Cardiff City defender Darren Purse has endured a difficult couple of moths personally, having to watch the side embark on a long unbeaten run immediately after his axing from the side. Gabor Gyepes and Roger Johnson have forged a formidable partnership in defence, and Purse was close to an exit in January with a deal all but signed at Norwich City. However, our own move for Mark Hudson fell through and Purse stays as cover until the end of the season.
Purse is an exceptional team player, he is determined, 100% committed and extremely professional. He has stayed loyal through two difficult years at the club, with only one media outburst boune from frustration. There can be no question as to his future though with his contract expiring at the end of this season – he looks set to leave Ninian Park but will give it weverything to secure a new deal. Purse told the Western Mail:
‘I know that unless there is an injury or a suspension then my games here are going to be limited.Tha’s fine because I’m not going to kick up a fuss. I was in a similar position last term when Roger and Glenn Loovens were playing as well together as Roger and Gabor are now.’
‘There are no complaints from me, they have both done well for the club and the recent unbeaten run backs that fact up.’
However, any suggestion of Purse being happy to languish in the reserves collecting a tidy wage packet and preparing for retirement are way off the mark:
‘I simply love playing football and just want to go on for as long as possible. I need to be playing. I love the job I do and I’d love to be here next season.’
‘If I’m not offered anything by Cardiff then I’ll move on, that’s football.’
