Neil Warnock must recruit experienced players if Cardiff are to avoid relegation next season, according to former Bluebird Kevin McNaughton.

In interview with Sky Sports, the former Cardiff City defender stated: "They've just got to recruit maybe two or three experienced players," and "I think they need experience, Premier League experience."

A 0-0 draw against Reading was enough for Neil Warnock’s side to secure promotion to the Premier League, with the manager overtaking Graham Tayler for the most promotions by one manager.

McNaughton, who spent nine seasons at Cardiff City, was part of the squad that was promoted from the Championship in the 2012/13 season.

He added: "Last time they brought in a few foreign lads and I think the reason they got promoted was because of the togetherness. They brought an influx of foreign players, which maybe unsettles that balance a little bit.

"Neil will recruit guys that he knows and that he's worked with, that's what he does. So hopefully he'll bring some Premier League experience, which will hopefully keep them in the league."

"He's just got the players playing together really. No thrills, nothing too exciting but they get the job done.

"They're all big lads, they're strapping boys. The direct football they play, it's maybe not as pleasing to the eye as some other teams but they get their points at the end of the day and they've done the job."

The Verdict

People always say you need players and managers with Premier League or vast English football experience. While it may be true in some cases, it is shown by many nowadays that that isn’t always the case.

Neil Warnock undoubtedly will bring in some players who perhaps are slightly more experienced than most, as that is a keeping true to what he has done in the past, but that does not mean they will avoid relegation.

Cardiff will go into next season as relegation front runners, and it will be up to whoever is brought in to try and avoid that.