Cardiff City's last promotion to the Premier League seems like a lifetime ago now, given everything which has gone on both on and off the pitch since that momentous feat was achieved.
That 2017/18 promotion-winning campaign will stand out for many as their favourite following the Bluebirds, a season in which Neil Warnock architected an unlikely surge to the top of the league after taking over with the club in trouble the year before.
That squad, along with the manager of course, reunited the fan base with the club during a season which swept fans off their feet.
In the subsequent years, though, that squad has slowly been dismantled, meaning only two players from that season are still at the club.
Here, we take a look at every player who played a league game for Cardiff that season and what has happened to them since...
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Cardiff City's 2017/18 promotion squad
Ordered in number of appearances that season...
Sol Bamba – appearances: 46
The man who needs little introduction. Bamba is arguably one of the best free transfers the club has ever had, having been brought in by Warnock the year before.
He was a stalwart during the promotion season and was a giant in the Premier League, too, before that cruel injury struck him down in March.
He never really recovered from that, sadly. Then he had that terrible cancer diagnosis last Christmas, which he tackled head-on, as you would expect from such a man, before being given the all-clear at the end of last season.
He was given a 10-second runout in the final game of the season against Rotherham before the club decided to allow him to leave in the summer. Warnock signed him at Middlesbrough and, at 36, he is still producing the goods. He has played 18 times for Boro and is now a regular at the heart of their defence.
Junior Hoilett – appearances: 46
At times, the winger was unplayable during that 17/18 campaign. He chipped in with nine goals and his service from out wide was peerless, whipping in vicious crosses at will for City's attacking players.
He played a big part in the Premier League, too, despite Cardiff's relegation and in the season after back in the Championship.
But last year it all seemed to be winding down for him at Cardiff as he endured a poor run of form. His contract expired and he was picked up by Reading as a free agent in the summer.
He has played eight times for the Royals this season, having had trouble with a hamstring issue.
Neil Etheridge – appearances: 45
Another absolute gem of a free transfer by Warnock, just like the two mentioned above.
Etheridge was magnificent in that Championship campaign and was arguably even better the year after in the Premier League, eventually winning the club's Player of the Season award.
His form dipped a little back in the second tier after he suffered an early-season hamstring injury. And with the impressive Alex Smithies in top form, there was no room for two keepers of their quality at the club.
Birmingham City came in for him in the summer of 2020 and it was the right move for all parties. He recently had a bad bout of Covid-19 which left him hospitalised. Thankfully, he recently made a return to the Blues' side and looks to be back fit and healthy.
Sean Morrison – appearances: 39
One of only two players still remaining at the club.
Struck up a fantastic centre-back partnership with Bamba at the heart of defence and proved his quality at this level.
Has been an excellent servant to Cardiff City and is currently club captain - and a great one, too, by all accounts.
Injuries appear to have caught up with him a little this season and his form has been patchy at best. But he is far better than he has been showing in recent months and it would be unwise to write him off with so much of the season still to play.
His contract is up in the summer and whether or not he will be handed fresh terms seems to be cause for debate among supporters right now.
Bruno Ecuele Manga – appearances: 38
A classy operator at the back and a true fan favourite. Could play at centre-back or right-back and really did have everything you would want from a top defender.
He moved out to France for personal reasons following Cardiff's relegation from the Premier League, a transfer which left countless Bluebirds supporters disappointed after five years and more than 150 appearances for the club.
Suffered relegation from the French top flight with Dijon and is currently plying his trade in Ligue 2. He dons the captains armband there from time to time.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing – appearances: 38
Another masterstroke transfer from Warnock. A free agent who stepped up from League One and took to the Championship like a duck to water.
He also turned a few heads in the Premier League, too, notably ending the top-flight campaign with a double against Manchester United.
The winger showed just how destructive he could be at times in the Championship, but off-field misdemeanours plagued him. He tested positive for the use of cocaine twice in the 2019/20 campaign, which led to his contract being terminated on the eve of last season.
Warnock signed him at Middlesbrough on a free again at the beginning of the season, but he struggled to show the best of his abilities. He recently signed for League One Sheffield Wednesday, for whom he has made only one substitute appearance so far.
Joe Bennett – appearances: 38
Bennett was another top servant to the club over his five years with the club and was a mainstay during City's promotion-winning season.
Proved himself to be a good Premier League left-back, too, and cemented his spot as first choice back in the Championship.
However, he suffered a nasty ACL injury back in March at the worst possible time, with his contract expiring in the summer. Many believed the club should have done more to reach an agreement with him, but that was not possible.
He left on a free and, having fully recovered following his surgery, was signed by League One outfit Wigan Athletic. He has made three appearances from the Latics and is now back to full fitness.
Joe Ralls – appearances: 37
The other player who still remains with the club.
