Cardiff City's lopsided and one-paced squad is now unrecognisable after transfer flurry but final jigsaw piece will make or break season

If Cardiff City's squad ever needed a revamp, it was this summer. This time last year, which seems like lightyears away, there was little chance of that happening.

Twelve months ago, City had a group of senior players on bloated wages, clinging on to the best contract they will likely have in their careers again, more than willing to stay with the Welsh capital city club for their final season. Even if other clubs were keen and came in for them, it was not in their interest to leave and few could blame them for that given the financial uncertainty brought on by Covid-19.

This wage cull was very much needed and the timing could not have been better from a Cardiff City standpoint. Given the reasons mentioned above, Cardiff's only work in the window last summer was to bring in Mark McGuinness, Ryan Wintle and James Collins permanently, while Ryan Giles came in from Wolves on loan.

A few additions, yes, but enough to really inject new life and legs into a squad which was another year older and feeling the effects of the chasm between senior stars and Championship rookies?

That wasn't all Mick McCarthy's fault, in his defence. His hands were tied to a certain extent. But, having seen the football he played with the players he had, it's perhaps a blessing he didn't have the opportunity to overhaul the squad like Steve Morison has.

Eight players left upon the expiration of their contracts. James Collins could soon follow them, with Derby County leading a host of League One clubs interested in his signature, while the futures of Tom Sang and Gavin Whyte remain shrouded in uncertainty.

The Bluebirds' squad last season looked lopsided. Far too many defensive-minded players, a sterile midfield and an attack which was heavily