Cardiff City Squad Update

ALEXANDER: His best season for Cardiff City. Has looked assured and confident and has earnt his Scottish call-ups. Attracted interest from several clubs including Norwich.

ARDLEY: Filled in at right-back latter stages of season and was largely dependable. Unable to support with his accurate crosses to due lack of pace. Would be 35 next January and not needed for free-kicks / corners with Koumas playing.

BARKER: Last season’s Mr consistent has played the majority of games this season, ever present until Reading. Not quite as fit as last year but has vowed to return stronger. Suffered from having the roaming Koumas in front.

BOLAND: Energetic, abrasive and tenacious, everything you expect from Willie. Fighting with Scimeca and Whitley for holding midfield role, City’s longest serving player gives everything but may not provide enough creativity.

COOPER: Link-up player, looks busy and plenty of touches but only ever likely to be a bit-part player next term, several minor injuries kept him out of team and played most of his games out of position on the right flank.

COX: Solid and dependable, good first season from a top-quality proffesional but will be 35 next year. Out-of-contract now but may be given a 1 year deal as cover, highly influential figure in dressing room and stand-in captain when Purse unavailable.

DARLINGTON: started and ended season as right back but very little action in between, lacking in defensive qualities (and height!).

JEROME: Great season for the youngster, signed on a free, top-scoring by a long way. Lost appetite towards seasons end and attracted bids in January. Went public with hopes to play with better players and received stick from supporters. A £2m bid was rejected but may be accepted now with sufficient bonuses. Some of the transfer money would be available for new players.

KOUMAS: At the heart of everything good for City this season, pure inspiration winning several games for City. Not always involved but can produce telling moments of quality and has improved all-round game dramatically. Wants to stay but will attract other interest and may return to relegated WBA should Robson lose his job.

LEDLEY: Long season for the talented youngster and looked jaded towards the end but played in 3 positions and gave good account of himself, exciting one for the future but could score more goals from midfield.

LOOVENS: No Longer a City player but has agreed a 3 year deal to go through 1st July. Good season for the 22 year old in his first full season, determined and aggessive looks ideally suited for championship football and should prosper as he gains experience.

MARGETSON: Out of contract and will not be offered a new one, failed to displace an in-form Alexander but worked closely with his feelow Keeper to aid and inspire Alexander’s form.

MULRYNE: Made the bench a few times but never broke into the team, attracted interest from Millwall but barely seen in a City shirt.

NDUMBU-NSUNGU: Out of contract and brought in as cover. Looked useful when he played but failed to make telling contributions. Not a great deal of playing time to impress Jones but tried hard when given the chance

PARRY: Out injured for much of the season but looked sharp on his return and provided much-needed width. Used as a support striker too but prefer Koumas’ left midfield berth.

PURSE: Inspirational captain, a rock in defence and provided the platform for above expectations season. Formed solid partnership with Loovens.

SCIMECA: Unproven but unconvincing as yet. Protects back 4 well but rarely shows any creative intent and casual passing gives away possession too readily. Possibility at problem right-back position but Ardley/Darlington/Weston all preferred there. Only signed recently and contract has years to run.

THOMPSON: Growing in stature with each game and will benefit from a pre-season with the squad. Strong and determined, has looked a big asset up front and will improve at Championship level. Would like to see a winger in the side to get crosses from the by-line but has adapted his game well and holds ball up effectively.

WESTON: Dependable but always capable of making mistakes. Has given everything but suffers lack of confidence. Taken abuse from fans well and always given 100% but his inclusion is a risk. Paid the price for conceding against Millwall and failed to re-establish himself with Darlington and Ardley preferred.

WHITLEY: Very important player early in the season and breaks up many opposition attacks. Limited to subs appearances later in the season and apparently fallen out with Dave Jones. Good squad player but may find his position filled by Scimeca.



Definately Staying: Barker, Loovens, Purse, Scimeca, Thompson

If the price is right: Alexander, Ledley, Parry, Whitley

Depends if we can get better: Ardley, Boland, Cooper, Cox, Darlington

Get your coat: Jerome, Margetson, Mulryne, Nsungu, Weston