Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place

Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

Wed 19th August 2015

Media Wales

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fan-zone-peter-9890815

Cardiff City Fan Zone: Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

Oh heck Nige you've done it now; the Whitts Police will be on here shortly and they'll rumble you! You should have posted this about 3 in the morning when they're soundly in bed dreaming sweetly about their hero's past exploits. When they wake up they'll take you to task. By the way when has he done any "pinging" lately? I must have missed that!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fan-zone-peter-9890815

Cardiff City Fan Zone: Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

Oh heck Nige you've done it now; the Whitts Police will be on here shortly and they'll rumble you! You should have posted this about 3 in the morning when they're soundly in bed dreaming sweetly about their hero's past exploits. When they wake up they'll take you to task. By the way when has he done any "pinging" lately? I must have missed that!

How dare he post such a thing Whitts is utter class you should be ashamed of yourself.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fan-zone-peter-9890815

Cardiff City Fan Zone: Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

Oh heck Nige you've done it now; the Whitts Police will be on here shortly and they'll rumble you! You should have posted this about 3 in the morning when they're soundly in bed dreaming sweetly about their hero's past exploits. When they wake up they'll take you to task. By the way when has he done any "pinging" lately? I must have missed that!

They're all in bed by 10 Phil, dreaming about Whittingham pinging the ball around.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fan-zone-peter-9890815

Cardiff City Fan Zone: Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

Oh heck Nige you've done it now; the Whitts Police will be on here shortly and they'll rumble you! You should have posted this about 3 in the morning when they're soundly in bed dreaming sweetly about their hero's past exploits. When they wake up they'll take you to task. By the way when has he done any "pinging" lately? I must have missed that!

How dare he post such a thing Whitts is utter class you should be ashamed of yourself.

Quite so Rydog I agree entirely

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fan-zone-peter-9890815

Cardiff City Fan Zone: Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

Oh heck Nige you've done it now; the Whitts Police will be on here shortly and they'll rumble you! You should have posted this about 3 in the morning when they're soundly in bed dreaming sweetly about their hero's past exploits. When they wake up they'll take you to task. By the way when has he done any "pinging" lately? I must have missed that!

They're all in bed by 10 Phil, dreaming about Whittingham pinging the ball around.

You're right Nige! Hush now, we shouldn't stir the little darlings! They'll soon let us know when they're awake

Whitts is just a hindrance in the team and squad, he's been useless for the last 3 years and dosen't get dropped! Slade is just not strong enough manager to drop him and bring in someone like noone or ameobi off the bench into the starting 11 to give us threat in the final third! Whitts is only in the team for set pieces and still against QPR couldn't even beat the first man! The time he gets dropped the better for the team and the club!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fan-zone-peter-9890815

Cardiff City Fan Zone: Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

Oh heck Nige you've done it now; the Whitts Police will be on here shortly and they'll rumble you! You should have posted this about 3 in the morning when they're soundly in bed dreaming sweetly about their hero's past exploits. When they wake up they'll take you to task. By the way when has he done any "pinging" lately? I must have missed that!

How dare he post such a thing Whitts is utter class you should be ashamed of yourself.

Quite so Rydog I agree entirely

Whitts is just a hindrance in the team and squad, he's been useless for the last 3 years and dosen't get dropped! Slade is just not strong enough manager to drop him and bring in someone like noone or ameobi off the bench into the starting 11 to give us threat in the final third! Whitts is only in the team for set pieces and still against QPR couldn't even beat the first man! The time he gets dropped the better for the team and the club!

At the moment Whitts is living on his past reputation

The guy was outstanding for 4/5 years and as mentioned will always be one of our best ever signings

He hasn't got the stamina or energy to compete with the modern day midfielder and his set piece delivery has been at best average for at least 2 years.

Most people can see this apart from our manager it seems!!!!!

Time to move on for Whitts as I would hate for him-to become a scapegoat..he doesn't deserve that

It just shows you lot know nothing about football, nothing more to be said!

It just shows you lot know nothing about football, nothing more to be said!

exactly. I stopped reading after the very first sentence

Perhaps a look at the "assist" stats so far this season paints a more balanced picture Couple that with much improved team possession stats this season.

