Thursday, January 15, 2009

Purse set to exit stage left?


Cardiff City skipper Darren Purse appears to be on his way out of the club after being told by Dave Jones that he will not be offered a new contract and can leave on a free transfer. Morning newspaper speculation has it that he could be heading for either Charlton Athletic or Leeds United.

The signing of Pursey at the start of the season for a large £700,000 fee was a major coup for the Bluebirds. His commitment to the cause apparent from the outset as he chose City over Southampton who were a better prospect at the time to most observers.

He is a popular figure around the club with staff, other players and fans who he has enjoyed joined in the away end when not playing. However his game has diminshed, in my opinion, as he hit his 30's and some performances last season were shocking.

The player enjoyed a brief resurgence this term but at 32 next month, his lack of speed and thought at times still proved costly. His last game in late November saw Purse make errors in a shocking performance and defeat at Plymouth saw him dropped for Gabor Gypes and he has not played since, occasionally even being dropped from the sub's bench with no other centre half in situ.

and it may be that a move to a struggling Championship outfit and high flying Division 1 side is more akin to where he is these days. A public rift between Dave Jones and himself this season also seemed to be a death knell

His record of 99 league starts and 10 goals isn't bad and if this is the end of his time with the club, then all City fans will thank him for his service and wish him well.

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