Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 5:30 am
Former Cardiff City defender Danny Gabbidon has reflected on his “perfect season” after helping Crystal Palace join his old club at Premier League level.
The Bluebirds were promoted as champions, while Gabbidon’s Palace went up via a 1-0 Championship play-off final win against Watford at Wembley Stadium.
“It was great to see Cardiff go up and for us to be there with them is simply perfect,” says Gabbidon. “It’s a fairytale. I can’t find the words to describe it – just unbelievable.
“As a Welsh boy it’s fantastic that Cardiff won the title and went up. It makes life all the sweeter for us to be up there with them.”
Wales international Gabbidon, from Cwmbran, signed for Palace on a free transfer from Queens Park Rangers last September.
, turning down offers from Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town to stay in London.
He didn’t make his Eagles’ debut until December, but finally broke into the team, made 10 Championship appearances and started in all three of Palace’s play-off matches as they defeated Brighton 2-0 on aggregate and then Watford at Wembley.
Gabbidon, 33, is out of contract with Palace this summer, but wants to stay with the London club.
He has yet to have talks with manager Ian Holloway, but is hopeful he will be offered a new deal.
“There haven’t been any talks, but things were so busy leading up to and after the final against Watford there was no time,” says Gabbidon. “It wasn’t really appropriate to do it before the game anyway.
“I will see what my options are over the next few weeks. This was one of the most enjoyable seasons of my career and I would love to stay.”
Gabbidon started his pro career at West Bromwich Albion during 1998, while he initially signed for Cardiff on loan during August 2000, making a total of 200 league appearances and playing a major role in City’s promotion via the 2003 play-off.
He played in all three play-off matches as the Bluebirds defeated Bristol City over two legs and then Queens Park Rangers in the final with goalkeeper Neil Alexander keeping a clean sheet in all three matches.
It was during 2005 that Gabbidon, along with fellow defender James Collins, left Ninian Park to sign for West Ham.
Former Cardiff manager Dave Jones moved to bring Gabbidon back to South Wales during January 2011 and the centre-half was keen to return, but says: “It certainly looked as though it would happen, but then West Ham wouldn’t let me leave and it all got a bit messed up.
“It didn’t materialise in the end and that was disappointing.
“I played a lot of games for Cardiff and have a lot of love for the club. I had some great times and often felt it would be good to go back one day.”
Now, though, Gabbidon has his heart set on playing for Palace against the Bluebirds at Premier League level next season, while team-mate Wilfried Zaha is joining Manchester United.
“I honestly don’t know what happens with me now,” he says. “I did say to Wilf, ‘See you in the Premier League.’ It would be nice to do that.
“We all knew if we defended well and gave Wilf the ball he could do something with it. That’s what happened. He made the difference.
“He has been at Palace a long time and owes the club a lot. The player who the fans see – a lot of work has been done by this club to make him that good.
“He was a bit emotional afterwards. Now he realises what the club has done for him. But I am pleased for him that it worked out the way it did.”
Gabbidon enjoyed more than five years Premier League experience with West Ham, where he made 112 first-team appearances, and would love another crack at the top flight.
“Working with the lads at Palace has been one of the happiest times in my career,” he said. “We get on so well and I believe that is why we are where we are.
“The young lads are respectful and everybody is friendly. There are no egos – we work for each other. That shows on the pitch.
“Dougie Freedman set the standards he expected the others to abide by, and the gaffer (Ian Holloway) has come in and taken that on.
“It comes across in the attitude of the players and the enthusiasm of the manager. When we had a blip, we came out fighting.”
Gabbidon and central defensive partner Damien Delaney restricted Watford to half chances in the Championship play-off final, just like Cardiff a decade earlier, the Eagles completed the play-offs without conceding a goal.
“One bit of brilliance from Wilf and Kevin Phillips was never going to miss that penalty in the final,” he said.
Gabbidon knows all about the highs and lows of football life. He was in the depths of despair when Wales were beaten by Russia in a play-off game for the chance to play in Euro 2004 – and at the height of joy when his Cardiff team won the 2003 play-offs.
Then came the shattering blow when his West Ham team lost an FA Cup final penalty shoot-out against Liverpool after Steven Gerrard had scored a 90th-minute equaliser in Cardiff.
“Liverpool scored very late, the final went into extra-time and we lost on penalties,” said Gabbidon. “I had never been able to figure out what made players burst into tears on the pitch before then.
“But that was an emotional thing to go through. Winning a final at Wembley, beating Watford to earn promotion, was at the other end of the scale. It’s the best way to get promoted, but defeat in a play-off final could also be the worst time of your football life.
“Thankfully, we came through a difficult test and Palace are in the Premier League. I’d love to stay. It would be fantastic to be back at the top level again. Decisions on my future will be made over the next few weeks.”
The Bluebirds were promoted as champions, while Gabbidon’s Palace went up via a 1-0 Championship play-off final win against Watford at Wembley Stadium.
