Cardiff's squad woes deepen

The consensus amongst most Cardiff fans is that changes to the team are needed in order to sustain the excellent form that propelled the Bluebirds to the summit of the Championship, form that has deserted them of late and seen them lose 3 of the last 5 games scoring just 2 goals.

The lack of form has come at a time when City were riding high and they remain in 2nd place just 1 point off the leaders Preston so a return to form now would see them re-establish themselves as genuine promotion contenders. One possibility is to bring in new faces to freshen up the squad and increase competition but what options does Dave Jones have to tinker with his threadbare squad?

Willo Flood is the player punching hardest for a starting place, but he is injured at the worst possible time for him, Flood is still recovering from a thigh strain and may not be fit until next week and joins Glenn Loovens and Kerrea Gilbert on the sidelines whilst Scottish striker Steve Thompson is recovering from recent surgery. Malvin Kamara is a youngster with bags of confidence but no experience and is seen by Jones as more of an impact player to come off the bench. Kevin Campbell had been given chances but never showed the form of earlier in his career and seems to struggle with the pace of the Championship while Luigi Glombard was hauled off at half time in his only start and appears to be on the bench purely to make up the numbers.

One enforced change could be needed for the weekend if Stephen McPhail`s red card is not overturned so Joe Ledley would move inside to cover. Cardiff looked for loan players but Jones was unable to attract the players he, and the squad, desperately needed despite contacting clubs initially regarding close to 100 players and making formal offers for over 10. Many premiership clubs were unwilling to loan players before the transfer window opens while Championship clubs have been alerted to Cardiff`s potential by their early season form and are unwilling to help one of their rivals.

The future could be viewed as being bleak but if the side can regain form and call upon the excellent team spirit within the small squad then we can keep the pressure on the leaders up and keep the crowds coming to Ninian Park, something crucial to the clubs future. The boys have given us all plenty to smile about already this season and we owe them our full and committed support.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.