It has been a turbulent few seasons for Cardiff with off-field issues often talked about more than what was occurring on the pitch, but many Bluebirds will be cautiously optimistic the club have turned a corner.
Although Russell Slade led the club to a creditable 8th place finish, he still wasn't popular with some sections of the support, and has now left the club with Paul Trollope taking over.
A lot of work needs to be done between now and the end of August to ensure that Cardiff have a squad capable of breaking into those play-off places and maybe even further, however there's no denying the talent they already have at their disposal.
Trollope will be aware that there a number of his current first-team squad who are elite players at Championship level and will have integral roles in ensuring that the Bluebirds threaten at the top end of the league next year.
FLW's Tom Percival looks at the FOUR most key players for Cardiff City ahead of their 2016/2017 campaign......
David Marshall
The experienced goalkeeper has consistently been one of the standout players in the Championship over the past few years, and will almost certainly be so again, single-handedly winning his team valuable points in numerous games over the course of the season.
The long-serving Scotsman will hope that he can play a key role in returning to the Premier League – a level where he deserves to play.
If Cardiff are to build on the successes of this season, they will need Marshall to be at his consistent best, and he rarely lets them down.
At 31, he is reaching what is generally the peak years for a goalkeeper, and new manager Paul Trollope must feel blessed he can rely on Marshall for the possible promotion push that is to come.
Bruno Ecuele Manga
Ecuele Manga is another that arguably deserves another shot at the Premier League, and this view is shared by others, including Bournemouth who are reportedly interested.
Should the Bluebirds keep hold of their man though, he will undoubtedly have an important hand to play should success occur at the Cardiff City Stadium next season.
The Gabonese international is an imposing figure at the heart of the defence and also reads the game well, making him one of the most feared defenders at this level.
A successful season relies on regular clean sheets, so like Marshall a great deal of responsibility for producing these will rest on the shoulders of Ecuele Manga.
Aron Gunnarsson
As the Icelandic captain is currently illustrating perfectly at Euro 2016, his tenacity and endeavour in the heart of midfield is a crucial component of any side he plays in.
A mainstay ever since his move from Coventry in 2011, Gunnarsson will once again be important for this Cardiff City side as they look to better their 8th place finish from this campaign.
As well as tough tackling and a good range of passing, Gunnarsson also offers the opposition the threat of his long throw, which at times feel like corners in the opponents half of the pitch.
It is a weapon that can result in a large number of goals that ultimately could make a huge difference come the end of the season.
Joe Ralls
The 22-year-old had a real breakout season this campaign, making him one of the first names on the team sheets and establishing himself as a crucial part of the squad.
He will hope to continue this development next time around, and maintain his position as a key player, but this time in a side that reaches the Premier League.
Ralls offers real defensive solidity should he play alongside Gunnarsson, but also plays the role of playmaker to great effect as well, with his good range of passing setting up real opportunities for the forward players to win games.