The 2009–10 season was Cardiff City F.C.'s 83rd season in The Football League since joining in 1920. The season was also the club's first in the Cardiff City Stadium, replacing their former ground Ninian Park, which had been used by the club for 99 years. Cardiff had their most successful season in the Football League Championship finishing 4th making the play-offs for the Premier League. Cardiff narrowly missed out on promotion after losing 3–2 to Blackpool in the Final. Events 26 June 2009 – Cardiff City pen a five-year kit manufacturing deal with Puma. 4 July 2009 – Cardiff City break their record transfer fee with the £3 million signing of Michael Chopra from Sunderland. 22 July 2009 – Cardiff City Stadium is officially opened with a 0–0 draw against with Celtic. 7 August 2009 – Mark Hudson is named club captain. 11 September 2009 – Cardiff City agree a one-year shirt sponsorship deal with 777ball.com. 28 September 2009 – SBOBET are announced as replacement sponsors following the withdrawal of 777ball.com due to licensing problems. 7 November 2009 – Dave Jones receives Championship Manager of the Month for October. 14 November 2009 – Peter Whittingham receives Player of the Month for October. 20 November 2009 – Midfielder Stephen McPhail is diagnosed with stage one lymphoma, a rare form of cancer. 25 November 2009 – Datuk Chan Tien Ghee is appointed on the board of directors. 28 November 2009 – Goalkeeper Peter Enckelman is involved in a car crash but made a "luck escape" playing 45 mins the following day. 4 December 2009 – Club secretary, Jason Turner is suspended. 11 December 2009 – Cardiff City agree a settlement with Langston Corporation, over taking any more legal action over the clubs debt. 17 December 2009 – Riccardo Scimeca is forced to retire at the age of 34 due to injury. 29 January 2010 – Captain Mark Hudson is ruled out for 10–12 weeks with a split ankle tendon. 9 April 2010 – Gavin Rae is confirmed to be out for the season with a ruptured tendon in his ankle. Football League Championship Standings Results summary Results by round Kit | | | | | | Squad Statistics |} * Indicates player left club during the season. Captains Disciplinary record Contracts Transfers In Total spent: ~ £5,250,750 Loans In Out Total income: ~ £5,300,000 Loans out Fixtures & results Pre-season friendlies League