Across the 46 games they played, Cardiff City had quite the turbulent season. However, it was not too dissimilar to the previous campaign.
Both seasons started in lacklustre fashion with the squad arguably punching well below their weight in the league standings. Both seasons featured a change of manager in or around the halfway mark. Both manager changes resulted in a change of fortune in relation to the side’s league standings. Both relative successes were largely down to one key player.
The absence of the fans aside, one of the main differences between two campaigns is the contribution of the prolific playmaker that shone in the former season. That player is none other than Lee Tomlin.
Towards the tail end of last season, Tomlin suffered an injury at Craven Cottage when Cardiff faced Fulham in the second leg of their Play-Off semi-final. Further complications meant that Tomlin would struggle to regain fitness over the course of the season and he only featured five times for City in the league for Neil Harris, who was of course relieved of his managerial duties in early January.
Tomlin had a spell with the under-23 side where his veteran experience shone, but even as he was recalled to first team training and the hopes of seeing him contribute on the pitch grew, he never featured under Mick McCarthy.
It is undeniable that Tomlin’s playmaking expertise singlehandedly guided City to the top six last season, and that he could prove to be one of the Championship’s most creative midfielders when fully fit, even at the age of 32.
However, Mick McCarthy will look to bolster the squad and implement some fresh faces in time for the season ahead, which would mean shedding the dead wood within the squad. Despite his past glories and highlight reel worthy moments, Lee Tomlin would not be excluded from the chopping block.
Fans began to ask questions on how the former Bristol City number 10 struggled so severely to maintain matchday fitness, and they were not out of line to do so.
City showed how important a creative pivot is within their starting 11 considering Harry Wilson enjoyed a fruitful loan spell this campaign as he contributed to 18 league goals. However, an ageing Lee Tomlin will not be sufficient enough to fill this void as Wilson returns to Liverpool.
It has also been well documented how frustrated Tomlin can get when not involved in first team plans, as he was quick to vent his dismay when Neil Warnock regularly excluded him from the side during their Premier League spell.
With this in mind, it is apparent that Tomlin does not work best as a squad player and is more suited to being the main focal point of a team’s attack. However, as Cardiff look to mount another Play-Off push next season, it would not help their efforts if they had to rely on players that struggle to regain fitness within their starting 11.
The notion that Tomlin is passed his best is not one that has much weight or sense behind it; pace was never part of his game in the first place and a player’s technical prowess does not usually fade with age.
However, given Mick’s press-heavy, possession-devoid approach to games has struck a chord and turned City’s fortunes, it is vital that they attempt to cash in on the playmaker before his contract runs out.
Tomlin will go down as a fan favourite City player whenever he leaves and would undoubtedly be welcomed back to the city with open arms by the Bluebirds’ fanbase, but leaving now would be the best thing for both parties given the circumstances.
Owen Gardner's Sports Blog 