Think it'll be a tough year

but we've done all I expected in the transfer window (maybe even more).

When we fielded a second 11 against Scunthorpe last outing I looked at the teamsheet and you could strongly argue that every player on that would be challenging for a first team place (except maybe Francome - but he was only in 'cos Whittaker's out).

Squadwise I think we look as strong as I can remember, which means that we can switch people out if they lose form and keep everyone on their toes (which is a continuation of what Lambert did last year).

The bulk of the squad are of an age where there experience from last year should mean that they'll be better this time around, and know each other's game better too.

Looking at the names we were linked with last night I can't say I was very inspired, I think they all would have done a job, added depth to the squad, but I don't think any would have been sure to start (looking at the prices for sure to starters we couldn't have afforded one). Conceptually I like the idea of Kane, provides back up, looks really promising and will 'give the lads a hand' without pissing them off.

I think Hughton has the potential to be as good a manager for us as Lambert was, the landscape is different so there's no way they can easily be compared.

Ultimately, managers and players are a bit like cars, you only know if you've had a good one when the time comes to get rid and you can look back on their tenure.

So, yes, it'll be a tough season, but I think we're in as good a shape (awful first game of the season excepted) as we could have possibly expected.

Posted By: Cardiff Canary, Sep 1, 07:51:01