January 2012 Archives
When Malky Mackay took over in the summer, he inherited a squad painfully thin in midfield and up front, yet disproportionately well stocked in defence, especially at centre back. With Mark Hudson, Anthony Gerrard, Dekel Keinan, Gabor Gyepes and Darcy Blake, Mackay had plenty of options and variables to consider.
Three of the five were entering the final year of their present deal, club captain Hudson recently signed a new deal, leaving Gyepes and Gerrard as the remaining centre halves with uncertain futures. Gyepes has been particularly vocal in questioning the club's stance on this matter, not selected to play yet not made available for transfer, he would appear both out of favour and off the market.
A £200,000 signing from Northampton, the sale of Gyepes is unlikely to generate significant funds, whereas Gerrard, who cost only marginally more from Walsall, would certainly command a reasonable fee if sold. Having excelled on loan at Hull last season, Gerrard appeared to be valued as much as £3m in the summer, with Nigel Pearson keen to keep their reigning player of the year at the club.
With transfer deadline day looming, Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay seems poised to make a bid for Wycombe Wanderers starlet Kadeem Harris.
The flying winger will be unheard of by most Bluebirds fans but has already attracted bids from the Premier League.
So here's a look at what Malky may be bidding for...
Back in 2005, Cardiff City were in the market for strikers, as is the case at present. Seeing as Cardiff tend to shop north of the border, they lined up moves for Kris Boyd and Derek Riordan, at the time 22 and 23 respectively.
A fee was agreed with Kilmarnock for Boyd, he spent two days in the city agreeing personal terms and completing a medical before returning to Scotland, with the intention of returning in the following few days to conclude the deal, he never returned.
Cardiff also offered Hibernian £1m for Riordan, but Riordan opted to stay in Scotland, eventually signing for Celtic, with Boyd moving to Rangers.
So its official, Cardiff City are in the Final, yes the FINAL, of the 2012 Carling Cup which is scheduled to take place on Sunday 26th February at Wembley Stadium.
This will be the 4th time in 4 years that Cardiff have graced the home of English football and although it may be a little premature to call it our 2nd residence just yet (Chelsea hold the current record for most appearances with 9) we are certainly doing our best to try and change that.
During his visit to Malaysia last week, Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay was quizzed in a TV interview. Take a look at what he said.