Like London buses, Cardiff City have announced their second signing of the summer transfer window. It may have been the most obvious one of the window – Neil Warnock has been a long-term admirer of Greg Cunningham – but it’s an important one.
Our team give their verdict on the transfer and the intriguing battle between the Irishman and Joe Bennett for the left-back slot.
If you want to learn more about Greg Cunningham, check out our Scout Report.
Scott Johnson
“With the signing of Greg Cunningham, to compliment the arrival of Josh Murphy, Cardiff’s left flank is pretty much locked down, providing Junior Hoilett will stay put. Those three plus Joe Bennett offer strength in depth and fierce competition for places. Cunningham is every inch a Warnock player, a real dog of war and it would not surprise me if he started the season ahead of Bennett, as harsh as that may appear. I’ve always shared the belief that any promoted side should look to assemble a Championship dream team of sorts. These two signings fit that mould and chances are that if Cardiff did go down, they might be inclined to stick around.”
Paul Gronow
“Greg Cunningham signing for the Bluebirds represents the end of a long-fought battle between Cardiff City and Preston North End. Rumours of interest from South Wales first surfaced in August 2017 but the Bluebirds were knocked back by a large price tag. Given Cunningham only has one year left on his contract and Cardiff City will be playing their trade in the Premier League this coming season then the deal makes sense for all and finally brings some much-needed competition for Joe Bennett in the left-back role.”
"I’m an aggressive player and will give everything for #CardiffCity"
Watch & read more from @Cunningham_17 ???? https://t.co/YadniGGmOq
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— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) June 13, 2018
Ben James
“Greg Cunningham comes with great pedigree – a youth player at both the Blue and Red halves of Manchester – and Preston clearly didn’t want to lose him. As much as I think he’s got talent, I don’t see him dislodging Bennett right away but having him as an option is a shrewd move by Warnock. He will come in the Prem with a point to prove against those clubs who have let him go early on and I think he will surprise a few people.”
Scott Salter
“He’s been a long-term target for a while so it’s good to see Warnock finally get his man. Left-back suddenly becomes arguably our strongest position – behind the centre-halves perhaps – with both Bennett and Cunningham sound options. It’ll be interesting to see who starts the season as first choice – Bennett deserves a chance, in my opinion. What’s please, though, is that Warnock is keen to strengthen depth as well as starting positions.”
Ben Isaacs
“Not sure any recent signing has seemed as straightforward, obvious and sensible as this. In a way it’s boring. In another way it’s exciting to see the simple stuff being taken care of efficiently. For £3.5m, it seems like a bargain and Warnock seems thrilled. A fan favourite at Preston, he seems to have something about him that will make him popular at CCS too. I think he’ll be up for the battle and thrive. Bring it on.”
Nathan Walker
“Finally! It has been no secret that Neil Warnock has chased the full-back for a long time despite Joe Bennett’s obvious ability. But, as City embark on their Premier League adventure, having competition for places is not a bad thing. Having spent time covering PNE during my time at university there, I have no doubt Cunningham will step up.”