The Cardiff City player who was ready to leave , now first c

How Cardiff City's frustrated benchwarmer became the first name on the team sheet

The Bluebirds midfielder admitted he was considering a loan move away from Cardiff City Stadium last month, but is now playing a vital role in their play-off push


Tuesday 11th February 2020


By Glenn Williams



It seems unthinkable now that, not so long ago, Will Vaulks was considering leaving Cardiff City.

He was bought in the summer after an impressive Championship campaign with Rotherham, who were ultimately relegated, and City fans began to stir with excitement.

The Bluebirds had signed a Wales international who was capable of scoring goals, creating goals, providing incredible industry and was not shy of a tackle. Oh, he also has a huge throw-in and loves a somersault celebration, too. So everything was looking rosy.

Fast-forward a couple of months, however, and Vaulks had descended into his nadir.

The midfielder, who had been a key cog in the wheel for every club at which he had played, was completely out of the reckoning under Neil Warnock.

He was largely consigned to under-23s football and fans couldn't work out what was really going on.

But, behind the scenes, the frustration was brewing for Vaulks. He was banging on Warnock's door, asking him what he needed to do for another shot.

One poor game in a chastening 3-0 defeat at Reading — and the whole team were really bad that day, by the way — surely wasn't going to be the end of Vaulks' Bluebirds career, was it?

But that's certainly how it appeared. The Wales midfielder revealed his relationship with Warnock changed that day at Reading and it deteriorated to such an extent that he felt there was no way back in.

He even considered going out on loan last month just to get some minutes under his belt, Sunderland, Bristol City and Stoke City were all reportedly interested.

But, thankfully for him, it all changed.

Warnock dropped the bombshell after defeat by Bristol City and while many were still in shock, Vaulks must have realised this was his chance.

And since Neil Harris took the reins back in November, Vaulks has played an increasingly important role in this Cardiff City side.

He has come into his own of late and is showcasing the ability Cardiff fans thought they had acquired last summer.

Vaulks and Marlon Pack have struck up a strong relationship in the middle of the park, providing a defensive solidity as well as a range of passing.

Pack acts as the perfect foil for Vaulks. The former lies deeper and shoulders the more defensive responsibilities, while the latter bursts forward and shows just what a threat he can be with his right foot from range.

In the 'Reading trilogy', there was a case for Vaulks to have been handed man of the match in each of those encounters and he turned out another stellar performance in the win over West Brom.

Neil Harris has spoken highly of Will Vaulks in recent weeks and it's not difficult to see why. Vaulks himself admits he is not a luxury player, he does the dirty work and is willing to roll up his sleeves.

That's the foundation on which Harris has built this team. They are uncompromising, difficult to break down and look to pass quickly on the break. Cardiff are now reaping the rewards and, so it seems, is Vaulks, what has slotted into that system seamlessly.

While there are debates to be had on what Cardiff City's best XI actually is, with competition for places all over the park, there seems to be one overwhelming theme among fans: Will Vaulks starts.

Supporters appear to be divided on who might start with him, mind you, but his name is certainly one of the first on the team sheet in the minds of the fans.

Can't really argue with that, a baffling decision by NW ???? Ah well at least one of his old clubs got a few quid


Good player ,be interesting to see if NH can fit Vaulks, Pack and Ralls in a eleven?

How Cardiff City's frustrated benchwarmer became the first name on the team sheet

The Bluebirds midfielder admitted he was considering a loan move away from Cardiff City Stadium last month, but is now playing a vital role in their play-off push


Tuesday 11th February 2020


By Glenn Williams



It seems unthinkable now that, not so long ago, Will Vaulks was considering leaving Cardiff City.

He was bought in the summer after an impressive Championship campaign with Rotherham, who were ultimately relegated, and City fans began to stir with excitement.

The Bluebirds had signed a Wales international who was capable of scoring goals, creating goals, providing incredible industry and was not shy of a tackle. Oh, he also has a huge throw-in and loves a somersault celebration, too. So everything was looking rosy.

Fast-forward a couple of months, however, and Vaulks had descended into his nadir.

The midfielder, who had been a key cog in the wheel for every club at which he had played, was completely out of the reckoning under Neil Warnock.

He was largely consigned to under-23s football and fans couldn't work out what was really going on.

But, behind the scenes, the frustration was brewing for Vaulks. He was banging on Warnock's door, asking him what he needed to do for another shot.