This team is lacking creativity yet the argument is to drop the most creative player ? Whitts may not be at previous levels but until I see someone at the club who can create more the argument just doesn't stand up to un-biased scrutiny.

the QPR game was the perfect example of why whitts should be playing, hes the best we have at what he does.

Give it two weeks and Media Wales will be saying the complete opposite

Perhaps a look at the "assist" stats so far this season paints a more balanced picture Couple that with much improved team possession stats this season.

This team is lacking creativity yet the argument is to drop the most creative player ? Whitts may not be at previous levels but until I see someone at the club who can create more the argument just doesn't stand up to un-biased scrutiny.

Tim, it's all media bollocks again, they don't look at the bigger picture when it comes to Whitts, they pick their stories mainly from this forum and at the moment there are too many people slating our most creative midfielder so the media jump on it. They are saying there is no place in the starting 11 for Whitts on one hand and on the other saying that the team lacks creativity absolute bollocks from a lazy journalist

Cardiff players in not knowing anything about football shock

It's no wonder no manager has ever tried to play decent attacking possession football too many of our fans wouldn't understand what was going on.

He's still a man for a three man midfield playing in a two man midfield, building a new partnership with someone that can't play for 90mins. Our midfield has looked better than it has since the brief period Ramsey came back. Still got I think two assists so far, give him easy ten games before those nonsense comes out.

Cardiff players in not knowing anything about football shock

It's no wonder no manager has ever tried to play decent attacking possession football too many of our fans wouldn't understand what was going on.

He's still a man for a three man midfield playing in a two man midfield, building a new partnership with someone that can't play for 90mins. Our midfield has looked better than it has since the brief period Ramsey came back. Still got I think two assists so far, give him easy ten games before those nonsense comes out.

correct

He's not hitting the heights he was, but anyone with a football brain can see he's still our best ball player and in a team that's not exactly renowned for keeping possession we need him there. In a 5 man midfield he would flourish but he know slade is 442 all the way

He's not hitting the heights he was, but anyone with a football brain can see he's still our best ball player and in a team that's not exactly renowned for keeping possession we need him there. In a 5 man midfield he would flourish but he know slade is 442 all the way

This

He's not hitting the heights he was, but anyone with a football brain can see he's still our best ball player and in a team that's not exactly renowned for keeping possession we need him there. In a 5 man midfield he would flourish but he know slade is 442 all the way

Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

Wed 19th August 2015

Media Wales

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

Nige! I told you this would happen, its all your fault! The kids are all up and they're throwing mega tantrums, haven't eaten their breakfasts and all the toys have been chucked out of their prams! Can you sort it out please? I want to go to bingo

Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

Wed 19th August 2015

Media Wales

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

Nige! I told you this would happen, its all your fault! The kids are all up and they're throwing mega tantrums, haven't eaten their breakfasts and all the toys have been chucked out of their prams! Can you sort it out please? I want to go to bingo

Kids

Why Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the starting XI.

Wed 19th August 2015

Media Wales

He is the Cardiff City player who divides opinion more than any other. Here Steve Davies-Evans says it's time to end the sentiment surrounding Peter Whittingham.

Peter Whittingham no longer deserves his place in the Cardiff City side!

A bold statement maybe, but there is so much sentiment attached to Whittingham that fans seem blinded by how good he "used to be".

There are so many buzz phrases associated with Whitts such as "On his day", "Potentially the best midfielder in the league" and "If he can just rediscover his old form" but unfortunately it's time to face facts, he just doesn't do it any more.

It's true that Whittingham "has" been a fantastic player for City and at £375,000 eight years ago, he's proven to be one of Cardiff's best signings ever. However, his best form is well behind him now and he just doesn't produce that form on a regular enough basis to warrant his place in the team.

Football is not a stationery sport, it moves on in every sense of the term and the Championship has moved on massively.

So has the modern day central midfielder, leaving Whittingham and his languid style behind. Gone are the days where a player can just stay rooted in the centre circle "pinging" balls all round the pitch.

Fans want and deserve a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder. If you aren't that then you're a defensive midfielder, someone that breaks up play and wins tackles such as Chelsea's Matic, or Digkacoi and Gunnarsson in Cardiff City's case.

