GRADING CARDIFF CITY'S SUMMER SIGNINGS

With the January Transfer Window fast approaching, I think now is a fair time to look back on the business done in the summer and grade how well the summer recruits have done.

Erol Bulut with Runar Alex Runarsson and Manolis Siopis.

The Summer Transfer Window:

What seems like years ago now, The Bluebirds were active in the summer window despite having an embargo meaning they were unable to pay a fee for any player. Cardiff brought in a mixture of talents from Europe and closer to home. A lot of question marks hung over The Bluebirds after the summer, with many predicting a relegation battle for Erol Bulut in his first season.

Ike Ugbo - C

Ike Ugbo celebrating against Preston North End.

It's been a mixed spell for the Canadian international. Ugbo is The Bluebirds top scorer in the Championship at the moment with four goals. After scoring three goals in his four games, Ugbo has been in and out of the starting eleven, a goal against Preston a few weeks ago had fans hoping he'd get back on track, however, he's failed to kick on since then. A player that has split the fans during his time at the club, with the rumoured arrival o Kieffer Moore, there's talk in the fan base that perhas Ugbo should move back to Troyes for the second half of the season, but, whether that happens is yet to be seen.

Dimitrios Goutas - A*

Dimitrios Goutas celebrating his goal against Millwall.

Things couldn't have really gone better for the defender. After a shaky first two or three games, Goutas has settled to life in the Championship. Goutas' form even saw him get a recall to the Greek National Team for the first time in two years. As things stand, Goutas is in the Championship Team of the Season so far, which tells you all that you need to know. Goutas has played a big role in The Bluebirds being a threat at set pieces once again, as the 29 year-old has popped up with three goals so far this season. Goutas has formed a strong pairing with Mark McGuinness and both seem to compliment eachother's game very well. Signing of the summer for me.

Yakou Meite - C

Yakou Meite celebraiting against Huddersfield Town.

Meite's work rate and passion has won over the heart of many supporters, but for some, the jury is still out. Despite being signed as a winger, the majority of Meite's minutes have come up front, as the forward has netted one goal in nineteen games so far this season, this probably showing why the jury is still out for some. However, you can't fault Meite's work rate and how he puts himself about in the forward areas. In recent weeks, Meite has moved back out wide and has shown some encouraging signs, more to come for sure.

Karlan Grant - B-

Karlan Grant celebrating his goal against Coventry City.

Yet another who's hevily split the fan base. In my opinion, it's been a relatively successful spell for Grant in the Welsh capital. Grant has formed a good partnership with Jamilu Collins down the left hand side and has four goal involvements so far this season. Grant needs to make a signifanct improvement in front of goal, however, in the build-up he's a massive threat. Improvement needed, but a good start for me.

Aaron Ramsey - A

Aaron Ramsey in action against Leeds United.

Such a hard one to rank due to the fact he's played six games in four months. However, purely ranking in him on the minutes he's played, Rambo has proven he's a level above the Championship. The Welsh captain has three goals to his name and is a calming influence on the pitch, it goes without saying Cardiff are a ten times better player with him on the pitch. However, he goes down ever so slightly because we've seen so little of him.

Josh Bowler - B-

Josh Bowler in action against Leeds United.

Altogether been a good start to life in blue for Bowler. His directness and great ball control has been game changing at times for The Bluebirds. Only slight grudge is he's the best player on the pitch or goes missing, when he's not involved he doesn't offer a great deal, however, that doesn't take away from how good he is when he is involved. Blown hot and cold so far, but is a threat at all times. Another who's struggled slightly with injury, but fingers crossed in past that.

Manolis Siopis - A

Manolis Siopis in action against Southampton.

The engine of Cardiff City this season. Sio is what keeps The Bluebirds ticking and his willingness to do the dirty work frees up Cardiff in the forward areas. Never backs out of a tackle and a player who puts his body where other won't. Struggled in recent weeks, because of the heavy demands he's facing haveing to play pretty much every minute every week. When back to full fitness, I'm sure we'll see Sio go up another level to the level he's currently playing at.

Runar Alex Runarsson - D

Runar Alex Runarsson in action against West Brom.

It may seem I'm jumping on the band wagon, but, I've given Runarsson a chance when others haven't, but it just hasn't worked out for the Icelandic international. Fourteen goals conceded in eight games in all competitions, and just one clean sheet to his name, I think Runarsson has probably had his chance, but unfortunately didn't make the most of it.

Jonathan Panzo - C-

Jonathan Panzo doing the Ayatollah.

Possibly the hardest to rank. Yet to be given his fair chance, a decision that given The Bluebirds current defensive struggles in crazy. From brief cameos, Panzo has looked decent and comfortable on the ball. I think it's likely he will go back to Nottingham Forest in January, however I hope that isn't the case.

Summary:

Given the embargo over the summer, I think The Bluebirds have exceeded expectations with some signings doing much better than first expected. Some still need to kick on, however there's still plenty of time left.

Given The Bluebirds successful first window under Erol Bulut, I'm more than encouraged that he will make the right decisions in the January Transfer Window, and I look forward to seeing Moore new faces.

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