Rubin Colwill could make his first Championship start against Burnley on Saturday as Cardiff City test themselves against one of the favourites for promotion. Colwill’s inclusion is only theoretical, though, and certainly not something that can be guaranteed.

Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut has asked fans to get behind his team’s new style of play as he searched for positives following a  2-0 home defeat against Sunderland in their opening match of the season. After a busy transfer window, Cardiff fans were optimistic going into the start of the new campaign, but the heavy emphasis on possession and a slower build-up was a surprise. A goal in either half by Luke O’Nien and the impressive Jack Clarke gave Sunderland a flying start and the Black Cats deserved their success after seizing their chances.

Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut says he is not surprised Luton Town are interested in ex-Arsenal defender Mark McGuinness. The Bluebirds want around £10m for the central defender – who still has three years left to run on his contract.

When it comes to the long ride ahead of a Championship season, nothing prepares a manager better than some time in the saddle. Which may account for the difference in approach between this summer and last for Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut. A year ago, the German-born Turk was bold in his declarations that promotion, or a top six finish at least, was his aim for the campaign.

New Cardiff City signing Alex Robertson is keen to follow in his uncle’s footsteps for the Bluebirds. The 21-year-old midfielder, an Australian international, has joined Cardiff on a four-year contract.

The New Saints may be a bit pre-occupied with their European campaign at present, but they showed no signs of easing up on their domestic dominance of Welsh football as they kicked off the defence of their Nathaniel MG Cup title with a 5-1 home win over Flint Town United. It turned out to be a good dress-rehearsal for Craig Harrison’s team ahead of Tuesday night’s Europa League third round clash with Moldovan champions, FC Petrocub.

Jeremiah Azu will bridge a 56-year gap in Paris when he becomes the first Welsh athlete to run in the 100 metres at the Olympic Games since Ron Jones in Mexico City. Azu starts his campaign in the heats on Saturday morning and will be aiming to line-up for the final on Sunday night.

The summer transfer window used to be a frothy cocktail – all foam, sprigs of mint and mini-umbrellas – before the start of the new football season. But this year’s is more like a flat pint of lager served in a plastic cup. Low on fizz, energy and sparkle.

Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut reckons he’s signed an all-rounder who can deliver the vital ingredient for the club next season – goals. Bulut revealed his excitement after the Bluebirds secured the signing of Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Kanga on a season-long loan.

Craig Bellamy swears he’s a reformed character these days, but the new Wales boss has urged young coaches to mind their manners. The former Burnley assistant manager is so fluent in both the language of modern football and old-school passionate positivity that the FA of Wales wasted little time in making him their successor to Rob Page. But Bellamy’s road to international management has not been without the odd wrong turn – most notably a spell at Cardiff City in charge of their U18s.

Thierry Henry once flogged Renault Clios by talking about “va va voom”. But now it’s Wales who want to add some glamour to a bog-standard banger with the suggestion they want him to manage a team stuck on the hard shoulder.

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan insists manager Erol Bulut has made “clear progress” during his year in charge – even though it took a month to agree a new contract for the Bluebirds boss. Bulut has signed a new two-year deal to extend his stay as Cardiff manager.