Mackay Delighted With Cardiff City Transfer Budget

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has declared himself delighted with the transfer budget he has been set as he prepares for the next season and another attempt to secure promotion. So far, only former Peterborough goalkeeper Joe Lewis has been brought in as a like-for-like free transfer replacement for the departing Tom Heaton.Strong interest in the likes of Jay Rodriguez (now at Southampton) and Lillestrom striker Sigurdason (likely to sign for Wolves) have shown signs of ambition, but there has been little cheer on the transfer front as yet for City fans.

Despite the lack of action, there has been plenty of talk of a 'summer warchest` and significant investment to accompany the 're-branding` controversy that has dominated over the past weeks. The likes of Alan Whiteley (Chief Executive), Steve Borley (longstanding Director) and Malky Mackay have spoken publically to re-assure fans and insist the club is undergoing necessary and exciting evolution. However, so far it has only been talk of investment, talk of transfers and talk of a brighter future. It is always difficult to bring players in early, but there`s no doubting it makes an enormous difference in terms of squad harmony and preparation.

Mackay today spoke to WalesOnline to re-iterate his position and assets he his more than happy with his playing budget:

"I would love to have all the players we want to sign in by the start of our pre-season trip next month but that won`t happen. I am in a far better position now than I was before last season."

"I am massively happy with the financial backing I have to bring in players."

"It`s maddening that the transfer window closes at end of August and we start playing Championship football several weeks earlier than that. It`s the same for everybody, but clubs, including ourselves, could start with a team and a month later it could look completely different."

This will again be an important summers re-building for the Bluebirds, we have made big strides since this time last year, but there is again much to do for Malky Mackay. He brought together a skeleton squad, and the season opener against West Ham saw Tom Heaton, Paul Quinn and Jon Parkin among the substitutes with all three barely featuring in the league and having now departed the club.

With the likes of youngsters Kadeem Harris, Filip Kiss and Joe Mason sure to play a role, and a solid defensive unit on which to build - City probably need 2-3 quality 'core` players to come in - including a striker and winger. Another 2-3 young and hungry players to supplement those would probably yield a squad capable of competing for promotion when added to the established key players like Peter Whittingham, Ben Turner and Kevin McNaughton.

It`s a good sign that Mackay is happy with his lot, but more evidence will certainly be needed in the short term if the club truly want the fans to get behind the controversial plans and back the players, owners and club as previously.

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