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.

If Harry Wilson scores to put Fulham top of the Premier League on Friday night, then expect Craig Bellamy to be just as happy as the Manchester United-haters. The Premier League season will begin at Old Trafford where most eyes will be drawn towards Erik ten Hag.

Steve Williams, the president of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), has resigned with immediate effect. Williams had been suspended in July while an investigation was underway, but he has now chosen to step down before an independent hearing could be conducted.

Erol Bulut has told his Cardiff City game-changers to take their Carabao Cup spark into the club’s Championship campaign. Mark McGuinness headed home Cardiff’s first goal of their 125th anniversary season to set-up a comfortable 2-0 home win over League One Bristol Rovers that saw them safely through to the second round.

The New Saints manager Craig Harrison has urged his players to move on quickly from their latest Euro heartbreak – and pocket the consolation prize. His team were unable to overcome a one goal deficit from the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round clash with Moldovan champions Petrocub and were knocked out of the tournament after a goalless draw.

Luke Williams urged his Swansea City side to use their convincing 3-1 victory over 10-man Gillingham in the first round of the Carabao Cup as the benchmark for their forthcoming league performances. Ronald’s solo effort gave the dominant Swans the advantage at half-time.

Wales could be back trying to pick their way through the minefield of Olympic football participation again during the lead in to 2028. British Olympic Association bosses hope to field a men’s football team at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Wales midfielder Jordan James has finalised his transfer from Birmingham City to French club Rennes for a fee understood to be around £4m. Rennes, under the guidance of manager Julien Stephan, finished 10th in Ligue 1 last season and have captured the 20-year-old on a four-year deal..

Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut has insisted defender Mark McGuinness was left out of the defeat to Sunderland because of a tight hamstring – and not because his thumb and index finger are about to pen a deal to join Luton Town for £10m. The former Arsenal player was conspicuous by his absence from the 2-0 home loss but Bulut claimed it does not mean he is on his way out of the club.

Luke Williams pulled no punches and admitted Swansea City got what they deserved from their Championship opener – nothing. Opponents Middlesbrough won on the opening day for the first time in a decade as Emmanuel Latte Lath continued his blistering form from last season with the only goal in a 1-0 victory. Latte Lath scored 17 league goals in his first campaign on Teesside and took just 25 minutes to open his account this term, netting from the spot after Isaiah Jones was fouled inside the box.

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.

Swansea City’s hopes of reviving their flagging fortunes rest squarely on the shoulders of new striker Žan Vipotnik this season. The 22-year-old Slovenian spent the summer at the Euros in Germany with his national side before committing himself to the Championship club following the demise of Bordeaux in Ligue 1 in France.

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.

Will Evans has completed a move from Newport County to Mansfield with County chairman Huw Jenkins admitting the £200,000 fee was too good to turn down. Evans has been a jewel in the Rodney Parade crown for the past two seasons and a number of clubs higher up the Football League were understood to be keen to land the former Cymru Premier player.

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.

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.

Swansea City have signed Slovenian striker Zan Vipotnik on a four-year deal. The club were in desperate need of strengthening their forward resources ahead of the new Championship season and have recruited a 10-cap international who played at this summer’s Euro 2024 finals.

Cardiff just confirmed their fourth summer signing today, with ex-Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi arriving on a free transfer. The 29-year-old joins on a yearlong deal, adding quality out wide to the Bluebirds side ahead of what is bound to be a challenging season in the Championship this year.