" PETER WITTINGHAM "

City have set up their midfield with Anthony Pilkington on the right alongside Dikgacoi, Whittingham and Ralls in recent pre-season matches

Peter Whittingham can be a Cardiff City star again

Monday 3rd August 2015

By Terry Phillios

Russell Slade believes playmaker Peter Whittingham will be ‘a genuine positive’ in Cardiff City’s aim for a top-six Championship finish this season.

“Whitts was instrumental in what we were trying to do during the wins against Watford and Bournemouth,” said manager Slade.

“He has Joe Ralls on one side and Kagisho Dikgacoi holding defensively between our two centre-backs. They give Whitts that little bit of licence to get into little pockets of space and move the ball around for us.

“He is a highly talented player and if we can buy into that ability and utilise that in the right way he will be a real positive for Cardiff City this season.

City have set up with Anthony Pilkington on the right alongside Dikgacoi, Whittingham and Ralls over the last two matches.

That has looked a balanced midfield unit, but Slade still has the problem of where to play Sammy Ameobi, the 23-year-old winger who has slotted into attack over the last two fixtures.

But with Joe Mason in sizzling form, having scored four goals during pre-season, it’s difficult to see where Ameobi can fit in.


He is not a natural fit alongside Mason with both more comfortable playing just behind a main striker, while Alex Revell scored twice at Bournemouth and put down a strong claim to start against Fulham next weekend.

Kenwyne Jones, too, is back in full training and, having played four full matches for Trinidad and Tobago in the Gold Cup last month, will be ready to start against Fulham.

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

David,
I feel the same way about Whittingham.

On his day he can be class,but we need to see more of that week in week out

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

Slade has said he wants to get the good Peter Whittingham playing again. That's a positive. Just wait and see because a good Peter Whittingham wins you games of football. Don't be so negative

The divison is all about work rate, unfortuntely Whitts can be a passenger

Ralls can play the "Whittigham" role....ok he's going to make the odd mistake..but he is far more mobile, quicker and fitter...this guy needs to be given the chance to prove he can pull the strings in midfield...it's a big ask for a 21 year old but he deserves the chance.

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

Another glass half empty person

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

Another glass half empty person

This

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

We didn't have Dikgacoi last season or Pilks for a large part in our midfield, with Dikgacoi mopping up and doing the dirty work hopefully Whitts can get forward with the ball and put in our forwards to finish off and chipping in with the odd goal as well, maybe it'll be a productive season for Whitts.

Let's be honest Whitts wasn't used as he should have been last season so let's hope Slade knows how to play him this time around.

Ralls can play the "Whittigham" role....ok he's going to make the odd mistake..but he is far more mobile, quicker and fitter...this guy needs to be given the chance to prove he can pull the strings in midfield...it's a big ask for a 21 year old but he deserves the chance.

Why do we need another player playing the "Whittingham role", Ralls and Whitts compliment each other, they play very well together as seen at the Watford and Bournemouth games, if you were there.

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

Disagree with most of what you say there fella, I do agree that he was under par last season but this is going to be Whitts' season, mark my words

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

David,
I feel the same way about Whittingham.

On his day he can be class,but we need to see more of that week in week out

Annis, and this season we will see the real Whitts again.

We all have great memories of what Whitts can do but sadly the recent memories are of the opposite.
its time for Ralls to take his place or we are going to have the same type of season again,

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

We didn't have Dikgacoi last season or Pilks for a large part in our midfield, with Dikgacoi mopping up and doing the dirty work hopefully Whitts can get forward with the ball and put in our forwards to finish off and chipping in with the odd goal as well, maybe it'll be a productive season for Whitts.

Let's be honest Whitts wasn't used as he should have been last season so let's hope Slade knows how to play him this time around.

Absolutely This ^^^^^^
You are spot on Norms

I think it's safe to say that I am one of Whittingham's biggest critics on here, but it wasn't so long ago that I was one of his biggest fan,that is until,that vastly overated manager Mackay got his hands on him,and changed the way he plays,and in all honesty I can't see an incompetent Slade reversing the damage that was done to the player's confidence

New season and new challenges,give everyone a chance and whoever the Manager selects we can make comments on performances after the games!!

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

Looks like last season's mistakes are going to be repeated again this season.

Seems Whitts is going to be playing every game, taking every free kick and every corner irrespective of form unless he's injured or suspended.

