Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is likely scratching his head as he ponders his options for the weekend clash with Doncaster Rovers, with a raft of attacking selections to be made.
How to fit Bellamy, Bothroyd, Chopra, Burke, Whittingham, Koumas, Drinkwater, McCormack and Olofinjana into a front six? Thats assuming the likes of Rae, Wildig and Taiwo won’t be in serious contention and accepting Steve McPhail is a few weeks away from fitness.
Therefore, the Bluebirds must be seriously considering the futures of some of those players since it would be impossible to go through a season keeping all happy. Ross McCormack seems likely to move on, either on loan or permanently but the other probable departure is Peter Whittingham.
Whittingham was a revelation last season, and scored over 20 league goals – a phenomenal effort. He was transformed from a luxury lightweight liability to a clever and creeative dangerman, scoring goals for fun and contributing in all areas.
However, he is out of contract at the end of the season, and has so far not been persuaded to sign a new deal with the club. Cardiff City remain heavily in debt, with HMRC payments likely to squeeze in addition to a lump sum payment due to Langston by the end of the year.
CCFC Chairman TG and CEO Gethin Jenkins will be extremely reluctant to see Whitts run down his contract and leave for nothing next season, just as £6m rated Joe Ledley did after joining Celtic. Whittingham is not worth anywhere near that amount, but we must consider cashing in while he still has value. Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough have shown interest in him.
Any bid of £2m would be taken seriously, and help the finances significantly. Whittingham still has a role to play this year, but he’ll never re-create last season’s form and we are in a better position than ever before to cope without his creativity – thanks largely to the signings of Bellamy and Koumas.
Time to decide Peter, sign-up or look for a new club.
Join Vital Cardiff
It’s easy to sign up for Vital CARDIFF CITY.
