Collins, Ledley and Jerome. The 'Virtually Untouchables'

Cameron Jerome

Sam Hammam has been speaking of the possibilities of more players leaving Ninian Park to enable Dave Jones to have a budget to be able to bring in his own new players.

'If we have to let players go we will do so to generate funds," Hammam told the Echo.

"If we don't have to let players go as the stadium draws closer then we will still sell because we must create funding, we must balance the books and create a pool of money for our manager.

'Dave Jones must have the chance to build his own squad. Clearly, the team we currently have is not good enough to get us promotion.And if we want to create a team with a better chance of going up we have to create vacancies by letting people leave.'

So far City have lost Jobi McAnuff to Crystal Palace and have released Gary Croft and Aaran Lee Barratt (who has joined Weymouth), Tony Vidmar has moved to Holland. Eight reserve players were also released.

There seems little doubt that Danny Gabbidon will move and with wage bills needing to be cut we could see some of the higher earners like Campbell, Lee and Warner also shipped out. Speculation linking Richard Langley and Q.P.R. won't go away.

It's the young players that are the central issue at the moment. James Collins is a full welsh international. Joe Ledley on the edge of a Wales call up after being taken to the Welsh training camp in Spain and Cameron Jerome who burst into the Championship last season and is attracting interest from other clubs.

Hammam has said they are "virtually untouchable". After hearing Sam say - "we will not sell Earnie" and "Lennie's job is safe" amongst other things the fans will not be totally convinced until they run out at Ninian Park next season with a City shirt on.

On the young players Hammam told the Echo:

Joe Ledley: 'Potentially one of the best players Cardiff City have had in modern times. He can be a major star and we must give Joe his head next season.'

James Collins: 'There are a million and one reasons for James to stay - and his personality is among them. He has such ability, he is Cardiff through and through.'

Cameron Jerome: 'Massive potential. If he can find 20 or so goals a season, he is more than good enough for the Premiership. Cameron has technique, strength, pace, height and more. He has it all. If he scores goals you are talking potentially the most valuable player in the Coca-Cola Championship.'

'Our young players are the future, they are the lifeblood of Cardiff City".

Time will tell!