The man is a Cardiff City legend but his powers are on the wane and have been for a number of seasons now. Some will say that he's still the same Whitts from 5 years ago but that he's not being utilised properly but it's likely that he'll be played in exactly the same way he was last season during which, I'm sure most people will agree, he was largely ineffectual.

Slade must be praying for Gunnarrson to be fit asap so he can select him alongside Whitts every game again.

We didn't have Dikgacoi last season or Pilks for a large part in our midfield, with Dikgacoi mopping up and doing the dirty work hopefully Whitts can get forward with the ball and put in our forwards to finish off and chipping in with the odd goal as well, maybe it'll be a productive season for Whitts.

Let's be honest Whitts wasn't used as he should have been last season so let's hope Slade knows how to play him this time around.

Absolutely This ^^^^^^
You are spot on Norms

Agree also.

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

where is Ameobi going to play ?

Ralls and Pilkington are the wide players and he isnt really a striker.

where is Ameobi going to play ?

Ralls and Pilkington are the wide players and he isnt really a striker.

ralls shouldnt be playing wide either

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

well said mugsy

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

Deluded springs to mind but you're entitled to your opinion

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

Deluded springs to mind but you're entitled to your opinion

Give whitts freedom and he is one of best players in championship. If dikagoi stays fit it'll give whites freedom and he'll get 15 goals and a similar number of assists.

Whitts was poor last season but he was used incorrectly.

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

Deluded springs to mind but you're entitled to your opinion

Give whitts freedom and he is one of best players in championship. If dikagoi stays fit it'll give whites freedom and he'll get 15 goals and a similar number of assists.

Whitts was poor last season but he was used incorrectly.

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

Deluded springs to mind but you're entitled to your opinion

Give whitts freedom and he is one of best players in championship. If dikagoi stays fit it'll give whites freedom and he'll get 15 goals and a similar number of assists.

Whitts was poor last season but he was used incorrectly.

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

Deluded springs to mind but you're entitled to your opinion

Give whitts freedom and he is one of best players in championship. If dikagoi stays fit it'll give whites freedom and he'll get 15 goals and a similar number of assists.

Whitts was poor last season but he was used incorrectly.

Many on here are assuming that Slade is going to give Whittingham a different role this season and that Dikgacoi is going to be first choice in the midfield with Whitts.

I personally believe that when Gunnarrson is fit that he and Whitts will start in the centre of midfield and things will be exactly the same as last season.

We shall see.

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

Deluded springs to mind but you're entitled to your opinion

Give whitts freedom and he is one of best players in championship. If dikagoi stays fit it'll give whites freedom and he'll get 15 goals and a similar number of assists.

Whitts was poor last season but he was used incorrectly.

Many on here are assuming that Slade is going to give Whittingham a different role this season and that Dikgacoi is going to be first choice in the midfield with Whitts.

I personally believe that when Gunnarrson is fit that he and Whitts will start in the centre of midfield and things will be exactly the same as last season.

We shall see.

Sadly, I think you might well be right. This unshaken, blind loyalty, to both Whittingham and Gunnarrson will be Slade's undoing in the end. Unfortunately, I don't think Dikgacoi will reach the levels of fitness required and will be a ready-made excuse for Gunnarrson being a shoo-in for the rest of the season.

Whitts will win player of the season for us if Slade uses him properly ( which he has indicated he will ).

He'll cost us more games than he wins us. Should have sold him the season we went up.

Deluded springs to mind but you're entitled to your opinion

Give whitts freedom and he is one of best players in championship. If dikagoi stays fit it'll give whites freedom and he'll get 15 goals and a similar number of assists.

Whitts was poor last season but he was used incorrectly.

Many on here are assuming that Slade is going to give Whittingham a different role this season and that Dikgacoi is going to be first choice in the midfield with Whitts.

I personally believe that when Gunnarrson is fit that he and Whitts will start in the centre of midfield and things will be exactly the same as last season.

We shall see.

Sadly, I think you might well be right. This unshaken, blind loyalty, to both Whittingham and Gunnarrson will be Slade's undoing in the end. Unfortunately, I don't think Dikgacoi will reach the levels of fitness required and will be a ready-made excuse for Gunnarrson being a shoo-in for the rest of the season.

And we can't rely on a player who is still not fit enough after 12 months at the club to play for a full 90 minutes!