Likely to be a range of views on this. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport...kCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar For me he is a useful squad player who can cover a couple of roles and produce finishes like at Reading. He is also very enthusiastic and commuted. He needs to find more consistency but can't do much about his lack of pace. For continuity we need to keep 3, maybe 4, of the 10 out of contract players. He would be 3rd or 4th on my list, just about.
With you on the need to keep a few old heads. Ok bringing in experience from outside, but need to retain, indeed build, a club culture and team continuity, some of which will now come from the youngsters. Ralls would be first pick Morrison probably second, if not Flint. After that, not sure. I'm ambivalent on Vaulks. Energy, commitment, enthusiasm (long throw?), versus, lack of pace, cards, poor passing. No doubt a lot of work for Morison, the backroom staff and the board to do in the next few months. Morison has said its full steam ahead in recruitment now we are mathematically safe. Interesting that he's said there will be more continental scouting.
Difficult as he needs some continuity but the squad needs improvement. Ralls just about is acceptable so long as there’s quality around him but those other 3 are not for me. Morrison before his injury had a terrible season; slow and too many gaffes. We have good young CBs to step up. There are plenty of keepers around who’d do a decent job on less money than Smithies. Vaulks simply is just not good enough. Enthusiasm is not enough to mask his inability to pass, control and be an effective player. He may stay though as a squad player but I’d be hoping there’ll be a better player coming in. Time should be up for Flint as well.
How did I know you would give it to us from the hip on Vaulks, Nin? I don't see him as more than a squad player either, and that might not be enough for him. However he does have some qualities which can be to our advantage if properly managed. A fit Morro on a suitable salary (pay as he plays even) can be useful to have with the young guns at cb. He has the ability to communicate effectively with those around him and could coach and guide the youngsters ways that Flint can't. As for Smithies, he is a better keeper than Phillips and if he modifies his wage requirements in line with the limits set by the club then I would keep him and let Phillips go. It looked like we were lining up a new keeper from St. Mirror a couple of weeks ago. However, it looks like Smithies will move on if rumours are true.
Steve Morison has confirmed that Cardiff City will release Alex Smithies this summer, with the player unable to reach a wage agreement and wanting to move closer to home.
Chris Burke wanted to move home to Scotland......... and went to Birmingham. Pity, he was a good player for us.