Has been a regular feature in the middle of the park for the best part of a decade now and has really grown into a leader over the last couple of seasons.
He has proved this season just how much he affects the way the team players, in a positive way, when he manages to stave off niggling injuries.
Ralls could be an important player in this new brand of football which Steve Morison is trying to implement and many believe, or hope, that the club strike a deal over a new contract soon.
Kenneth Zohore – appearances: 36
Bought from Vincent Tan-owned KV Kortrijk back in 2016, Zohore struggled for consistency during his time with the Bluebirds.
However, his rich vein of form towards the back end of the promotion season really helped to clinch second spot. He struggled in the Premier League, though, managing just the one goal from his 19 top-flight appearances.
West Brom, somewhat surprisingly, tabled an £8million offer for the striker following relegation and Cardiff snapped their hand off.
Not really hit the heights at The Hawthorns, though, having scored just five goals for the club since moving there two years ago, although he did notch two for Millwall on loan last term.
Callum Paterson – appearances: 32
Another who was undoubtedly a fan favourite during his time in the Welsh capital. His wholeheartedness and penchant for a quirky celebration endeared him to the Cardiff City Stadium faithful.
Signed as a right-back from Hearts in 2017, the Scot found himself contributing further up the pitch during his time with City. He scored 10 goals during that promotion campaign and became a big asset for Warnock.
He also got four in the Premier League, too, but after Warnock's departure it was tough for him to get a regular run under Neil Harris and the player grew restless.
He signed for Sheffield Wednesday last season and suffered relegation. He is still with the Owls now in League One.
Lee Peltier – appearances: 30
Peltier was another prime example of a player who embodied the heart and spirit of the club.
Limited offensively, perhaps, but as reliable as they come at the back, with a bit of bite and leadership thrown into the mix, too. A dependable player.
With his contract expiring, Peltier thought it best to move to West Brom in January last year, however struggled for a regular run in the side.
The 35-year-old teamed back up again with Warnock at the beginning of this season and has made 12 appearances for MIddlesbrough so far this campaign.
READ MORE: The Lee Peltier interview
Loic Damour – appearances: 27
The Frenchman was a solid presence in midfield, but was never going to feature much in the Premier League.
He moved to Edinburgh with Hearts at the beginning of the 2019/20 campaign and he remains there to this day.
Craig Bryson – appearances: 22
Brought in on loan from Derby County for the season, Bryson featured fairly consistently in midfield throughout the season.
Signed for Aberdeen up in his native Scotland in 2019 before moving to Scottish Premiership rivals St Johnstone in 2020. He still plays there.
Aron Gunnarsson – appearances: 20
You would be hard pressed to find a Cardiff fan with a bad word to say about Aron Gunnarsson.
Spent eight years with the Bluebirds but this season was a frustrating one for the Iceland international. Started the campaign well but was plagued by injuries in the middle, notably undergoing ankle surgery.
But he came back and finished strongly, scoring against Nottingham Forest and helping them to promotion. He played a key part in the midfield up in the Premier League, too, but it was decided his time was up at the end of the season.
He moved to Qatar to play for Al-Arabi, where he still plays.
Danny Ward – appearances: 18
Scored four goals in his 18 appearances at the beginning of the season, but had his first campaign curtailed owing to knee surgery, not playing a game after January 12.
Managed just the one goal in the Premier League before netting seven back down in the Championship in 2019/20.
His contract ran out in the summer of 2020 and he returned to his previous club Huddersfield Town. The forward has six goals in 21 games for the Terriers this term.
Liam Feeney – appearances: 15
Signed on loan from Blackburn Rovers for the season and played a bit-part, really, making only one assist in his 15 appearances for the Bluebirds.
Joined Blackpool the year after and is now with Tranmere Rovers.
Lee Tomlin – appearances: 13
Warnock never really trusted him and as a result struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI.
Scored one goal in his 13 appearances, eight of which came from the bench, before the manager deemed him surplus to requirements and shipped him on to Nottingham Forest for the rest of the campaign.
Really flourished after Warnock left and was named the club's Player of the Season in the Championship following Neil Harris' arrival.
But injuries ravaged him and in his final year at the club he didn't play a game. His contract was ended by mutual consent back in October and he is still unattached.
Marko Grujic – appearances: 13
Joined on loan from Liverpool for the back end of the campaign and it proved an inspired signing.
He was terrific in midfield during City's late-season charge for promotion and played a vital part.
It was thought that it would be a matter of time before he broke into Liverpool's side, but chances were few and far between. Loans with Hertha BSC and Porto followed before he signed for the latter permanently this summer.
Gary Madine – appearances: 13
Signed mid-season from Bolton Wanderers for a hefty £6million fee. Notably, of course, he failed to score in any of his three seasons with the club, despite finding the net three times while on loan with Sheffield United.
