The 2013-14 campaign was a turbulent one that ended in relegation from the Premier League for Cardiff City, ensuring that they made an immediate return to the second tier of English football.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the man charged with launching a renewed promotion bid but, as is often the case with newly-relegated sides, he saw a number of key players depart during the summer.
Steven Caulker, Fraizer Campbell, Jordon Mutch and Gary Medel were among those to leave the club, providing the Bluebirds with the money to reinvest in the likes of Bruno Ecuele Manga, Sean Morrison and Adam Le Fondre.
Things didn't go to plan, however, and the upheaval soon changed to the dugout as Solskjaer was dismissed and Russell Slade eventually appointed as his successor.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at an eventful first half to the season for the South Wales outfit.
August
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The Bluebirds had the joint honour of beginning the new Football League season with the opening match against Blackburn Rovers but, despite taking the lead through Kenwyne Jones, they had to settle for just a point in the end. Progress followed in the first round of the League Cup, while they picked up their maiden Championship win of the campaign as Jones netted a brace to help overcome Huddersfield Town 3-1.
Their bright start continued with a 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic, but that proved to be their last win for more than a month in the league. Their first loss of the season came at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers courtesy of a late Mark Hudson own goal, but they did book their place in the third round of the League Cup at the expense of Port Vale.
Cardiff closed out the month with a match against another side who dropped down from the top flight last season, but despite Fulham's poor start to the campaign, Solskjaer's side could only manage a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.
September
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A tough run of fixtures provided a daunting start to September for Cardiff, and sure enough the wheels came off for Solskjaer as a result. They began the month against fellow promotion hopefuls Norwich City but were blown away by the Canaries in the second half as the visitors came from two goals down to win 4-2 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Middlesbrough were next to travel to South Wales, and they also left with a win courtesy of an early goal from Kike. That proved to be the final straw for the board, who relieved Solskjaer of his duties two days later. Danny Gabbidon and Scott Young took temporary charge of the team and began with a decent point away to Derby County, although they did blow a two-goal lead on their way to the 2-2 draw.
Russell Slade was the name linked with the vacant manager's post, but his appointment was delayed due to contractual issues as Cardiff fell to a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth in the League Cup. Gabbidon and Young finally got a win under their belts against Sheffield Wednesday, however, ending a run of five matches without victory in all competitions.
The duo were in charge once again for the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the month, but Cardiff could only manage a draw against the struggling Seagulls to make it five points from a possible 15 in September.
October
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The nadir of Cardiff's season so far came at the start of October when, still managerless, they became the first side to lose to Blackpool, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat. Slade was finally appointed on October 6, and the former Leyton Orient boss brought with him an immediate upturn in form.
His reign got off to a winning start as they became the first team to beat Nottingham Forest, while just three days later he made it two from two at home with an impressive triumph over high-flying Ipswich Town. Slade did not have as much success on the road, however, and his first away game in charge of the club ended in a 1-0 defeat to Millwall.
November
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A familiar pattern began to emerge under Slade in November, with Cardiff enjoying a fine record at home but struggling to replicate that on the road. They began with a 3-1 victory over Leeds United in South Wales, but followed that up with a 3-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium.
Slade finally picked up his first away point before the international break, although his side once again drew a blank in a goalless draw against Birmingham City. They returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Reading after the two-week interval, while they finished the month with their first win on their travels all season, beating Watford 1-0 at Vicarage Road.
December
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December proved to be a tough month for the Bluebirds as they picked up just two points from a possible 15 to damage their playoff bid. Goals were in short supply as they drew 0-0 with Rotherham United to end Slade's 100% record at home, but that was certainly not the case in their next outing as Bournemouth ran out 5-3 winners at Dean Court.
There were five more goals a week later, but once again Cardiff were on the losing side despite recovering from 3-0 down at half time to pull it back to 3-2 against Brentford. The Bluebirds were then unable to take advantage of 10-man Charlton Athletic as they were held to a draw on Boxing Day, while a 4-2 defeat to Watford in their final match of 2014 ensured that they ended the year nine points off the top six.
Star man: Peter Whittingham
Must do better: Adam Le Fondre
Where to strengthen in January: Midfield
Position at start of 2015: 12th
Mid-season grade: C
To see Cardiff's remaining fixtures in 2014-15, click here.
Barney Corkhill
