Having put pen to paper on a new one-year deal, Steve Morison can begin Cardiff City's transfer planning in earnest for next season.
He'll be doing so with one hand tied behind his back for the time being, given the Bluebirds' hierarchy need to await the outcome of three crucial court cases and whether they win or lose them.
That will have a knock-on effect over any transfer budget available.
But whatever happens, there will be a massive transformation in the squad with 10 senior stars out of contract this summer.
Some will view it as a major opportunity to get players brought in on big money by Neil Warnock off the wage bill as Cardiff seek to put together a better team capable of pushing for the top six in 2022-23.
Others will be fearful of potentially losing so much experience in one go and how it might lead to a relegation fight.
It's a highly complex issue that Morison, knowing he will be in charge, can at least start giving some proper thought to as he plans ahead.
In fact there is a strong argument for saying that with Cardiff's Championship status secure, he should be picking players he knows will be here next season, including giving gifted youngsters more game time, to prepare them for 2022-23.
Yes Cardiff may lose games and not finish as high as they might, but the benefits of further experience and know-how gained by the youngsters would outweigh that.
Here, Cardiff City expert Glen Williams and Head of Sport Paul Abbandonato give their personal views on the out of contract stars and whether the Bluebirds should keep or let go.
They are openly undecided on a couple. Morison, of course, has to make the tough calls.
You can also join in the conversation by giving your verdict in our comments section below, as well as participate in our survey embedded lower down within this article.
Here goes....
Alex Smithies
Glen Williams: Keep
I must caveat this by saying I only think they should keep him if his wages are greatly reduced. If his wages are to be believed then they are far too exorbitant given there is such an able deputy in Dillon Phillips waiting in the wings.
But he is generally solid as a rock. Yes, his distribution sometimes lets him down, but for shot-stopping he is one of the best in the league, for me. If it's workable, financially, and doesn't prohibit strengthening more pressing areas, then keep.
Paul Abbandonato: Keep
First name on the team-sheet, for me also first name on the list of players the Bluebirds must seek to retain if they have genuine aspirations of climbing towards the top six.
Smithies is one of the best goalkeepers outside of the Premier League and everything Cardiff do must begin the base he provides.
Yes, his wages are potentially prohibitive, but surely that's negotiable on either side? Smithies is good for Cardiff and Cardiff are good for Smithies.
He doesn't want to be leaving and playing second fiddle elsewhere at the age of 31.
Aden Flint
Glen Williams: Completely undecided
I've gone back and forth on this one arguably more than any other. I am a genuine admirer of his defensive work and he is a gnarly, battle-hardened pro who you would rather have with you than against you.
He is also a natural leader, too, something which doesn't grow on trees. There are a number of reasons why Cardiff should keep him.
But if you keep him, you have to play him. We saw from his Sheffield Wednesday move that he doesn't like sitting on the bench. If he stays, does it prohibit Cardiff from evolving their football? Flint isn't the most gifted with the ball at his feet and lacks a yard of pace, too. If Cardiff want to add ball-players and pace at the back, where does Flint fit into it?
That's what's making me sit on the fence. Sorry.
Paul Abbandonato: Keep
I never thought I'd be in this camp, feeling Flint is too slow and too cumbersome in possession. But I have to admit he's grown on me and if Cardiff are playing three centre-halves his differing strengths complement those of Perry Ng and Mark McGuinness.
Plus he can score goals and, much needed evolving of style or not, Cardiff shouldn't be losing that set-piece threat entirely.
I actually thought Flint was excellent in Cardiff's previous two losses versus Fulham and Huddersfield, but others blame him for each of the three goals conceded. So that clearly blots his copybook.
He stays for me, but with the firm proviso those errors MUST be stamped out.
Sean Morrison
Glen Williams: Keep
Has been a genuinely fantastic captain of this football club and has rarely let the team down. Yes, Cardiff are looking to move in a younger direction, but I get the feeling centre backs are different. Between 29 and 33 seem to be prime years for that position.
He was in the Championship team of the Year last season! Granted he looked out of sorts this term. He always seemed to be carrying an injury and looked off the pace, but you don't become a bad player overnight.
