Ex-Cardiff Man Weston’s Career Woes

Former Arsenal and Cardiff City defender Rhys Weston has suffered a dramatic turn in fortunes since leaving the club last year.

A regular in the Cardiff line-up, and on the fringes of John Toshack’s new look Wales squads, Weston was enjoying his football and had helped Cardiff City to the Championship following his £300k move from The Gunners.

However, Weston was always capable of making mistakes and one in particular cost him dearly: his mistake allowed Millwall to sneak a late equaliser at Ninian Park and Neal Ardley was immediately switched to right back and Weston dropped from the team.


Since then, Weston has linked up with Yeovil Town for a trial, followed by short spells at Norwegian side Viking Stavanger and Port Vale. He was released by Vale manager Martin Foyle and is still without a club despite an immpressive resume.


Weston has become disillusioned with the world of football of late, and is worried about his future:

‘I’ve a family and I’m the sole breadwinner. We don’t have any money coming in until I get a contract. And it is a bad time.’



‘I said to a friend the other day, if only I had another profession to fall back on, the way I’ve been feeling about football the last six months, I’d jack it in.’



‘I’ve had eight years as a professional. It is a great career, you don’t appreciate it for what it is until it is threatened. There are many jobs, even at League One wages, where you could get the same pay for the same amount of work. But while I love football I enjoy other aspects of life outside the game. I’d miss the camaraderie, but my heart won’t stop if I’m not playing. ‘




Rhys Weston was a dedicated and hard-working member of the Cardiff squad, he will probably be remembered for his mistakes and the abuse he suffered at the hands of Cardiff ‘fans’. Always a confidence player, he was targetted by supporters who like to have something to moan about.

Weston’s attitude was exemplary, and he didnt hide away on the pitch. He showed great determination to win back his place on many occasions and showed he can do a job at Championship level.

There really should be interest in a player of Weston’s quality and experience.