Window shut, Premiership next

Well the January transfer window was a bit of a damp squib in the end for Cardiff City fans, I think we were all expected more. However Cardiff boss Dave Jones has enquired a few new faces but also lost a few but is this the squad to bring Premier League football to the Cardiff City Stadium next season?

January brought in Preston striker Jon Parkin who signed for the Bluebirds in a reported £100,000 deal at the start of January, hand on art this one was totally out of the blue. Everyone was expecting manager Dave Jones who before the opening of the transfer window he said he need to strength the defence and midfield, not a new striker. He did do something about the back four by signing Blackpool centre-half Dekel Keinan for an undisclosed fee after failing to impress the Seasiders boss Ian Holloway. He was hoping to recoup some of the £500,000 he paid for the Israeli international in the summer.

Boss Dave Jones brought in two loan players, Arsenal midfielder Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who is here until the end of the season. There was a bit of a scare surrounding the Arsenal midfielder when the Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he might have to call some of his players out on loan back, fingers-crossed there is no recall. Cardiff when back to Arsenal to bring ex-Cardiff midfield Aaron Ramsey on loan for a month, more like a visit than a transfer however Cardiff hopes for a possible extension.

There has been a bit more action out than in. Defender Miguel Comminges left at the end of his contract going to Southend on a free. It’s now official that Chris Riggott as had his contract terminated due to a long term injury. Dave Jones lost two of his season long loans, first to go was midfielder Danny Drinkwater on loan with the Bluebirds from Manchester United followed days later by Wolves loanee striker Andy Keogh both ending up out on loan again with Championship rivals. Drinkwater went to Watford and Keogh crossed the Seven Bridge to Bristol City. The reason for the recalls is not official known but it could only be for two reasons,

1. The players were unhappy with the lack of chances for first team football.

2. There managers were unhappy with the lack of chances for first team football.

Drinkwater played 12 games in total two of them off the bench while Keogh played 13 with five of them from the bench, he did score two goals. Good luck to both of them.

Young midfielder Aaron Wildig as joined SPL club Hamilton on loan until the end of the season to gain some experience.

Earlier yesterday afternoon Jay Bothroyd twitted he planned to stay with the Bluebirds and helped fire them towards the Premiership. However, a lot of City fans took a deep intake of breath when news broke of the Fernando Torres transfer to Chelsea followed moments later by Andy Carroll move to Liverpool. Would Newcastle put in a late bid for Bothroyd to replace the departing Carroll, luckily they stayed away.

Vaughan the first January signing?

All eyes are now focused on Saturday and the 'Sevenside Derby' with Bristol City with both teams in need of a win. Cardiff City are in the need of a win to keep them at the top end of the table while Bristol are in need of the points to help pull away from the relegated zone.

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is expecting Jay Bothroyd, Craig Bellamy and Chris Riggott to be available for the clash with Bristol City on New Years Day with the game more than likely a sell-out.

Its only a few days before Dave Jones before he will be getting the clubs cheque out with the transfer window opening and from reports in the market for four or five players, some on free transfer and some could warrant a fee being paid. He was questioned about the rumour surrounding Jonathan Woodgate, only saying,

“I’d like a lot of players and I am sure there will be plenty of clubs wanting Jonathan Woodgate.”

Jones will then start a recruitment drive to strengthen his squad with a centre-back one of his top prioritise. However reports have hit the press that the City boss has started shopping with James Vaughan signing for a million plus. Jay Bothroyd twitted 'Not sure if we have signed James Vaughan hope we have improving the squad is key'. The Everton striker Vaughan spent the first half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace – scoring five goals in 14 appearances. Is name has been link with other clubs and

The rumour-mill has thrown out a few names Glenn Loovens (Celtic) and Danny Shittu (Millwall, Jones would like Loovens on loan for the rest of the season but the Dutchman is reluctant to leave Celtic and has stated his willingness to fight for is place with the SPL club. The defender is sidelined with an injury.

The situation with Danny Shittu different, he is on a short term contract which ends in January and is available to the Cardiff boss if he is a target. Jones told the press,

“I am hoping to take four or five players. If we bring anyone in we are looking at buying one or two to give us an edge and a stronger bench.”

But Shittu will not be an easy deal, Millwall want to sign him to a long deal, and others are queuing up to talk to him. With the rumours about Cardiff reports suggest at Premiership duo Blackpool and Wolves and from the Championship Burnley and Middlesbrough.

Other players in the rumour mix have been winger Wayne Routledge who has had a loan spell at Cardiff a few seasons back. According to reports he turned down a contract offer to sign with the Bluebirds and the same day joined QPR. He is now at Premiership club Newcastle but he sees his opportunities limited this season, but new boss Alan Pardew is confident the winger can have a new lease of life with Newcastle.

Another winger Barnsley Adam Hammill is a player and forward Steven Howard who is becoming a bit of a regular when it comes to Cardiff and transfer rumours.

Dave Jones is the kind of manager who will play his transfer dealings close to his chest which is going to lead to rumour and counter-rumour. There is are only 31 shopping days for a manager in January and the competition will be out there looking in the same shop window.