“It was great to see Cardiff go up and for us to be there with them is simply perfect,” says Gabbidon. “It’s a fairytale. I can’t find the words to describe it – just unbelievable.
“As a Welsh boy it’s fantastic that Cardiff won the title and went up. It makes life all the sweeter for us to be up there with them.”
Wales international Gabbidon, from Cwmbran, signed for Palace on a free transfer from Queens Park Rangers last September.
, turning down offers from Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town to stay in London.
He didn’t make his Eagles’ debut until December, but finally broke into the team, made 10 Championship appearances and started in all three of Palace’s play-off matches as they defeated Brighton 2-0 on aggregate and then Watford at Wembley.
Gabbidon, 33, is out of contract with Palace this summer, but wants to stay with the London club.
He has yet to have talks with manager Ian Holloway, but is hopeful he will be offered a new deal.
“There haven’t been any talks, but things were so busy leading up to and after the final against Watford there was no time,” says Gabbidon. “It wasn’t really appropriate to do it before the game anyway.
“I will see what my options are over the next few weeks. This was one of the most enjoyable seasons of my career and I would love to stay.”
Gabbidon started his pro career at West Bromwich Albion during 1998, while he initially signed for Cardiff on loan during August 2000, making a total of 200 league appearances and playing a major role in City’s promotion via the 2003 play-off.
He played in all three play-off matches as the Bluebirds defeated Bristol City over two legs and then Queens Park Rangers in the final with goalkeeper Neil Alexander keeping a clean sheet in all three matches.
It was during 2005 that Gabbidon, along with fellow defender James Collins, left Ninian Park to sign for West Ham.
Former Cardiff manager Dave Jones moved to bring Gabbidon back to South Wales during January 2011 and the centre-half was keen to return, but says: “It certainly looked as though it would happen, but then West Ham wouldn’t let me leave and it all got a bit messed up.
“It didn’t materialise in the end and that was disappointing.
“I played a lot of games for Cardiff and have a lot of love for the club. I had some great times and often felt it would be good to go back one day.”
Now, though, Gabbidon has his heart set on playing for Palace against the Bluebirds at Premier League level next season, while team-mate Wilfried Zaha is joining Manchester United.
“I honestly don’t know what happens with me now,” he says. “I did say to Wilf, ‘See you in the Premier League.’ It would be nice to do that.
“We all knew if we defended well and gave Wilf the ball he could do something with it. That’s what happened. He made the difference.
“He has been at Palace a long time and owes the club a lot. The player who the fans see – a lot of work has been done by this club to make him that good.
“He was a bit emotional afterwards. Now he realises what the club has done for him. But I am pleased for him that it worked out the way it did.”
Gabbidon enjoyed more than five years Premier League experience with West Ham, where he made 112 first-team appearances, and would love another crack at the top flight.
“Working with the lads at Palace has been one of the happiest times in my career,” he said. “We get on so well and I believe that is why we are where we are.
“The young lads are respectful and everybody is friendly. There are no egos – we work for each other. That shows on the pitch.
“Dougie Freedman set the standards he expected the others to abide by, and the gaffer (Ian Holloway) has come in and taken that on.
“It comes across in the attitude of the players and the enthusiasm of the manager. When we had a blip, we came out fighting.”
Gabbidon and central defensive partner Damien Delaney restricted Watford to half chances in the Championship play-off final, just like Cardiff a decade earlier, the Eagles completed the play-offs without conceding a goal.
“One bit of brilliance from Wilf and Kevin Phillips was never going to miss that penalty in the final,” he said.
Gabbidon knows all about the highs and lows of football life. He was in the depths of despair when Wales were beaten by Russia in a play-off game for the chance to play in Euro 2004 – and at the height of joy when his Cardiff team won the 2003 play-offs.
Then came the shattering blow when his West Ham team lost an FA Cup final penalty shoot-out against Liverpool after Steven Gerrard had scored a 90th-minute equaliser in Cardiff.
“Liverpool scored very late, the final went into extra-time and we lost on penalties,” said Gabbidon. “I had never been able to figure out what made players burst into tears on the pitch before then.
“But that was an emotional thing to go through. Winning a final at Wembley, beating Watford to earn promotion, was at the other end of the scale. It’s the best way to get promoted, but defeat in a play-off final could also be the worst time of your football life.
“Thankfully, we came through a difficult test and Palace are in the Premier League. I’d love to stay. It would be fantastic to be back at the top level again. Decisions on my future will be made over the next few weeks.”
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 5:41 am
We asked him to do the 
at home the season and he didn't so f**k him 
Gone right down in my book
at home the season and he didn't so f**k him Gone right down in my book
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 9:08 am
What's the EPL?
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 9:41 am
wiltshirebluebird wrote:What's the EPL?
Was wondering that myself
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 10:01 am
English Premier League
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 10:34 am
I think EPL is the leagues official name now isnt it?
