Jones Blast For Naughty Nottm Forest

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has lashed out at rivals Nottingham Forest, accusing the Reds of tapping up Peter Whittingham and trying to unsettle the former Aston Villa midfielder. Forest have alread had one cheeky bid turned down for Whitts, but speaking in a radio interview over the weekend, Forest Chief Executive Mark Arthur claimed:

“We are aware he (Whittingham) is in his last year of his contract and I`m sure they`re not in a financial position where they can afford to let that run down.”

“We understand he has rejected a new offer so we have to be a little bit patient and, hopefully between now and the end of August, we`ll be able to bring him in.”

“If not, then we`ll try to bring him in either in January or at the end of the season when he is out of contract because we know he wants to come to us.”

At the same time, Arthur claimed a similar situation for Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley – again, a move clearly intended to unsettle one of the best players in the Championship.

Dave Jones was uncharacteristically forthright and used his post-match interview to direct a firm blast at Nottingham Forest:

“That to me is an absolute disgrace. I never have a go at anybody in football, but if that`s not blatant tapping up then I don`t know what is.”

“To come out and talk about talking to the agent and the agent`s talking to the player and the player wants to come and I`ll wait…if that is not unsettling a player then I don`t know what is.”


Whittingham is entering the last year of his contract. Talks are underway on an extension, but CCFC must be midful about losing him for nothing. With no deal agreed between the clubs, Forest are not entitles to discuss any potential move with Whittingham or his representatives.

There are rumours Nottingham Forest have been disillusioned over the summer and have been unable to recruit quality signings at a price they can afford. Reports suggest they are making bold but evidently fruitless moves and statements in order to appease their fans. It will take a bid of £2m+ to get Whittingham – do Forest have that kind of cash?