' Should Malky Sign Phil Neville? '

or what older pro would you sign?



Malky Mackay urged to make Phil Neville Cardiff City's first Premier League signing


26 Apr 2013
Everton's 36-year-old captain Phil Neville should be Malky Mackay's first summer transfer target, says Sam Ricketts

Malky Mackay has been urged to set his sights on Everton's Phil Neville

Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay has been urged to make top-flight veteran Phil Neville the first part of his Bluebirds rebuilding plans for the Premier League.

The 36-year-old former England international will be leaving Everton during the summer and is seeking a new challenge.

And Wales star Sam Ricketts, who plays for Bolton against Mackay’s Bluebirds tomorrow, reckons Neville is exactly the type of experienced figurehead Mackay will need for the crack at Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal next season.

Cardiff owner Vincent Tan has pledged up to £25m in the summer transfer market as Mackay seeks to bolster his squad.

Ricketts maintains a major restructuring of the squad is not required, provided Mackay brings in the right men.

He said “Ideally I would like to see Cardiff sign someone like Neville.

“Put a player of his experience into the mix, throw in Craig Bellamy and one or two others, and Cardiff will be fine.

“I’ve heard talk of them spending £25m, which is certainly a fair enough amount, although I’m not sure you even need to spend that much.

“I’ve also read reports about the whole Cardiff team needing strengthening, but I don’t believe that.

“Look at QPR. They have spent a phenomenal amount of money, yet they are struggling and look like going down.

“Cardiff have to make sure they protect the team spirit which got them promoted in the first place and give a chance to the players who earned them promotion into the Premier League.

“I certainly think they’ll be fine next season and have no reason whatsoever to be scared.

“They should enjoying the promotion party, while next season will be euphoric for them.

“Malky has brought changes to the team, but the main thing he introduced this season was consistency.

“They had a fantastic start, as they have tended to do down the years, but this time they retained it until the end and have deservedly won the title.”

Mackay is urging his team to finish their home campaign on a high when they take on Ricketts’ play-off chasing Bolton at Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow.

The Bluebirds will be presented with the Championship trophy after the match.

CCFC need an old pro in the back 4 either right back or centre back alongside Hudson ..... defo Neville or as a long shot then why not Carragher ? Taylor should stay in the team IMO as he's a player who can grow into Premier League football

Yes played in the prem at a high level, still is. Think he would fit well into Malkys way of thinking

I like the thought of having Phil Neville but a little part of me thinks we can get better

I like the thought of having Phil Neville but a little part of me thinks we can get better

Who, we are a new team in the prem, a lot of players wont be interested, if we can stay up then next season players will think more about joining us next season

Phil Neville would be a perfect squad member and possible addition to the coaching staff?

I like the thought of having Phil Neville but a little part of me thinks we can get better

Who, we are a new team in the prem, a lot of players wont be interested, if we can stay up then next season players will think more about joining us next season

I completely see the P.Neville argument, no doubt he'd bring experience to the fold but like I said, there are better players out
there, so why not aim for them?!
I'd rather Ledley for instance, he's younger, hungrier and has Champions League experience

Nope too Old Too slow

I thought Bellamy had played 12 seasons in the Premiership? He is an inspiration to younger players also - waste of money for someone at 36

Doesn't have to play every week.

Would be good to have a round the place and good squad cover.

Worth a look, especially if he's free.

his wages won't be free tho

100% yes for me!

Can play at right back, left back or add a bit of steel in midfield if needed.

As for age, wasn't he brought up through the same academy and club as another 'too old' player who is still cutting it right at the top level?

Same mentality and never say die attitude, I think Malky will be taking an interest

100% yes. Model pro.

Has right attitude and would be good in changing room I believe

On the other hand, would Phil Neville want to sign for us??

What about Ricketts. Who thinks he could do a job for us?
Experienced full back, who has good international experience. younger and cheaper.

I don't know if it will be Phil Neville but I have a feeling that VT will want a marquee well know signing. If he is selling CCFC in the Far East he will have to have more than Craig Bellamy IMO.

Wouldnt mind, but I feel he may go to the Championship.

If you were going to bring in an older, hugely experienced Premier league player, to add knowledge and experience to a team that had never played in the Premiership before, then you could not ask for a better candidate than Phil Neville. He has seen and done it and is a consemate professional, who keeps himself in peak condition. If a move here interests him, then we should definitely take him.

Silly rumours, whoever Malky signs then I trust him, he got us here

I agree. We need some experience and know how and Phil Neville fits that bill.

Even if he doesnt play all the games you cannot buy what he offers.

Wold absolutely love Phil Neville here.

It'll be tough to get him though, there's strong rumours that BT want to put a major package together to get him s their analyst for their Premier League coverage.

Yes for me if he would come Right atitude, Expereance and i think still well able

Yes purely as a squad player with experience on a free and as a potential coach after he has retired.

No I think he has shot it.Why do we need old pro's......? we need good committed players and some skill and pace. we have some experienced players......dont waste money on old has beens like QPR did.

I think we could offer him a one year contract. He is strong, has good awareness and can play in various positions.

He has bags of experience in the premier league it's whether he still has that bit of quality that will make the difference

I like the thought of having Phil Neville but a little part of me thinks we can get better

Everyone on here thinks we can get better. Realistically, about 90% of the people we will be linked with and buy would easily walk into our team. Neville being one of them.

Strangely enough, he was the first name that popped into my head when thinking about who City should sign. I obviously would like him to sign for us, we need a few experienced heads for sure!

An fantastic professional IMO