Cardiff terminated his contract in January 2020 and he joined Blackpool. The striker has scored six goals in 30 league appearances for the Seasiders.
Greg Halford – appearances: 12
Was the ultimate utility man, plugging gaps in midfield and defence throughout the course of the season.
Eventually joined Aberdeen following the promotion season before linking up with Southend United and most recently Waterford in the League of Ireland.
Omar Bogle – appearances: 10
It never worked out at Cardiff for Omar Bogle.
Despite scoring three goals in three games early in the season, Warnock never seemed to trust him after his red card against Bristol City. In the January, he was sent out on loan to Birmingham City.
Loans to Portsmouth and later ADO Den Haag in Holland followed, before he left the club in the summer of 2020. He linked up with Charlton Athletic before joining Doncaster Rovers this January.
He has been told he can leave the club, though, and, has featured only four times for the club this season, having been made to train on his own.
YanicWildschut – appearances: 10
Joined on loan mid-season from Norwich City but started just three matches for the Bluebirds.
Has since played for Bolton Wanderers and Maccabi Haifa. He now plays in the Bulgarian first tier with CSKA Sofia.
AnthonyPilkington – appearances: 8
Was frozen out under Warnock, despite showing glimpses of what he could do in front of goal when given the chance.
He didn't make a league appearance until December 16 and was used sparingly thereafter, scoring a crucial late goal against Sheffield United deep into the season to secure a point for City.
He joined Wigan in January 2019, having been omitted from Warnock's Premier League squad. He moved to East Bengal in India after his 18-month contract with the Latics expired, but now he is back in England with League One Fleetwood Town.
JazzRichards – appearances: 6
Ankle injuries blighted his season and he managed just six appearances. His injury record was frustrating, for Richards and Warnock, and the player struggled to get a consistent run of games under his belt.
He had a brief resurgence under Harris, but ultimately injuries took their toll and it was decided that it was best for all parties that the defender leave the club.
The former Wales international now plays for Cymru Premier side Haverfordwest County.
READ MORE: The hidden suffering of Jazz Richards
MatthewConnolly – appearances: 4
Having played an important part in proceedings the two previous seasons, Connolly had to wait patiently for his chance in the promotion season.
He managed to get a couple of appearances under his belt in the second half of the campaign, but City's quality defence proved difficult to break into.
In his last three seasons at the club he made just six appearances in all competitions, much of it was due to a nasty ankle injury he simply couldn't overcome.
The 34-year-old was released in the summer of 2020 and is still without a club.
JamieWard – appearances: 4
Joined on loan from Nottingham Forest for the end-of-season promotion push, but featured just four times.
Went on to play for Charlton Athletic, Scunthorpe United and Solihull Moors, but now plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with Buxton.
ArmandTraore – appearances: 4
Another who joined the troops for the final march to promotion, arriving on loan from Nottingham Forest in the January of that season.
The left-back featured four times during the latter half of the season, before joining Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor permanently the following season.
Traore signed a short-term deal two years ago while a free agent but was released in the January. He has been without a club since.
FredericGounongbe – appearances: 3
Proved to be his final season in football.
Injuries ruined his time at Cardiff, so, too, did missing that open goal against Birmingham City from just a couple of yards out on debut.
But his injury troubles got the better of him and he had to make the tough decision to hang up his boots for good.
After retiring, he went back to university and attained a degree in an asset management.
READ MORE: The Frederic Gounongbe interview
RhysHealey – appearances: 3
Played a bit-part role that season but has gone on to bigger and better things since.
Made three appearances in the Premier League season, too, but was ultimately sold to MK Dons in League One, having played a part in helping them achieve promotion while on loan there the previous year.
His 21 goals in 42 games for the Dons attracted interest from France and he is making a name for himself now out in Toulouse. He has scored 27 goals in 55 appearances for the Ligue 2 club.
KadeemHarris – appearances: 3
Found it tough to break into the fold under Warnock in the promotion-winning season, but was trusted more in the Premier League, making 13 appearances in the top flight.
After the relegation, though, Warnock told him it was best if he went elsewhere to seek regular game-time he couldn't be assured of at Cardiff City Stadium.
So, after seven years at Cardiff, he found a new home at Sheffield Wednesday. He did well in his two years there, but left after the Owls were relegated to League One.
He now plays for Metalist Kharkiv, becoming the first Englishman to play in Ukraine's top flight.
BrianMurphy – appearances: 1
The back-up goalkeeper who spent virtually the entire season on the bench.
Left Cardiff last year and moved back to his native Ireland, where he plays for Waterford to this day.
MattyKennedy – appearances: 1
Spent the season on loan at Portsmouth in League One after playing just a solitary game at the beginning of the campaign, one minute in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
Left Cardiff at the end of the season and joined St Johnstone up in Scotland.
The Northern Ireland international now plays for Aberdeen.
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