Cardiff City began last season with a well established central defensive unit, one widely regarded as the strongest pair in the division in Roger Johnson and Glenn Loovens with the experienced Darren Purse as back-up.
As we go into the new season, all three of those players have departed leaving us unbalanced, lacking leadership and with no established centre-backs in the squad! Loovens departed to join Celtic, while Roger Johnson is moving to Birmingham City – both players moved on for decent money and made a hefty profit for the club. The Bluebirds moved swiftly to sign Gabor Gyepes to replace Loovens and will now be scouring the market for 2 further additions.
Stability is a key factor in a defensive line, and Johnson has forged partnerships with Loovens, Purse and Gyepes in his time. Each duo took time to develop and reach an understanding and it`s rarely advisable to go through such a larger personnel change – a fact that Birmingham City must also be wary of.
In Purse and Johnson we lost the two most natural leaders in the squad, and Gyepes does not appear a vocal presence on the pitch. Signing a quality, dominant and preferably experienced centr-back is now the number one priority for Dave Jones. There will be little time to get to know the team-mates for new signings and with communication key to defensive solidity – the right man in crucial.
Over to you Mr Jones?..
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