Cardiff City have to go full moneyball this summer but Luton and Huddersfield Town prove the formula can work

Cardiff City will be counting the pennies more closely this summer than years gone by. It is a chance for them to hit the reset button, to make the club more sustainable moving forward.

But there is, of course, a need to be competitive next season. The thought of relegation to League One does not bear thinking about, especially when you are trying to stave off financial ruin. Recruitment this summer has to be bang on the money, with little room for error given the tight budgetary constraints.

The undertaking is enormous, yes, but not impossible. Steve Morison has voiced his excitement about the upcoming few months and many fans share that sentiment, too. Of course, there is a sense of trepidation among some sections of supporters and this is understandable.

Cardiff's wage structure will alter dramatically next season. While there is talk of a wage cap in the air, one source has told WalesOnline they will operate on an average wage structure, rather than a cap, per se. It means they want the senior squad to average out at a certain number, meaning if they push the boat out too far on one player's wage it will have a negative, trickle-down effect on others. We have been told that the wage budget Cardiff have to operate on next season will place them among the lowest in the division.

That's where the trepidation and the worry comes in. But Luton Town have a bottom-three budget and are currently on course to secure a play-off spot. Smart recruitment, a clear plan and clearly a talented and cohesive coaching staff all play their part and Luton are testament to that.

More than one source has indicated to this outlet, too, that Huddersfield Town are a team Cardiff aspire to next season and rightly so. A year ago there were