' McPhail vows to play on. '

08th May 2013

Cardiff City stalwart Stephen McPhail leaves club but vows to play on

The 33-year-old, who is taking his coaching badges, insists he still has a few years left as a player despite leaving Cardiff City after six years.

Stephen McPhail insists his playing career is far from finished as he prepares to leave Cardiff City.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder’s City stay is set to end after six years and 220 senior appearances.

But, although the 33-year-old is currently taking his coaching badges and starting on his A licence, he believes he still has a few years left as a player.

“I have loved playing for Cardiff and enjoyed being even a small part of the club’s title triumph this season,” said McPhail.
It’s time to move on now because I want to play on for a couple of seasons at least. I am fit and ready and, for the first time in six or eight months, I am back to where I was three years ago. I don’t where I will play yet but getting back to first-team football is important to me.”

McPhail failed to play a single Championship game this term with his only first-team appearances coming in cup defeats at Northampton and Macclesfield. But the cultured midfielder – whose career has been disrupted by cancer and Sjogren’s Syndrome – has been an over-age regular in City’s successful Premier League Development team.

“My fitness levels are good and I’ve played 20-odd development games,” said McPhail, who has racked up nearly 430 appearances in a career also taking in Leeds and Barnsley. While I realise that’s not first-team football, I have come through the matches with no problems. Maybe I’ll move into coaching in the future, but right now I want to focus on playing for a couple of years. The manager (Malky Mackay) hasn’t been able to get me involved this season, but that’s his decision and I can’t complain.

“It’s been frustrating not being involved but the lads have been great – they are the champions and made me feel part of what they have achieved. It’s great that we have finally got over the line after being so close in the past. I enjoyed the open top bus tour and celebrations and being here as long as Kev (McNaughton) and Whitts (Peter Whittingham), yes, I have felt part of it.”

Good luck Stephen. I'm sure he can still do a job in the Championship.

Doncaster for him?

Doncaster for him?

I was thinking maybe Sheffield Wednesday might go in for him.

I hope one day he returns to us in some form of coaching roll! Been a great servant to us, and an inspiration to all young footballers coming through the ranks on how to be professional. Goodluck stephen.. Youl always be a bluebird

If he wants to play then Newport would be willing I suppose. No travelling, Kids stay in school. I doubt Championship teams will take a punt on him, so div 2 has a lot to offer.

If he wants to play then Newport would be willing I suppose. No travelling, Kids stay in school. I doubt Championship teams will take a punt on him, so div 2 has a lot to offer.

Good shout, he wouldn't have to move home. Don't know what sort of wage they can afford to pay him though.

If he wants to play then Newport would be willing I suppose. No travelling, Kids stay in school. I doubt Championship teams will take a punt on him, so div 2 has a lot to offer.

Good shout, he wouldn't have to move home. Don't know what sort of wage they can afford to pay him though.

Dole money and 50g of smack?

Top man......I've enjoyed watching him at city...........respect.

If he wants to play then Newport would be willing I suppose. No travelling, Kids stay in school. I doubt Championship teams will take a punt on him, so div 2 has a lot to offer.

was talking about this the other day... would be ideal for him...

A great servant to our Club and a real gentleman so wherever Steve ends up I wish him well

Good luck to him, Top professional