There are many reasons, similar to Flint, why they perhaps shouldn't keep him, but his longevity, leadership and ability to coax through the young talent and young recruits who come through the door in the summer could be invaluable.
If the club do decide to let him leave I could definitely see why. And perhaps it's heart ruling the head when it comes to this one, but I just think he still has more left to give the club to which he has already given so much.
Paul Abbandonato: Completely undecided
I'm copying Glen on Flint by sitting firmly on the fence on this one.
I always felt a spine of Smithies, Morrison, a dynamic new midfielder and Kieffer Moore could drive the Bluebirds to new heights next season.
But sadly Kieffer has gone, Smithies might follow and Morrison has a bad injury which kind of changes the dynamic.
It's hard to see how Cardiff keep Mozza and Flint if they really do want to keep evolving the way of playing, but as Glen has said he has been a Captain Fantastic and that has to be factored into any decision.
If Cardiff are to advance they need to be ruthless, but they also need to show compassion. Who knows, Morrison could come back even stronger and more determined from his much needed break from the game, albeit an enforced one.
Who'd be Steve Morison on this decision, eh?
Ciaron Brown
Glen Williams: Let go
No-brainer for me. It's really unfortunate Cardiff didn't cash in when offers came in for him from Neil Warnock last summer up at Middlesbrough, especially given the player's contract situation.
A solid enough defender but just not good enough on the ball for where Cardiff want to go. He'll find a good home somewhere lower in the football pyramid, no doubt.
Paul Abbandonato: Let go
Brown unfortunately is viewed by Cardiff fans as part of that appalling five centre-halves tactics Mick McCarthy adopted against West Brom and Swansea, an approach which flopped so awfully.
To be fair to him, he can get regular football elsewhere as it looks in short supply with Cardiff.
Joe Ralls
Glen Williams: Keep
Has matured so much in the last few seasons. Has become a leader and the heartbeat of the team when he's managed to stave off injuries.
Crucially, he has the ability to mix it physically while also trying to drive the game forward. He always looks for the progressive option with the ball but has the requisite bite needed from a Championship midfielder.
It's also important that he has such strong ties with the club and its fan base and is a player with whom so many fans have an affinity. Cardiff have been poor at keeping people around who resonate with supporters in recent years and they should not continue that trend with letting a player of his calibre leave.
I fear there would be uproar if he was to walk out for free in June...
Paul Abbandonato: Not sure
I don't always buy the love-in so many Cardiff fans have with Ralls. But opinions vary, don't they?
Midfield has been a problem area for the Bluebirds for many years and this is a chance to restructure.
Ryan Wintle perfectly reads the game as the holding player, hopefully Tommy Doyle returns and I feel Cardiff need a dominant new figure in there with them, someone who can spin on the ball to create a yard of space, shift it on quickly, create and score goals. As well as tackle, of course.
Ralls has terrific tenacity, his commitment is unquestioned, but I'm of the view, rightly or wrongly, Cardiff also need more creative class and control in the engine room. This is even more important if Morison persists with five at the back, which in effect means only two forward orientated players in the team, plus Doyle who looks capable of doing everything.
Another Doyle-like figure, with a bit of zip, would make it the perfect blend for me.
But I fully get Cardiff fans love Ralls' commitment and what he brings to the party.
For what it's worth I suspect Morison will keep him, too.
Leandro Bacuna
Glen Williams: Let go
This is a frustrating one for me, because I know there is a player in there. He has all the natural attributes which are so hard to come by but are so useful in modern football.
He is quick, fit, mobile, can get stuck in and can scramble when getting hit on the break. But he has just had so many chances and patience has run out. Having been brought in for a decent fee, and on decent wages, he has done little to persuade supporters he deserves another deal.
Paul Abbandonato: Let go
Concur with the above.
Not much more to say really, other than perhaps Bacuna should have been tried more in central midfield, rather than right-back or as a more forward player, the roles various Cardiff managers have wrongly preferred.
Still not sure why he wasn't picked in his best position more often?
