Cardiff City have moved swiftly in the summer transfer window to bolster their squad ahead of what they hope will be a promotion push next season.
Mick McCarthy promised change this summer and it certainly looks as though a shake-up is in the offing.
Already Cardiff have announced the signings of James Collins, Mark McGuinness and, most recently, Ryan Wintle, the midfielder whose contract expired with Crewe Alexandra.
READ MORE : Ryan Wintle's first words as a Cardiff City player
Having plied his trade in League Two for the lion's share of his career, every season except last year in fact, Cardiff fans could be forgiven for not knowing the type of player the midfielder is.
Fortunately, we spoke with BBC Radio Stoke reporter Graham McGarry, who has tracked the 24-year-old's rise at Gresty Road to get some insight into Cardiff's newest player.
Here's what he said...
Q. What sort of player are Cardiff City getting? Can you give us an insight into his style of play?
A. "He is a good all-round midfielder.
"He has plenty of stamina and likes to be involved at both ends of the pitch. He is very good at breaking up the play.
"He can also produce some telling passes and chips in with the odd goal, too."
Q. What are his strengths and what will he bring to the side?
A. "He will add energy, enthusiasm, and a hunger to prove that he’s well capable of playing at the higher level."
Q. In terms of his character, is he a leader on the pitch?
A. "Ryan has an excellent character.
"He even captained his former club on a few occasions."
Q. How did his situation come to this at Crewe? Was it the right time for him to leave or did Alex miss a trick not tying him down sooner?
A. "He certainly owes Crewe nothing, despite him becoming one of the EFL’s best free agents this summer.
"He’s earned his move to the Championship. Not bad for someone who worked only a few years ago in KFC!"
Q. And finally, given he was playing League Two just the season before last, how do you see him faring stepping up to Championship football?
A. "That will not be a problem.
"He will adjust easily to life in the Championship and hopefully he will go into even bigger things."