One poor game in a chastening 3-0 defeat at Reading — and the whole team were really bad that day, by the way — surely wasn't going to be the end of Vaulks' Bluebirds career, was it?

But that's certainly how it appeared. The Wales midfielder revealed his relationship with Warnock changed that day at Reading and it deteriorated to such an extent that he felt there was no way back in.

He even considered going out on loan last month just to get some minutes under his belt, Sunderland, Bristol City and Stoke City were all reportedly interested.

But, thankfully for him, it all changed.

Warnock dropped the bombshell after defeat by Bristol City and while many were still in shock, Vaulks must have realised this was his chance.

And since Neil Harris took the reins back in November, Vaulks has played an increasingly important role in this Cardiff City side.

He has come into his own of late and is showcasing the ability Cardiff fans thought they had acquired last summer.

Vaulks and Marlon Pack have struck up a strong relationship in the middle of the park, providing a defensive solidity as well as a range of passing.

Pack acts as the perfect foil for Vaulks. The former lies deeper and shoulders the more defensive responsibilities, while the latter bursts forward and shows just what a threat he can be with his right foot from range.

In the 'Reading trilogy', there was a case for Vaulks to have been handed man of the match in each of those encounters and he turned out another stellar performance in the win over West Brom.

Neil Harris has spoken highly of Will Vaulks in recent weeks and it's not difficult to see why. Vaulks himself admits he is not a luxury player, he does the dirty work and is willing to roll up his sleeves.

That's the foundation on which Harris has built this team. They are uncompromising, difficult to break down and look to pass quickly on the break. Cardiff are now reaping the rewards and, so it seems, is Vaulks, what has slotted into that system seamlessly.

While there are debates to be had on what Cardiff City's best XI actually is, with competition for places all over the park, there seems to be one overwhelming theme among fans: Will Vaulks starts.

Supporters appear to be divided on who might start with him, mind you, but his name is certainly one of the first on the team sheet in the minds of the fans.

Vaulks gets stuck and theres no denying that

I question his technical ability getting the ball into areas where we can attack.

Not sure vaulks and pack are the answers to a problem defensively that's Morrisons problem !!

Sacrificing 2 players to reduce goals against is sacrificing goals we can score and points mean prizes

First name on the team sheet? Really?

He's done very well since he got a run in the team. would like to see him and Ralls as the midfield two to see if they can strike up an understanding

Can't really argue with that, a baffling decision by NW ???? Ah well at least one of his old clubs got a few quid


Good player ,be interesting to see if NH can fit Vaulks, Pack and Ralls in a eleven?

baffling in what way .. its not like the fella is crap..

This is not an anti Warnock post
This is not an anti Warnock post
This is not an anti Warnock post etc etc etc.



All hail the King.

Carry on son ,as you were

This is not an anti Warnock post
This is not an anti Warnock post
This is not an anti Warnock post etc etc etc.



All hail the King.

Carry on son ,as you were

its was a very silly post
its was a very silly post
its was a very silly post...
camarasa, gunner and arter left and we needed mid field players.. and Vaulks really is not that bad ..

you can be as anti warnock as you like its the silliness that I am anti ...
and yes I will carry on , ifs its vassel NW or NH ..

I personally haven't seen enough of him yet to judge but glad to see he has pushed his way in.

Did anyone else think it was going to be about Tomlin...

Vaulks, first on the team sheet?

Did anyone else think it was going to be about Tomlin...

Vaulks, first on the team sheet?

Yeah I did

Totally written off by a few on here whilst not seeing him play is what baffles myself. A good solid player for myself and on current form must start

I personally haven't seen enough of him yet to judge but glad to see he has pushed his way in.

I would agree, looks a decent player and his long throws are useful and frighten teams and cause some panic, but I'm not sure how we will line up when Ralls is fully fit, as he will take one of the positions.

It's nice to have a bit of competition with Vaulks, Bacuna and Pack fighting for the final place!

This is not an anti Warnock post
This is not an anti Warnock post
This is not an anti Warnock post etc etc etc.



All hail the King.

Carry on son ,as you were

its was a very silly post
its was a very silly post
its was a very silly post...
camarasa, gunner and arter left and we needed mid field players.. and Vaulks really is not that bad ..

Exactly !!!! Another one bought but not used!!

you can be as anti warnock as you like its the silliness that I am anti ...
and yes I will carry on , ifs its vassel NW or NH ..

Come into his own since Christmas - not afraid to throw his weight around.. but first name on the team sheet is a bit of a stretch