Cardiffs first signings

CITY SIGN ETHERIDGE AND MENDEZ-LAING
The Bluebirds in double transfer swoop…


Cardiff City FC has agreed to sign goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, subject to completion of paperwork and international clearance.

Both Etheridge and Mendez-Laing will officially join up with the Bluebirds from 1st July 2017, following the expiration of their respective contracts at Walsall and Rochdale.

Etheridge, who has made over fifty international appearances for the Philippines, began his career with the Chelsea academy, before going on to play for the likes of Fulham, Bristol Rovers, Oldham Athletic and Charlton.

“We haven’t had a big goalkeeper, and this lad is 6”2,” Neil Warnock said. “He’s always come out on top when we’re talking about goalkeepers and we’re delighted that he’s agreed to sign from 1st July.

“He’s looking forward to the challenge ahead and trying to establish himself as the number one ‘keeper. He’s at a very good age and will be a very good addition to the squad.”

After starting out his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Mendez-Laing enjoyed loan spells at Peterborough United and Sheffield United, before later joining the Posh on a permanent basis. He has since made over seventy appearances for League One side, Rochdale.

“I’ve watched him this season in particular and you get hunches about players, as a manager,” added Warnock. “I just feel that he can contribute a lot to us next season.

“I think he’ll be a very good squad player and it’s up to him to get into the first-team and make the position his own. He’s only a young lad still, but he’s got explosive pace and a lot to prove and I think it’s the right place for him. I think the fans will enjoy watching him.”

Warnock concluded: "We've been working hard since the season ended and we're hoping to continue with further exciting announcements in the coming months."

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Excellent news. Don't forget who praised Nathaniel Mendez-Laing weeks ago - unless he's rubbish. In which case I didn't say it.

Exciting signings

Cleve van Leef wrote:Exciting signings

I sense a touch of irony Cleve.

Great news. And three months earlier than last season...

Hopefully there's a few more.

Cyncoedslumdog wrote:Excellent news. Don't forget who praised Nathaniel Mendez-Laing weeks ago - unless he's rubbish. In which case I didn't say it.

Cyncoedslumdog wrote:

Cleve van Leef wrote:Exciting signings

I sense a touch of irony Cleve.

Hopefully will be successful.

Clearly Warnock seems them as squad players, not necessarily first teamers, not straight away at least. 

I'm guessing the big announcements are still to come

Let's be honest though I'd rather these signings coming from someone who knows what he's doing and understands the EFL like Warnock than the big money cock-ups we saw under Mackay/Moody, OGS, Spade and Paul Bollocks. Only a few players under all of those managers stick out for good reasons, far more were huge flops. Remember Odemwingie? Cornelius? Burgstaller? Guerra? Caulker? Theophile-Catherine? Le Fondre? Kenwyne? Velikonja? Amondorain? Brayford? These are just a few and none were cheap in wages. The only good signing from that era that wasn't cheap was Medel and even he had lost interest by the February of his only season with us. I admit some were mismanaged and are clearly good players but if they don't play well for City then it's irrelevant. Bring in Etheridge and Mendez-Laing for naff all money but a lot of determination, give them a chance and that's a lot more rewarding than the above list which cost us over £50million but produced little or no return on the invested capital

I think you hit the nail on the head

It's easy for people to bang on about underwhelming signings, but these new signings will offer determination and grit for sod all, NW has been around long enough to know what to look for rather than a manager with an open cheque book buying flops

A transfer site I was just reading reckons we're close to one or two more.

Wouldn't surprise me I'm sure I remember Neil saying he wanted his signing early so they had a full pre season together & so he could enjoy his summer too

Cyncoedslumdog wrote:A transfer site I was just reading reckons we're close to one or two more.

Callum Paterson and a central midfielder I would guess, then perhaps Warnock will use the strikers already at the club and offload some players

Just read that Rotherham are looking for a striker to replace Danny Ward who is set to join us.