Image source, Huw Evans AgencyImage caption, Cardiff's League One promotion is their first since going up to the Premier League in 2018
ByDafydd PritchardBBC Sport Wales- Published24 minutes ago
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Cardiff City wasted no time in securing their return to the Championship. The question now is how they stay there – or, eventually, climb higher again.
The Bluebirds secured League One promotion in dramatic circumstances on Saturday, winning 3-1 at Reading and discovering deep into added time that they were going up because Stockport County had dropped points after conceding a last-gasp equaliser, scored by Exeter City's goalkeeper no less.
Now the champagne has dried and the hangovers are easing, Cardiff can start thinking about what comes next.
First, they have three games left this season. This has been their first campaign in the third tier for more than two decades, and they do not want another for a long time.
So, planning will already have started for next season, and how they equip themselves for life back in the Championship.
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New contracts for current players
Before signing new players, one of Cardiff's priorities is to sort new contracts for players whose deals are expiring this summer.
Defenders Perry Ng and Joel Bagan and midfielder Ryan Wintle have been three of the Bluebirds' best and most consistent performers, with Bagan and Wintle among the nominees for player of the season.
All three will be able to leave for free if they do not renew their contracts.
Also under consideration are the players on loan at Cardiff.
Goalkeeper Nathan Trott, another nominated for player of the season, has impressed since joining from Copenhagen for the season.
After Saturday's promotion-clinching win at Reading, supporters sang the Bermudan's name and implored him to stay, aware that the Bluebirds could face stiff competition to sign him permanently.
Chelsea attacker Omari Kellyman has contributed nine goals and two assists during his season-long stay.
Another loan would not be out of the question for the 20-year-old, who will also attract interest from other clubs.
Left-back Calum Scanlon has only started one game and appeared as a substitute on six other occasions since joining on loan from Liverpool during the winter transfer window. It remains to be seen whether he features in Cardiff's plans.
Money available for new signings
Sources at the club have indicated that owner Vincent Tan is willing to fund new signings this summer, provided head coach Brian Barry-Murphy can make a compelling enough case for those prospective recruits.
The only substantial fee Cardiff paid for a permanent transfer last summer was Gabriel Osho, paying Auxerre more than £1m for the centre-back.
The Bluebirds also saved a considerable amount of money by offloading 12 senior players following their relegation from the Championship.
Now they are back in the second tier, the need to strengthen is clear.
Although Barry-Murphy is coy about his transfer plans, some board members reckon the Bluebirds need between four and six signings.
Midfielders, wingers and full-backs appear to be priorities, though the squad would benefit from bolstering in all areas.
"I think the manager deserves that right in the summer to get a bit of money to strengthen the squad so they're competitive next season," said former Wales and West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon, who was part of the last Cardiff team to win promotion from the third tier to the second in 2003.
"That step up is quite big into the Championship and, for sure, there will probably have to be tweaks to the squad."
Continue to nurture young talent
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Premier League clubs are believed to be tracking Cardiff centre-back Dylan Lawlor
One of the most striking elements of Cardiff's success this season has been the development of their young players.
Barry-Murphy signalled his intent in the first game of the season against Peterborough, naming the youngest Cardiff starting line-up for a league fixture this century.
His faith in the academy graduates has been repaid handsomely, with Dylan Lawlor, Cian Ashford, Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies and Ronan Kpakio all catching the eye at different points this season.
Playing in League One has benefited them enormously - as if they have dropped down a division to spend a season on loan together at a lower level.
What remains to be seen is how they deal with the Championship.
It is also easy to forget that vice-captain Rubin Colwill is still only 23. Having burst on to the scene as a teenager, the Wales attacking midfielder has come of age this season.
"It's been an unbelievable season for everyone involved," Colwill said.
"A lot of the young lads have had really good seasons, and obviously getting promoted for everyone is amazing. It's been a pleasure to be a part of it."
Centre-back Lawlor has arguably had the biggest impact of those fledgling talents this season, making his Wales debut and looking remarkably assured over the course of his five caps to date.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move away – with German giants Bayern Munich among the clubs reportedly interested – and Cardiff will do well to keep him this summer.
But Barry-Murphy has shown how well he can work with young players, not only in the Welsh capital but during his time in charge of Manchester City's Under-21s, where he nurtured the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
Crucially, Cardiff will be protected financially should big clubs come calling for Lawlor, who signed a three-year contract extension last August to keep him at the club until 2028.
