'Massive club' Cardiff must step up a level, says Pulis

[Getty Images] Tony Pulis believes Cardiff City is a massive club that would grace the Premier League, but warns they will need to step up a level as they return to the Championship after a season in League One. The experienced former Premier League manager - whose lengthy career included spells in charge at Stoke City, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough - was impressed by the Bluebirds as they won promotion in their first season under boss Brian Barry-Murphy. "Obviously Cardiff had a fantastic season last year and they get promoted back up to the Championship," Newport-born Pulis told Radio Wales Breakfast. "They've got a massive challenge on next year. The Championship is getting stronger and stronger every season. "You know, for me, Cardiff is a massive football club, always has been in my mind, and would definitely be a great addition to the Premier League, never mind the Championship. "So it'll be interesting to see what Brian does." Cardiff, who were runners-up to Lincoln City as they made an immediate bounce-back from League One, have signed Lincoln midfielder Jack Moylan in preparation for their return to the second tier. The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international is only the second signing of the summer for Cardiff, who converted goalkeeper Nathan Trott's successful promotion-winning loan spell from Copenhagen into a permanent deal in May. "I think recruitment is massive and obviously investment. If you've got the investment and the recruitment right, then you've got a chance," added 68-year-old Pulis. "I think they will need to step up a level. I think Brian's obviously put an identity on the football club, the way they play. "So things are looking really bright down there at the moment."