Nicky Crompton looks to the January Sales
With the transfer window opening within a matter of hours, Dougie has confirmed that he will have a busy January. Let’s have a look at some potential targets…
We’ve just seen the stay of two players’ time at the club come to the end as their loans have expired. They include Kevin McNaughton and Neil Dann (Joe Mason will return to Cardiff on January 5th). Liam Feeney was also on loan at the club, but was recalled early my Milwall.
McNaughton is a veteran Scottish right back, and his experience certainly helped the squad. He’s played in this league for many years- representing Cardiff and had a very successful stint at the Reebok. He looked assured defending, and dangerous going forward- a highlight being his goal against Charlton. His future at Cardiff looks uncertain, as first choice right back Theophile-Catherine seems to have cemented his place in the team. Alex Baptiste has not always looked convincing at right back, and McNaughton would be a great addition on a permanent basis.
Neil Danns joined the side at roughly the same time as McNaughton, and made a very big impact. The energy he showed to get around the pitch and make as many runs and passes as he did. He also bagged several important goals. I’m not sure whether he’ll be given playing time back at Leicester, since he’s been out of their team for a while, due to the form of Andy King and Danny Drinkwater, who operate in similar positions to Danns. At the age of 31, it’s important for him to be playing regular first team football, and Bolton are more likely to offer that.
Joe Mason, has played a few games for us, scoring once in the process. He’s looked eager, and played well at times, but I don’t think that signing him would be a priority. We’ve got him for a few more days. Liam Feeney impressed in his 4 games for us, causing real problems to opposing left backs- however Dougie has said that he’s also more likely to bring in a left winger, As we already have Chung Yong Lee and Chris Eagles (since his return) playing relatively well.
There’s been a lot of talk about us needing a new striker, with Jermaine Beckford not being able to emulate his Leeds Untied days- only scoring 7 goals so far this season. N’Gog has failed to impress on a scoring front, despite holding up the ball well. And, to be honest, I’m not exactly sure what the situation is with Craig Davies, I’m pretty sure he injured? But he might just be sitting at Nando’s for 2 months. We really do need someone who can score 20 goals a season, we’ve been talking about this for a long time and it’s much easier said than done. Names such as Nakhi Wells have been thrown into the mix. I also think we should have a look at Leon Clarke, as he’s been in superb form for Coventry and Jeffrey Schlupp who can also operated as a left back.
We also need more structure in our defence. Tim Ream and Matt Mills seemed like a good pairing. However, when McNaughton returned to Wales before the Leicester game, Baptiste had to return to right back and Ream has to fill the gap at left back. Zat Knight, who to be fair, has been very professional since being dropped and has done decently when coming off the bench; returned to the starting eleven to join Matt Mills in the centre. This clearly didn’t work as we conceded 5 goals. As mentioned previously I think we should bring McNaughton back if possible, and possibly a left back to cover for the injury-prone Marc Tierney. Baptiste can then do what Sam Ricketts did- covering wherever needed. I think young Paul Dummett from Newcastle would be a good addition to the squad.
As I said earlier, Dougie mentioned wanting a left-footed winger. We currnetly just have Robert Hall- who I think is a great yohung prospect with a very bright future ahead of him. However, at the tender ago of 20, Dougie (I think quite rightly) hasn’t started him all that much, as he does lack experience. Craig Noone hasn’t featured all that much for Cardiff so far this season, and I think he’d be brilliant for us- he has lots of flair, and a very sweet left foot. I would’ve like Anthony Knockeart, but I really don’t think that signing him would be realistic now as Leicester are looking likely to be promoted, and he’s played a pivtoal role for them.
Obviously we NEED to sell, particularly with the shocking financial report that just came out today. But there has been mention of decent funds being available to Dougie, particularly if we manage to offload the fringe players who haven’t been featuring regularly.