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Cardiff midfielder Don Cowie has warned supporters not to expect too much too soon from the Bluebirds this season.

Cowie is one of nine new players to have joined the Bluebirds since Malky Mackay's appointment as manager.

Cardiff, who missed out on Premier League promotion in the last two seasons, kick-off their new campaign at West Ham United on Sunday.

"Expectations will be high after the previous two years," said Cowie.

"There has been a lot of change at the club and it might take a few weeks before we hit the ground running.

"Hopefully we can get a good start and build on that and who knows where that will take us."

Scotland midfielder and signed a three-year deal with the Bluebirds.

And the 28-year-old said he and his fellow recruits are settling into life with the Bluebirds under the guidance of new boss Mackay.

, , , , , , and have also joined the club during the summer.

"Everyone's getting on really well," said Cowie. "The fact we went away to Spain for a week really got everyone bonding.

"There's a great vibe about the place and it can be hard sometimes when so many people leave and so many new faces come in.

"We've hit the ground running and hopefully we can take that on to the football pitch."

Even though new boss Mackay has been putting his players through their paces prior to the Championship season, Cowie has enjoyed the pre-season preparations.

"It's very enjoyable working under him," said Cowie. "One of the reasons that I came to Cardiff was [after] working two years with Malky.

"The hard work in pre-season is something that just has to be done and hopefully we can be ready for Sunday's game.

"He wants you to work as hard as you can and if you do that he'll respect you and let you get on with.

"He likes to have that work ethic about the team and I'm sure he'll be confident with the ability that's within the squad after we work hard that will come out and shine."