Paul Trollope was pleased with hisdealing in the summer transfer window depite losing two players to Premier League sides.
David Marshall signed for Hull City while Fabio joined Middlesbrough but the arrival of Rickie Lambert just before the window closed was a boost for the manager.
Trollope said: "We were linked with a lot of people but Lambert was always top of the list.
"He's been in my thoughts all through the summer and pre-season.
"Rickie will bring a lot to the side. He can create goals as well as score them and is a good target man.
"We were late in signing him because West Brom had to wrap up some business - as they brought in Hal Robson-Kanu. It meant that his medical was later than anticipated, but we're pleased it all went through."
Cardiff had been linked with Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty.
Trollope said: "There were a lot of unfounded rumours going around. You ask questions about a lot of players when the window is open and you can understand agents and clubs perhaps reading a bit too much into that.
"Then things are announced that sometimes aren't the case."
This summer also saw club legend David Marshall and full-back Fabio leave the club for the Premier Leauge.
Trollope said: "We had good offers for the two of them and we've already moved on quite quickly.
"We wish David and Fabio the best of luck in the Premier League."
Cardiff have stuttered into life this season with just five points from their opening five matches, and Trollope knows that more is expected.
"These first few games we've got into some nice positions and played some decent stuff but failed to finish it off when we are on top in games.
Cardiff face Norwich tomorrow at Carrow Rd and it could be a first chance to see Lambert in action and also keeper Ben Amos and full back Joe Bennett. The latter of which signed just too late to be in the squad against Reading two weeks ago.