Thanks Pursey, Now Back In The Box !

Cardiff City turned to a trusted and experienced campaigner to step into the breach for the crunch encounter against Swansea City and Darren Purse did nothing to let the side down. Jason Scotland was a threat all game but Purse shackled him reasonably well and on the few occasions Scotland did manage to turn, he failed to get a shot away. Purse made a few key tackles, and big headers while one clearance off the line was superb.


Purse has barely featured for months, with Roger Johnson and Gabor Gyepes forming a formidable partnership in defence for the Bluebirds. That`s a familiar story for Purse as Johnson and Glenn Loovens froze him out last season. Regularly, the former West Brom man fails even to make the bench thanks to Kevin McNaughton`s quality and versatility.


Purse is like a trusty old barbecue, we wheel him out a few times a year, know what you`re getting then you cover it back up and into the garage it goes. Several outings a year, special occasions and the like.


I mean no disrespect to Darren Purse, I have a great deal of time and respect for him. His professionalism is exemplary and for a proud man – it must be incredibly difficult for him to remain so. Unfortunately (for Purse) , Johnson does not seem to get injured while Gyepes too appears to be over his injury nightmare. With Dave Jones always reluctant to change his defence – Purse has had to make do with the odd subs appearance and covering suspension – as was the case on Sunday.


Gyepes was unlucky to be banned, but is now back in contention and will surely be restore to the line-up to face Derby County. Darren Purse meanwhile will be back in the stands and while he would like to remain at the club, it seems unlikely with his apparent lack of first team football.