More transfer business expected as poor form continues
CARDIFF City fans could expect new signings before the team’s next home match against Nottingham Forest.
Manager Steve Morison has confirmed the club’s interest in Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle after a defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Doyle spent the first half of the season on loan at Hamburger SV in Germany’s second division.
The 20-year-old has only made one league appearance for his parent club – but his youth will not trouble Morison, who was the Bluebirds’ Under-23s manager for almost two years before he took the first team reins.
Another youngster has joined already – Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh, 20, who put in an impressive performance on Saturday after joining on loan.
But fans are still concerned following the recall of popular midfielder Ryan Giles by parent club Wolves.
Chris Paraman, 15, from Cefn Fforest, said: “Giles is a massive loss. He brings the speed in every attack and his crossing has been quality.
“This season so far has been way below expectations. Considering the eighth-place finish last season, to be in the relegation zone is very disappointing.”
City sit 20th in the Championship table, only four points off Peterborough in 22nd – although the Cambridgeshire side have a game in hand.
Under Morison and his predecessor Mick McCarthy, Cardiff City have conceded 37 goals from open play this season from only 24.8 expected goals.
Richard Samuel, 32, a City fan from Pontypridd, told The Cardiffian: “Morison is working well with the hand he’s been given and changing to a better standard of football. It’s nice to see the youth academy in our squad again.
“Why are we struggling? Easy – absolutely no clean sheets and no creativity.”
Fans’ worries might be compounded if rumours of Sunderland’s interest in City centre-back Aden Flint are true – and there has been speculation over a move away for Wales striker Kieffer Moore.
However, the recall of midfielder Ryan Wintle, who excelled on loan at Blackpool, may be cause for optimism.
Cardiff City Stadium should be able to host a full crowd on Sunday, 30 January following the Welsh Government’s announcement of a return to alert level 0.
Steve Cooper’s visiting team have won three of their last five league games, and shocked Arsenal in the FA Cup, winning 1-0 to reach the Fourth Round.
City are also through to the Fourth Round, and Bluebirds fans will enjoy a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday, 6 February.
