The emotions which pour out on social media when new signings are made range from gleeful optimism to glum pessimism from supporters. Depending on the player, of course, that needle shifts one way or the other.
Many Cardiff City fans appeared underwhelmed or nonplussed by the Callum O'Dowda signing. The Bluebirds beat off a huge number of Championship clubs for his signature, with Steve Morison keen to add wingers to the squad as he attempted to rip up the style of play.
Cardiff had earmarked O'Dowda early, knowing his contract at Bristol City was coming to an end. When he left the Robins, fans there appeared to bemoan his lack of consistency and were seemingly cool over his departure.
But by their very nature, wingers are inconsistent, especially at this level. Cardiff fans saw that with Josh Murphy. Tasked with running at defenders and trying to create, every so often it just doesn't come off and it can cause frustration inside the stadium.
O'Dowda, 27, said upon signing that he was coming into the prime of his career. Having signed a three-year contract, Cardiff would be getting the Republic of Ireland international in his peak years. Well, if his first three games are anything to go by, then the signs are incredibly encouraging.
He has started this season like a train. Cardiff have scored three goals so far this term and O'Dowda has been directly involved in all of them, scoring one and assisting two. When he was substituted off against Birmingham City on Saturday, the supporters inside Cardiff City Stadium sang his name as he trotted around the outside of the pitch and back towards the dugout.
The winger has had as many Championship goal involvements in three games for Cardiff as he did in his last two seasons with Bristol City, which is quite an astonishing statistic, given the evidence Bluebirds fans have seen so far, but is likely also the reason so many were reticent about his signing.
O'Dowda has been a breath of fresh air in a Cardiff shirt. The clever runs he makes in behind the full-backs, the careful manner with which he keeps the ball and the quality of his deliveries into the box have all been hallmarks of his game so far. On Saturday, against Birmingham, he should have had three or four assists to his name.
For Jaden Philogene's goal, he made one of his perfectly-timed runs in behind Maxime Colin, was found by a killer Ryan Wintle pass and then he put it on a plate for the Aston Villa loanee with a laser-like cross across the face of goal.
Earlier, the winger had been found by Mahlon Romeo and sent in a pinpoint cross to Romaine Sawyers, who struck his first-time effort brilliantly, but it was straight at John Ruddy. Just before half-time, he made a brilliant run with the ball at his feet before sliding through Max Watters on goal. Watters, unfortunately, spurned what was a massive opportunity to double the lead, and O'Dowda's assist tally for the day.
After the break, the wide man had a couple of opportunities to get on the score sheet himself. The best opportunity he had, from a tight angle, was saved expertly by an outstretched Ruddy foot. That really would have put the icing on the cake for his day.
Even late on in the game, in the blistering heat, he was relentless. He zipped past Jordan James to start another Cardiff attack and the Blues midfielder couldn't cope with him, so cynically hauled him to the ground and picked up a booking for his troubles. O'Dowda also got brought down in the penalty box, but Darren Bond waved away City's penalty claims.
He has given Cardiff a new edge in a new system. He is quick, physical and is showing now that he can score and assist. Cardiff fans will hope he makes a habit of it and does it consistently, because he is one of the many reasons why this change of shape appears to be making quick strides.
It's early days, of course, but very few seemed to expect O'Dowda to shoot out of the blocks like he has. The rapturous applause he received from the 18,000 inside Cardiff City Stadium when he was substituted perhaps served as evidence that those doubters will be happy to be proved wrong, if he continues on this upwards trajectory.
READ NEXT
Star reveals delight at fan reaction after tough start and Morison described as 'fantastic manager'
