Russell Slade made it clear during a press conference last week that before the transfer window slams shut at 6pm on Tuesday 1st September he would like to add three players to his rejuvenated Cardiff City squad.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that former West Bromwich Albion and Watford defender Gabriel Tamas had signed for the Bluebirds on a one-year contract with the option of a further year. The 31 year-old Romanian international had ‘three or four’ English suitors, but Slade obtained the race for the versatile defenders signature.
Cardiff City: Who are the ‘two’?
The signing is a curious one; with a squad that can already operate the centre back position with five players, right back with three players and left back with four players. Although fans maybe underwhelmed by the acquisition he has a vast experience in the English Premier League and his presence in the dressing room is surely worth the purchase.
So who are the two other players that Slade mentioned, possibly be?
Sources claim that Kevin Nolan, recently released by West Ham United could be one of those two signings but his substantial salary would no doubt be a hindrance to contract negotiations with Nolan reportedly earning £50,000 a week at the Hammers.
An experienced midfielder with a career spanning 16 seasons containing 522 appearances and 99 goals for Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and West Ham United, it is clear to see that it could be a major coup for Cardiff City despite his advancing years.
What Cardiff need is pace on the wings and through the middle. Joe Ralls has shown his ability to pass players on the left wing, despite being a more natural central midfielder. Pilkington and Noone have the class and trickery but lack the ability to up the gears and beat their men on the opposing teams. The introduction of Sammy Ameobi against Wolves up front, but drifting to the flanks showed exactly what is needed, three times sprinting behind Dominic Iorfa in the Wolves defence.
With the ever-lasting debate on whether Whittingham can still deliver the high standards of past seasons, still on going; perhaps the experimental midfield should utilise the pace of Ameobi on the wing, with Ralls on the opposite flank with Gunnarsson and Dikgacoi in central midfield.
The striking options for Cardiff could be where Slade looks to improve on. Kenwyne Jones and Alex Revell currently play the target man role whilst Mason plays as the main forward, a role that could also be played by Doyle or Macheda. Doyle impressed at the end of last season with five goals in his 16 appearances since joining in January and still has a lot to offer despite not starting in the league so far this season.
With Jones and Mason rightfully the upfront partnership based on their form, the likes of Macheda, Doyle and Revell will need to be challenging them both to start. The one issue with the attacking options up front is the same as on the wings; pace. None of the options are particularly fast and that’s why Ameobi has been brought in but another striker with pace up front would be an ideal target.
There hasn’t been much pace up front since the likes of McCormack and as many teams have proven pace can be the deadliest form of attack. Bournemouth are a fine example of this with their up front options of Wilson, Pugh & Gradel who caused multiple problems for West Ham last weekend.
The biggest news to come out of the club is likely to be the press release stating that Marshall will not be leaving despite Tony Pulis at WBA still declaring his interest. The goalkeeper leaving would be a huge blow on the pitch, however the figure of £6 million that was rejected could increase and will test Cardiff’s resolve with their off field debt reportedly at around £80 million.
