No excuses this time - Bothroyd

Jay Bothroyd scored 12 goals in 44 Cardiff appearances last season

Jay Bothroyd says Cardiff City will have no excuses for slipping up again next season as they aim to make amends for last season's final day heartache.

The Bluebirds missed out on a play-off place by one goal after losing three of their last four games.

But striker Bothroyd, 27, says the players will be ready when the new season kicks off on 8 August.

"The boys were pretty upset and we are determined to put it right this season" he told BBC Sport Wales.

"We don't want that again, it's demoralising and unexplainable, but this season it's forgotten.

"It's a new season and a new start and we need to put things right."

Cardiff have lost the services of star defender Roger Johnson to Birmingham City for £5m, while the futures of Wales midfielder Joe Ledley and striker Ross McCormack remain uncertain, despite the latter signing a new contract.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones has brought in goalkeeper David Marshall and defenders Mark Hudson, Anthony Gerrard and Paul Quinn, while striker Michael Chopra made his loan move permanent.

He will compete for a place up front with Bothroyd, who joined Cardiff from Wolves last summer for £300,000, scoring 12 goals in 44 league and cup appearances.

Bothroyd admits it was hard to see Burnley win promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs two months ago after the Bluebirds missed out.

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He believes the Championship will be a more competitive league to play in next season.

"You see them in the Premier League and think it could've been us, but it wasn't to be," said Bothroyd.

"I looked at the league this year and without sounding disrespectful, it's probably the best Championship and worst Premier League.

"There are big teams that have come down [from the Premier League] like Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom.

"It's going to be a tough season but I think we are geared up for it, we've got a good squad, a great manager and staff, we've all the facilities now.

"So there's no excuses, we just have to be consistent."

Cardiff host Celtic on Wednesday to mark the official opening of their new Cardiff City Stadium.

It will be the second game at the ground following the 4-0 win over non-league Chasetown in which Bothroyd scored once.

"Celtic are going to be a good side and probably our stiffest opposition for us," he added.

Cardiff begin their league season at home to Scunthorpe on 8 August.