"Darren Purse speaks out-fans need to lower expectations !"

FORMER Cardiff City captain Darren Purse has told Bluebirds supporters they need to lower their expectations as Malky Mackay’s men get ready for their play-off crunch.

Cardiff are just outside the top six as they face their final seven games of the campaign, starting with the visit of Millwall on Saturday.

It is a game which divides loyalties for 35-year-old Purse, who made 123 appearances for the Bluebirds as they fell short of promotion and also played 14 times for Millwall.

Purse, who is currently embroiled in helping troubled Plymouth remain in the Football League, insists Cardiff fans should not be disappointed if their side fail to reach the play-offs this time around.

“At the start of the season, with Malky coming in and what he had to play with, I think if you had told fans Cardiff would be in the play-off fight with seven games to go they would have taken it,” said Purse.

“What’s happened, though, is that there was a time when they were pushing for the top two and expectations levels get sky high.

“They’ve not been on a good run and then you get people turning round thinking their team is suddenly rubbish.

“Cardiff have not been in good form and it seems that’s been the case since they made the Carling Cup final.

“They are still in with a great chance of the play-offs, but if they don’t make it I don't think supporters can get too disappointed.

“There have been a lot of changes there. There are not many players left from even when I was there.

“Malky has come in and he’s not had the budget Dave Jones had. I think there’s been a rethink by the owners on that one.

“But he’s done a great job and he is building something there. It might take a few seasons, but Mackay is moving things in the right direction.

“People have to understand it takes time. When I was at Birmingham it took us a good few seasons to get promoted, but I believe Cardiff will get there.”

Purse faced up to Mackay on a number of occasions on the pitch, with the two men exemplifying the term ‘uncompromising centre-half’.

And Purse believes Mackay will bring that full commitment he produced on the pitch to his managerial role.

“I played against him loads of times when he was with Watford and Norwich,” said Purse.

“He was what I would call a ‘100 percenter’ as a player. Always gave everything he had for his side.

“I bet he’s taken that into management with him, I bet he expects nothing but 100 per cent from his players the whole time. You know his team is going to work hard whatever else might happen.

“But Malky’s really new to management. It’s miles away from being a player and he’s still got a lot to learn.

“But what you have to say is that he’s made a great start to his management career and has already impressed a lot of people.”

Purse’s former club Millwall, under former Swansea City manager Kenny Jackett, are still casting anxious glances over their shoulders as they remain dangerously close to the Championship drop zone.

But the Lions seem to enjoy playing on the road, their last three wins coming away from home, and Purse believes this could be a factor on Saturday.

“Millwall are about making sure they remain up and then start building next season,” said Purse


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Why? If you don't aim for the top, you'll never get their!

I think the difference is our fans demand premiership football rather than aim for it.

I think purse has got it spot on

I think the difference is our fans demand premiership football rather than aim for it.

I think purse has got it spot on

I don't agree with the sentiment or the word "demand".

After fifty years out of top flight football, its more a case of the "forlorn hope", where City fans are concerned.

I think the difference is our fans demand premiership football rather than aim for it.

I think purse has got it spot on

I don't agree with the sentiment or the word "demand".

After fifty years out of top flight football, its more a case of the "forlorn hope", where City fans are concerned.

To me it seems our fans (not all but a lot) think we have a devine right to be in the prem.

I think the difference is our fans demand premiership football rather than aim for it.

I think purse has got it spot on

I don't agree with the sentiment or the word "demand".

After fifty years out of top flight football, its more a case of the "forlorn hope", where City fans are concerned.

To me it seems our fans (not all but a lot) think we have a devine right to be in the prem.

I think your right that alot of city fans just think we have the divine right to be in the top flight. Im really happy with the way this season has gone so, even if results have slipped lately. After the game on sunday i believe we are on our way back to our best

Purse is spot on

Darren is talking sense

Darren Purse has real passion and has a lot of respect for Cardiff fans.

He also has a head like Kryton

DJ said the same thing, and I didn't agree with him, and I don't agree with DP, perhaps we need players with greater expectations, I, like a lot of supporters have supported Cardiff for 50 yrs so patience and time will not be on a lot of peoples minds, we want prem football, we have been knocking on the door for the last six years, I think it is now time that we delivered.

Darren Purse was a great servant to our club. Top professional who always gave is all and he is a really nice guy as well.