Kamara (MK Dons - Free), Nick McKoy (MK Dons - Free).

Players Out
Cameron Jerome (Birmingham City - £3,000,000), Neil Cox (Crewe Alexandra - Free), Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu (Gillingham - Free), Tariq Khalil (AFC Bournemouth - Free).

Cardiff City excelled under Dave Jones during his first season in charge but poor form towards the end of the season meant a mid table finish when it looked as though the play offs were a distinct possibility. The club have not been out of the news this summer, what with last season's top goal scorer Cameron Jerome joining Championship rivals Birmingham City for an initial £3 million and the ongoing saga of making Jason Koumas' move to Ninian Park a permanent one.

Koumas was a revelation last season during his loan spell from West Bromwich Albion but the Midlands club are not prepared to sell the Welsh international, who netted 13 goals from midfield, for the £1 million up front Cardiff want to pay. The Baggies value Koumas at closer to £2 million and want the bulk of that fee paid up front without may add ons.

Regardless of whether or not Koumas signs, Jones has been busy recruiting new players to strengthen the squad. Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra is seen as a replacement for Jerome, after he netted 17 goals while on loan at Barnsley two seasons ago and signed a deal which will be worth up to £500,000. Newcastle wanted Chopra to stay at St. James' Park, while Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Barnsley were also interested.

Barnsley midfielder Stephen McPhail bolsters the midfield but is not seen as an alternative to Koumas. The former Leeds midfielder and Republic of Ireland international joined the Bluebirds on a free transfer from the promoted Tykes.

Cardiff made Feyenoord defender Glenn Loovens' move a permanent one after an outstanding season on loan and snatched Wycombe Wanderers captain Roger Johnson from under the noses of rivals Swansea City in a £275,000 raid.

Verdict
More consistency from the Bluebirds is required if they are to make a realistic bid for the play offs and much will depend on whether Jason Koumas signs a permanent deal. Another mid table finish is the likely outcome.

About The Author-- David Walker runs free bets and football betting systems websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.

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