Cardiff City: Rift Between DJ and ‘Outcast’ Purse?

Cardiff City captain Darren Purse cut a brooding figure as he took his place amongst the fans yesterday for the crucial derby against Swansea City.


Purse was a casualty of the recent shake-up by Dave Jones and lost his place alonside Roger Johnson to new defender Gabor Gyepes, taking his place on the bench for the home draw against Reading. Purse argued that he didnt deserve to be dropped and amid reports of a rift developing between Purse and his manager – the former Birmingham City and West Brom defender was left out of the entire matchday 16 yesterday.


The decision to omit Purse entirely seems strange with no recognised defensive cover available and two similar players in Gavin Rae and Riccy Scimeca both selected as substitutes. Contrary to usual Dave Jones doctrine, McNaughton would have had to switch to a central role should injury hit a centre-half.


Purse recently spoke about his hope for a new contract with the club, but his frustration that negotiations had not been opened. This latest blow, and a veiled swipe by Dave Jones about keeping things ‘in house’ following Purse’s mistake at Plymouth that allowed Mpenza to score suggest a difficult relationship between the two.


Purse has been a proud individual and consummate professional since arriving at Cardiff City. This situation will not be acceptable to him and he could well be on his way in January.