Mackay urges fans to get behind the team

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has issued a rallying cry to the club’s supporters ahead of their first season in the Premier League.

The Welsh side gained their place in the top flight after years of near misses as a 0-0 draw with Charlton Athletic earned them promotion with three games left to play.

They concluded the season as champions but Mackay is aware of the monumental task they will encounter in the coming campaign.

However, he feels that the fans will have a big part to play as his charges do battle with England’s elite clubs.

“I urge our fans to think about the bigger picture and keep with the players, because just like the players themselves our fans have an important job to do this season,” he told WalesOnline.

“I know the measure of the supporters we have. It’s going to be a different type of season this time from last time.

“Fans coming out and backing this team, as they have in the past, are even more important this time.

“They are going to have to be strong right through the season, because there will be times when results are not going to be going for us.”

Mackay’s team are reported to be in negotations for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama, as well as keeping tabs on Thomas Ince and France International Baftembi Gomis as they look to defy the bookmakers and stave off relegation.