Monday 7 May 2018 13:24, UK
Neil Warnock must recruit experience if Cardiff are to avoid Premier League relegation, says ex-Bluebirds defender Kevin McNaughton.
A goalless draw against Reading on Sunday was enough to secure Cardiff's return to the Premier League as automatic promotion chasing rivals Fulham lost at Birmingham.
But after securing a record eighth career promotion, Warnock will already be plotting the Bluebirds' path to Premier League survival next campaign.
McNaughton, who spent nine years at Cardiff, was part of the squad that was promoted from the Sky Bet Championship in 2012-13, but then went straight back down the following season.
"They've just got to recruit maybe two or three experienced players," McNaughton told Sky Sports. "I think they need experience, Premier League experience."
"Last time they brought in a few foreign lads and I think the reason they got promoted was because of the togetherness. They brought an influx of foreign players, which maybe unsettles that balance a little bit.
"Neil will recruit guys that he knows and that he's worked with, that's what he does. So hopefully he'll bring some Premier League experience, which will hopefully keep them in the league."
It was somewhat fitting that a clean sheet ultimately secured second place for Cardiff, with Warnock's side boasting the equal best defensive record in the division alongside champions Wolves.
Having been clearly outscored by their rivals, the Bluebirds haven't drawn the same plaudits as Wolves or third-place Fulham for their style of play, but the solidity instilled by Warnock proved enough to get over the line.
McNaughton continued: "He's just got the players playing together really. No thrills, nothing too exciting but they get the job done.
"They're all big lads, they're strapping boys. The direct football they play, it's maybe not as pleasing to the eye as some other teams but they get their points at the end of the day and they've done the job."
