They got there in the end. Cardiff somehow nail another transfer window

I don’t think I’ve ever known another transfer window quite like this one, for so many different reasons.

Firstly and most importantly, spending was way down. Way, way down and that probably caught most people, in and out of the game, off guard. When you bear in mind that Premier League clubs spent in excess of £800m this time last year, it was a fraction of that this year, 15% to be specific, and the effects of that were keenly felt in the Championship.

A lack of movement at the top resulted in a lack of movement throughout the Football League and it left some Cardiff fans were on the verge of taking to the streets, although that doesn’t take much these days. This wasn’t helped by the manager’s public impatience, but he should know better than most that there were mitigating factors and these things take time, at the best of times.

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Here we are though, the day after the window SLAMMED SHUT and let’s be honest, Cardiff pulled it out of the bag. They always do, in fairness, but I understand why people worry that they won’t. With an absent owner, a part-time board and a short-term outlook, it feels like they continually overcome the odds by proving to be so adept in the transfer market. They always seem to make a little go a long way and end a window stronger than they started it.

They wanted six in and they got six. It was a bold claim, all things considered, but they got there in the end. All the positions that needed reinforcing have been reinforced and a little bit of money was spent, although maybe not as much as some were hoping for. Much was made of the fact that Cardiff could finally indulge after several windows under a partial embargo, but strict limitations are placed on all clubs and Cardiff have rarely ever managed to sell players at a profit, so don’t generate proceeds.

David Turnbull is the marquee signing, tasked with knitting together the midfield and attack. Nat Phillips and Ethan Horvath represent upgrades on the departing Jonathan Panzo and Alex Runarsson. Josh Wilson-Ebrand provides much needed strength in depth on the left, while Ryotaro Tsonda is one for the future. Famara Diedhiou is also a more experienced and formidable focal point for the attack than any of the existing available options. He’s not Kieffer Moore though.

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Kieffer dominated the window and the lead up to the window, much like the last window and probably the next one too. He’s one of those, a bit like Jason Koumas, that Cardiff will never get over. He was their perfect striker. Welsh, strong and worked his socks off, in a team where that tends to be the quality that either makes or breaks you. He also had an amazing season when none of us were there to witness it. When we were finally allowed back post-Covid, it wasn’t the same Moore. He had the hump and one foot out the door.

Even though he’s 33 next summer, Moore remains the ideal and as long as he remains attainable, Cardiff will maintain an interest. You understand why, the Welsh media champion the association and he would represent a box office signing, but it’s become a slightly unhealthy obsession and you now sense that some are tiring of it.

For what it’s worth, I’m glad that Josh Bowler stayed, when there were murmurings that he might leave. He’s rarely shown his true potential, but I have faith that he will prove to be an asset in the second half of the season. Cardiff’s stellar record in the loan market has taken a hit this season though, with three of their original five effectively sent back to their parent clubs. I’m also surprised that Romaine Sawyers remained, despite being so far so far down the pecking order. Erol Bulut now has what he wanted though and results need to improve in turn.

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There is a general consensus that are keen for Bulut to get a new long-term contract and I think that is largely motivated by the short-term nature of most recent managers. Cardiff need longer term stability, in all areas, but if the club are reluctant to extend his deal just now, I can understand why. I wouldn’t be surprised if some recent comments may be working against him too.

After a very impressive start, where all expectations were exceeded, Cardiff have hit a rotten run of form in the last few months, with results and performances taking a dramatic dip. There are factors feeding into that, like injuries and fatigue, but armed with his new recruits, evident improvement is now surely needed to warrant an extension. Aaron Ramsey’s return will be a huge help and his ability can aid a revival of Cardiff’s fortunes.

For now though, let’s just bask in a job well done, renewed enthusiasm and a trip to Watford that feels far more appealing now than it did a few days ago.