Will Vaulks
Glen Williams: Completely undecided
Another real head scratcher for me, I must say. Part of me thinks you can only keep one of Ralls and Vaulks, because another spot in the squad needs to be freed up to address the problem in midfield of a dearth of creativity and pace.
Ryan Wintle is currently showing what I thought Vaulks was going to be and the Welshman has been that on occasion, but even he would admit he's been far too inconsistent.
He is another who, if Cardiff are to change the way they play, must improve his distribution and get his knack of goalscoring back. But his attitude and doggedness are admirable and have their qualities in certain games, particularly away from home.
I wouldn't be disheartened at all if he stayed, he has much to offer. I just think if it boils down to a Ralls-Vaulks shootout it's difficult for me to look past the former.
Paul Abbandonato: Keep
There's a better player in Vaulks than we've witnessed for most of the season and we've begun to see that more recently.
Yes he's often dubbed a walking yellow card, yes his passing can improve.
But Vaulks at his best is tigerish in the tackle, a real leader, drives the team and is capable of scoring goals.
I'd keep, I think, though Cardiff definitely need midfield reinforcements.
For the latest Cardiff City news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our newsletter here
Marlon Pack
Glen Williams: Let go
I was actually quite excited by Marlon Pack's early performances at the base of a five-man midfield. He was a slick passer and had enough bodies around him to dictate matches at his own pace.
But it's incredible how quickly the Championship has moved on in just a couple of years and Pack's role seems to have disappeared. I actually thought dropping into a back three might suit him down to the ground, however that experiment lasted just one match.
Truthfully, he just does not fit into the team in the direction in which Cardiff are looking to go. They need pace and legs to go along with Pack's passing range in the middle of the park and they will have to get that in the transfer market.
Paul Abbandonato: Let go
When Pack l first arrived I too was quite excited, feeling Cardiff had a dominant midfield boss who mixed presence with passing ability.
I don't know why, but that changed quite quickly.
Doyle and Rubin Colwill aside, Pack is probably the best passer Cardiff have, but the team has needed greater legs, energy and athleticism in the middle and too often I feel he lets opponents run off him to score or create for others.
I'm looking forward to a new look midfield next year, full of vibrancy, creativity and goal power.
Josh Murphy
Glen Williams: Let go
Thought this guy was going to rip the Championship up when I first started this job. In my first home game against Luton Town, he cut inside from the left and belted one thudding into the crossbar.
Alas, it's not worked out that way. His confidence is completely shot, injuries have dogged him and he looks a shadow of the player Cardiff bought.
There is a player in there, though, and he has the ability to kickstart his career again and I hope he does. It just won't be at Cardiff.
Have your say on which out-of-contract players should stay or go with our survey below
Paul Abbandonato: Grudgingly let go
That Luton game Glen talks of sticks out for me, too, but I've seen Murphy show flashes in plenty of other matches as well.
Including Man Utd at Old Trafford.
In many ways he would suit the current system, playing an advanced role next to the main striker instead of having to track back against opposition full-backs.
With his pace and shooting prowess, part of me feels Murphy could flourish under Morison, but Cardiff can't be holding back the development of Isaak Davies or Rubin Colwill.
So grudgingly let go, although part of me really would like to see Cardiff keep him and Murphy bang home 20 goals to prove his critics wrong.
He has the talent to do that at this level - but you wouldn't know because we don't see it often enough.
Isaac Vassell
Glen Williams: Let go
Through no fault of the player, this will go down as one of the worst transfers in recent memory.
That first game, the fixture with Luton, promised so much. A marksman-like header as the match ticked towards stoppage time to earn three points looked to be the start of what Cardiff fans hoped would be a brilliant Bluebirds career.
But more than two-and-a-half years of injuries later, he has played only three times and will be released. I hope he finds a new home and stays injury-free.
Paul Abbandonato: Let go
Cardiff need to move in another direction and with Kieffer Moore sold a goalscoring striker is an absolute must this summer.
That will cost, so any money the Bluebirds can trim on wages towards that end will be of help.
A new striker and new midfielder are the pressing priorities, I feel.
Who do you think Cardiff should keep or release? Have your own say in our comments section below
