BBC SPORT | Football | Teams | Cardiff City | Cardiff clinch first signing

Gareth Whalley was unveiled as Cardiff City's first signing of the close season on Tuesday.

The former Bradford City midfielder has agreed a two-year deal with the Bluebirds, with an option for another year if Cardiff win promotion to Division Two.

Whalley was one of 16 players released from Valley Parade at the end of last season, and Lawrence sees him as a useful addition to his squad.

"I've been impressed by the club's potential and ambitions," Whalley told BBC Wales Sport.

We don't have his type of player at Ninian Park

Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence

"I didn't really wan to drop down a division, but sometimes you need to take a step back to go forward. That's how I see it.

"I've only been here for one day's training, but the amount of faces here is incredible. At Bradford we only had some 18 professionals last year.

"So it's a stark contrast to that. Hopefully, I'll be able to my best here and figure in the team."

Said manager Lennie Lawrence: "We don't have his type of player at Ninian Park.

"He is a left-footed player, who can also do a job in the centre, can pass the ball and has plenty of experience."

Tony Vidmar in action for Australia against France
Vidmar has won 48 caps for Australia
Meanwhile, Cardiff's pursuit of Glasgow Rangers' Australian international Tony Vidmar has ended

Agreeing personal terms with the defender was not been a problem, but Vidmar told Lawrence he was reluctant to make the drop from Scottish top flight to Division Two.

Lawrence has therefore decided to turn his attention to other targets.

One of those is a familiar face to the Ninian Park faithful - former England under-21 defender Gary Croft.

Croft impressed during a spell on loan at Ninian Park from Ipswich Town at the end of last season.


	Links to more Cardiff City stories