Image source, Huw Evans AgencyImage caption, Cardiff's League One promotion is their first since going up to the Premier League in 2018

CommentsCardiff City wasted no time in securing their return to the Championship. The question now is how they stay there – or, eventually, climb higher again.

The Bluebirds secured League One promotion in dramatic circumstances on Saturday, winning 3-1 at Reading and discovering deep into added time that they were going up because Stockport County had dropped points after conceding a last-gasp equaliser, scored by Exeter City's goalkeeper no less.

Now the champagne has dried and the hangovers are easing, Cardiff can start thinking about what comes next.

First, they have three games left this season. This has been their first campaign in the third tier for more than two decades, and they do not want another for a long time.

So, planning will already have started for next season, and how they equip themselves for life back in the Championship.

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New contracts for current playersBefore signing new players, one of Cardiff's priorities is to sort new contracts for players whose deals are expiring this summer.

Defenders Perry Ng and Joel Bagan and midfielder Ryan Wintle have been three of the Bluebirds' best and most consistent performers, with Bagan and Wintle among the nominees for player of the season.

All three will be able to leave for free if they do not renew their contracts.

Also under consideration are the players on loan at Cardiff.

Goalkeeper Nathan Trott, another nominated for player of the season, has impressed since joining from Copenhagen for the season.

After Saturday's promotion-clinching win at Reading, supporters sang the Bermudan's name and implored him to stay, aware that the Bluebirds could face stiff competition to sign him permanently.

Chelsea attacker Omari Kellyman has contributed nine goals and two assists during his season-long stay.

Another loan would not be out of the question for the 20-year-old, who will also attract interest from other clubs.

Left-back Calum Scanlon has only started one game and appeared as a substitute on six other occasions since joining on loan from Liverpool during the winter transfer window. It remains to be seen whether he features in Cardiff's plans.

Sources at the club have indicated that owner Vincent Tan is willing to fund new signings this summer, provided head coach Brian Barry-Murphy can make a compelling enough case for those prospective recruits.

The only substantial fee Cardiff paid for a permanent transfer last summer was Gabriel Osho, paying Auxerre more than £1m for the centre-back.

The Bluebirds also saved a considerable amount of money by offloading 12 senior players following their relegation from the Championship.