Junior Hoilett resigning is as much a statement of intent as it is similar to a new signing. It’s safe to say that Hoilett was somewhat of a masterstroke signing by Warnock, bringing Junior in from drifting into the abyss. Seemingly an outcast after leaving QPR, Warnock was quick to snap him up when he took over at Cardiff City.
Very happy and excited to sign a new deal with this amazing club and continue our journey together… thanks for all the support #CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/dXxoWMVoRb
— Junior Hoilett (@jnrhoilett) June 26, 2018
During that first season, we saw glimpses of what he could bring. His pace, his creativity, and his skill levels were high. But it was our promotion season that Junior really came to the fore. Seemingly our creative focal point, he scored goals, assisted others, and was a mainstay of our front three. He popped up with important goals at crucial junctures of the season.
.@jnrhoilett: “It feels amazing to finally sign. It was always going to happen though: I want to continue my career here and never wanted to go anywhere else. I want to go on and achieve more things in the @PremierLeague with a great group of lads.”#CityAsOne ?⚽️?⚽️ pic.twitter.com/DqJ6tcJvVS
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) June 26, 2018
With his contract up at the end of the year, the uncertainty that shrouded whether he would stay or go created a tension that hadn’t been seen for a while. Hoilett never said he wanted to leave – but he could be forgiven for trying to get himself a really good deal. And would that mean leaving? Potentially.
Neil Warnock: “@jnrhoilett had a fantastic season for us last year and I think it’s just rewards for that.”#CityAsOne ?⚽️?⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ZRD2gqMoZd
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) June 26, 2018
But the news he has signed a new three year deal today has been greeted with great relief and euphoria by all corners of the Cardiff City fandom. It’s basically a new signing. When it looked like he was on his way to Stoke, tying him down for three years is a great bit of business by Warnock and Choo. He’s the type of player some Premier League defenders will struggle with. A direct, rapid force who can shoot from a far and bring others into play. Hoilett will be hungry to prove his detractors wrong after being branded a failure at QPR. And with Warnock entrusting him like no other manager can, 2018/19 is going to see the very best of Junior.
#CardiffCity are delighted to announce that @jnrhoilett has today signed a new three-year contract! ?
? https://t.co/9HaY71d2fJ#CityAsOne ?⚽️?⚽️ pic.twitter.com/d9DZXsBbxO
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) June 26, 2018