Whittingham is neither of these types of players and for me Cardiff still haven't replaced Jordon Mutch in centre midfield.

Do we have someone that can take that role? Yes! We have Joe Ralls, who is desperate to kick on this season and show he has what it takes.

Russell Slade has given the young midfielder the number eight shirt, a number synoymous with a central role.

Ralls has the energy and dynamism to go from box to box. At the moment he's being wasted out wide and the truth is, as he favours a central role, he comes inside looking for the ball meaning we are totally unbalanced.

This may seem like a witch hunt against Whitingham and by no means am I making him a scapegoat here, there just comes a time where you have to put sentiment aside and do what's best for the team.

Kevin McNaughton was a cult hero for the football club but in the end, there was better footballers in his position and he was rightfully moved on.

I'm not saying we have to get rid of Whittingham, I'm saying we need to drop him to the bench and let him fight for his place again. That would allow Ralls go move in one and Noone to come into the team giving us a real threat and natural balance.

God are you asking Slade to drop Whittingham! goodness you'll be asking him to drop Revell as well

If Whitters does get dropped this would give Ralls a change to move into the middle and get Ameobi or Noone off the bench and onto the wing.

Agree with this, he doesn't deserve to be playing anymore.

Usual bollox but i'll reply eating my sandwich

If Whitts is dropped for Ralls - (because we haven't won our first 3 games ???) and replaced with

A- Noone who was shit last year when played as a traditional 442 wide midfielder

or

B- Ameobi who at best is a wide forward.

This would mean Mr 442 changing his life long held football beliefs to a 433 and i can't ever see this happening.

The buzz has gone from Cardiff City, so hits on media wales or this forum can only be raised by re introducing daft essays in hope of a bit of controversy.

Ralls will replace Whitts next season or the season after that as the main man, but 3 solid performances this season looks like we will be hard to beat and thats what you need in the championship.

Just taking the fish hook out my mouth

I think this article is what the majority of city fans have thought for a while. There are however (and Im guessing the target of some of the earlier, commical but true posts) probably about 50 people that thinks on the contrary and believes Whitts still should be playing and is our best midfielder bla bla bla

He gets an injury and well all see how creative we can be.

Whitts is there now for deadball (and sweeping - a role he has perfected) trouble is the majority of deadballs are cack and dont make it past first man

Usual bollox but i'll reply eating my sandwich

If Whitts is dropped for Ralls - (because we haven't won our first 3 games ???) and replaced with

A- Noone who was shit last year when played as a traditional 442 wide midfielder

or

B- Ameobi who at best is a wide forward.

This would mean Mr 442 changing his life long held football beliefs to a 433 and i can't ever see this happening.

The buzz has gone from Cardiff City, so hits on media wales or this forum can only be raised by re introducing daft essays in hope of a bit of controversy.

Ralls will replace Whitts next season or the season after that as the main man, but 3 solid performances this season looks like we will be hard to beat and thats what you need in the championship.

Just taking the fish hook out my mouth

100% agree with you

It never ceases to amaze me how many people fail to see that Whitts is pivotal to how we are setting up to play and Joe Ralls is in the starting 11 totally on merit and in many ways is "AS" important as Whitts, but for different reasons like supporting Malone.

Right now dropping Whitts and replacing him with Ralls would be an act of complete stupidity in my opinion and the main reason is that JR does not have the quality of first touch Whitts has, he does not have the range of passing that Whitts has, which current Cardiff player does.

Current statistics show that in terms of short passing accuracy there is little between either player, but Whitts is far better at long pass accuracy. These statistics also show that JR is more likely to lose possession from a poor first touch or to be dispossessed whilst in possession, in fact Whitts is still the standout Cardiff player for receiving the ball and keeping it.

In fairness to JR he is outperforming Whitts in terms of tackling, clearances and intercepting passes but Whitts has blocked shots on our goal and JR hasn't.

As I said earlier JR is in the starting 11 completely on merit but in my opinion at this moment he doesn't have the quality to replace Whitts. If and when he is replaced, and let's face it he will be 31 next month, the club will have to go out and buy someone and right now anyone fancy VT giving Slade the money to buy a player of Whitts quality.

How does it go. Hmmmmmmmmmm