Following the bitter disappointment suffered last season when we limped over the finish line and lost our play-off spot to Preston, three Cardiff City players in particular were identified as weak links in an under-performing squad.
Paul Parry, Stephen McPhail and Peter Whittingham were those three players, each of whom was disappointing and contributed to an un-balanced and misfiring midfield. There were calls for a complete overhaul of that area and it seemed likely that none of the three had a future at Cardiff City.
However, Dave Jones did not agree and it looked for a time that we would not make any changes to the midfield. Solomon Taiwo eventually joined to add competition in the centre, while loanee Kelvin Etuhu added a wide option – particularly on the left. Paul Parry also departed for new pastures after finally deciding on a move to Preston North End while McPhail and Whittingham took their places this season.
Paul Parry has made a decent start at Deepdale, scoring two goals and weighing in with a number of assists. One game in particular he dominated and appears a potent attacking threat and re-invigorated following his move.
While Parry has done well, the two players remaining at Cardiff City has been re-born. Peter Whittingham has surpassed even the wildest expectations after a phenomenal scoring run notching 9 goals in 6 games. He looks lively, involved and a threat in direct contrast with long periods of last season. Stephen McPhail is yet to make such an impact, having spent time on the bench, suspended and in the treatment room. However, he was the catalyst for us overcoming a dip in form and his performance against Derby County was scintillating.
All three players look completely different prospects this season and I have to admit, Dave Jones seems to have made the correct decision on all three counts. Hopefully, Whittingham and McPhail will go from strength to strength and continue to provide the goals and assists to move the Bluebirds towards the Premiership.
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