Neil Warnock did a tremendous job in leading Cardiff City out of the Championship and into the Premier League, so take his place in the dugout and expect a challenge.

Football FanCast have your back, though, with a handy team guide for the Bluebirds on Football Manager 2019...

The board’s expectations

FM19 TEAM GUIDE CARDIFF CITY

The board at the Cardiff City Stadium know how tough a challenge life back in the top-flight will be, so only set you the target of fighting bravely against relegation.

They would also like a run in the cup competitions, but their sights are only set on reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup and third round of the Carabao Cup, which in both cases is the round after you enter.

The transfer war chest

There is not a great deal of money on offer, but there is certainly more in South Wales than at some Premier League sides who demand a great deal more.

In total, the club sets aside £9.2million for any signings you wish to make, with a further £50,000 reserved for wages.

Three players to buy

Divock Origi

Divock Origi FM19

Without a great deal to spend, and a dire need for a goalscorer, spare a thought for loaning Liverpool’s Divock Origi.

His arrival would consume near enough all of the wage budget unless you can negotiate the Merseyside club paying it, but you would gain a rapid, professional striker that knows where the goal is.

Thiago Neves

It’s always worth strengthening the players who create the chances, as well as those who put the ball in the net, and Brazilian attacking midfielder Thiago Neves is one to seriously consider, even if the £1.8million rated creator is 33-years-old.

Miguel Borja

Miguel Borja FM19

If you’d rather sign a striker to be yours and only yours, Miguel Borja is the ideal man.

The 25-year-old Colombian has 16 finishing, 15 heading and 13 pace making the £3.1million rated forward ideal for almost any style of play.

Watch the video below to check out the hilarious things footballers get up to at Christmas...

Three players to sell

Lee Peltier

You can’t go too crazy with who you sell at Cardiff, otherwise you’ll leave yourself with a squad far too thin to maintain form and results.

Lee Peltier, however, is the joint-worst of the three right-backs on offer and the 31-year-old is not going to get any better.

You are therefore within your rights to cash in on his £4.1million valuation and add a further £19,000 to your wage budget.

Gary Madine

Gary Madine FM19

Gary Madine starts in the youth ranks and has as good finishing Bobby Decordova-Reid, but the 25-year-old holds the potential to grow while 28-year-old Carlisle product does not.

He won’t add much to the budget, unfortunately, but, again, you can’t sell too many without shooting one foot for the others gain.

Kadeem Harris

Another Bluebirds star condemned to the U23's when you take charge is Kadeem Harris. He doesn’t warrant a first-team position, so you may as well cash in on his £2.3million valuation as Championship clubs consider who can propel them to promotion.

Three for the future

Cameron Coxe

Nineteen-year-old right-back Cameron Coxe is unlikely to make a name for himself in the Premier League, but that does not mean his career is over before it even began as he can be used in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup if injuries strike, as well as one day being sold for a tidy sum.

James Waite

James Waite FM19

James Waite is another 19-year-old who will never set the world alight, but can offer an attacking option in the same manner as Coxe and catch the attention of potential suitors in the lower divisions.

Jack McKay

You won’t be able to turn Jack McKay’s potential talent into a starting XI player, but develop the striker and you have a great player to utilise in cup competitions.