Window of Opportunity > Part 2

With 25 goals in 33 games so far this season, new striker Eoin Doyle (above) knows where the onion bag is and Cardiff fans will be hoping this ruthless predatory play which has brought him to peoples' attention in League One also translates to Championship level like strikers who've done this in the past such as Jordan Rhodes and Rickie Lambert.

With Adam Le Fondre flopping (3 goals in 21) and (instead of being dropped) being loaned to a Championship rival in Bolton, a striker was high on the agenda for Russell Slade this transfer deadline day regardless of whether he was shopping in Harrods, Ebay or PoundLand. 

Le Fondre arrived from Reading for big cheddar in the summer with a cheeky grin and a rep of being a ‘goal machine’ but it appears Cardiff’s tactics and politics have zapped the boys’ mojo to smithereens. Add to that Maynard being released for being fat, Guerra being loaned out and Macheda generally being rubbish at everything and City’s options have been thin like a Peurto Rican moustache.  

Cardiff City has become a graveyard for strikers in recent seasons but fans hope a new confident striker in Doyle (and the return of Joe Mason from loan) could spark some much needed life up front for the Bluebirds in what is a critical month ahead.   

Along with Doyle was the signing of the two Everton kids, Kennedy a Scottish winger on a permanent deal and McAleny a borrowed forward. Both young puppies and both gambles but coming from Everton they won’t be short on tekkers or gumption. Whether they get near the team though remains to be seen.

This deadline day could’ve been worse for City fans of course with Norwich having a right sniff around Craig Noone and big Kenwynne Jones attracting the odd email enquiry. Not to mention Captain David Marshall whose injury thankfully looks like preventing him being sold. 

Overall, it’s turned out better than most had predicted. All the Bluebirds need to do now is get some points and look to finish top half or face a relegation knuckle up :)