Manager: Billy Ayre

Stadium: Ninian Park

Capacity: 15,585

Last Season: Relegated from Division Two (21st)

Comings and goings

Out: Richard Carpenter (Brighton, free), Patrick Jennings, Lee Phillips (both released)

In: goalkeeper Mark Walton (Brighton, free), centre-back David Greene (Colchester, free), Paul Brayson (Reading, free)

One to watch: Creative midfielder Jason Fowler. The former Bristol City and Cardiff player, who turns 26 on August 20, has the ability to unlock defences and on his day can make things happen. Can be a bit of a luxury, though, and can soimetimes let games pass him by.

Odds: Sam Hamman fever has gripped the Welsh capital with the former Wimbledon chairman expected to buy an 82 per cent share in the club for £3.1million within the next few weeks.

With former Wales boss Bobby Gould then to be installed as director of football - or Joe Kinnear if other reports are to be believed - and more changes expected in the playing squad, the Bluebirds' fans can be forgiven for thinking promotion is inevitable.

Season ticket sales have more than doubled since Hamman's predicted arrival, while a £1million grant to seat the lower tier of the Popular Stand at Ninian Park will increase capacity by 3,000 to about 15,500.

Cardiff are bracing themselves for a year-long promotion party but football, as we all know, doesn't always work like that. They could be some ten points off the early pace setters before Hamman finally takes control.