Surprisingly I am enjoying the World Cup but still I am more excited about the start of the new season kicking off in a month or so. My team Cardiff City are back in training building up for their first pre-season game at Taff Wells on Friday.
Last season manager Neil Warnock took a large strong squad to the small Rhiw Dda'r Stadium where a full house close to 3000 is expected. Welsh League Division one outfit will welcome the cash influx it makes a difference to support local teams.
Cardiff have recently tied up a number of players with contract extensions that manager Neil Warnock sees as fundamental to his plans for his premiership squad and yesterday midfielder Aron Gunnarsson, signed a contract extension for a one-year deal with the Bluebirds, ending speculation about his future.
"I always wanted to stay and I told the gaffer that," Gunnarsson added.
"Even though I didn't say much in the news, I just wanted to do my job on the pitch."
The Cardiff boss Warnock has declared himself pleased with the clubs transfer business, but is still hoping to recruit another couple of players. Another midfielder for one with former loan player Marko Grujic now back at Liverpool who are willing to send the midfielder out on loan to gain experience again. Warnock could do a deal to bring in another striker. On that score Warnock has been linked with Russian and World Cup striker Artem Dzyuba if you believe Russian news reports.
The same report suggest he could cost the Welshman £6million the 6ft 5in striker scored three goals in the World Cup and plays for Zenit St. Petersburg.
It you judge the social media platforms fans are more than happy with the transfer news to date. There is a positivity around the club and fans. The 2012/13 season in the Premier League saw too much money thrown on the team, £33million with £2million of that total spent in the winter transfer window. Most of that money was paid bringing in these three players.
That season Gary Medel (Midfielder) was the top signing for a reported £11million to £9.5million which ever report you believe on a four-year deal but left with relegation with a loss of a million on the transfer.
Defender Steven Caulker cost the club £8million from Tottenham and like Medel jumped ship with relegation to Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee, but reported to be £8million.
Striker Andreas Cornelius cost the Bluebirds £7.5million from F.C. Copenhagen with in 7months he returned to F.C. Copenhagen for an undisclosed fee, but Cardiff claim they lost most of the money they paid for him. The deal brought down the management of Dave Jones.
Off the pitch, some good news as Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan has converted a further £66.4m the club owes him into equity. The Malaysian businessman has been reducing the loans owed by the Premier League club and has previously said he aims to have it debt-free by 2021. The last few years Cardiff have been keeping a tight reign of the clubs finances, which has been, boosted by promotion to the Premier League.
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