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 11:15 am
Gabbidon is a legend
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 3:40 pm
llangainbluebird wrote:wiltshirebluebird wrote:What's the EPL?
Was wondering that myself
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 5:33 pm
llangainbluebird wrote:wiltshirebluebird wrote:What's the EPL?
Was wondering that myself
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 9:06 pm
i bet hes injured
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Fri May 31, 2013 10:38 pm
Gabbidon can't wait? He won't even be in the f**king squad.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Sat Jun 01, 2013 9:49 pm
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Sat Jun 01, 2013 9:52 pm
TopCat CCFC wrote:http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/crystal-palace-transfer-news-danny-1925877?
Someone tell him he is rubbish and passed it.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Sat Jun 01, 2013 9:52 pm
TopCat CCFC wrote:http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/crystal-palace-transfer-news-danny-1925877?
Someone tell him he is rubbish and passed it.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Sun Jun 02, 2013 8:25 am
mjw6150 wrote:Gabbidon is a legend
No he's not.
He was a very good player & had a great partnership with Collins for a few seasons but legend? Never.
The word is so overused.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:44 pm
Crystal Palace Football Club are delighted to confirm that centre-back Danny Gabbidon has had his contract at Selhurst Park extended by a further season.
The Welsh defender arrived at the club on a free transfer in September 2012 and went on to make 14 appearances for the Eagles, including a starting spot for the final seven games of the season as his side clinched a spot in the play-offs and then went on to lift the trophy at Wembley.
The former Cardiff City, West Ham United and QPR defender has amassed well over 350 club appearances during his career, as well as winning 46 caps for the Welsh national side, and adds plenty of Premier League experience to Ian Holloway's squad ahead of their return to the top-flight next season.
Read more at http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/gabb ... 1OQTvLX.99
x
The Welsh defender arrived at the club on a free transfer in September 2012 and went on to make 14 appearances for the Eagles, including a starting spot for the final seven games of the season as his side clinched a spot in the play-offs and then went on to lift the trophy at Wembley.
The former Cardiff City, West Ham United and QPR defender has amassed well over 350 club appearances during his career, as well as winning 46 caps for the Welsh national side, and adds plenty of Premier League experience to Ian Holloway's squad ahead of their return to the top-flight next season.
Read more at http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/gabb ... 1OQTvLX.99
x
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:38 pm
I Bleed Blue wrote:Crystal Palace Football Club are delighted to confirm that centre-back Danny Gabbidon has had his contract at Selhurst Park extended by a further season.
The Welsh defender arrived at the club on a free transfer in September 2012 and went on to make 14 appearances for the Eagles, including a starting spot for the final seven games of the season as his side clinched a spot in the play-offs and then went on to lift the trophy at Wembley.
The former Cardiff City, West Ham United and QPR defender has amassed well over 350 club appearances during his career, as well as winning 46 caps for the Welsh national side, and adds plenty of Premier League experience to Ian Holloway's squad ahead of their return to the top-flight next season.
Read more at http://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/article/gabb ... 1OQTvLX.99
x
They are showing exactly why their favourites to go down.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:41 pm
DandoCCFC wrote:They are showing exactly why their favourites to go down.
Stop talking out of your arse. So they renew a contract of a player that won't play that much in the prem & that means they will go down?
What about us renewing Kev's contract then? Pretty much the same isn't it?
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:43 pm
Barry Chuckle wrote:DandoCCFC wrote:They are showing exactly why their favourites to go down.
Stop talking out of your arse. So they renew a contract of a player that won't play that much in the prem & that means they will go down?
What about us renewing Kev's contract then? Pretty much the same isn't it?
I would imagine he would start a lot of games compared to Kev.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:44 pm
What do you base this assumption on?!
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:46 pm
Barry Chuckle wrote:What do you base this assumption on?!
Holloway hardly goes about buying players.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:49 pm
DandoCCFC wrote:Barry Chuckle wrote:What do you base this assumption on?!
Holloway hardly goes about buying players.
What?
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:51 pm
Barry Chuckle wrote:DandoCCFC wrote:Barry Chuckle wrote:What do you base this assumption on?!
Holloway hardly goes about buying players.
What?
Holloway never goes around the window buying players to strengthen, usually sticks with what he has.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:53 pm
DandoCCFC wrote:Barry Chuckle wrote:DandoCCFC wrote:Barry Chuckle wrote:What do you base this assumption on?!
Holloway hardly goes about buying players.
What?
Holloway never goes around the window buying players to strengthen, usually sticks with what he has.
You don't half talk some rubbish.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:55 pm
Barry Chuckle wrote:DandoCCFC wrote:Barry Chuckle wrote:DandoCCFC wrote:Barry Chuckle wrote:What do you base this assumption on?!
Holloway hardly goes about buying players.
What?
Holloway never goes around the window buying players to strengthen, usually sticks with what he has.
You don't half talk some rubbish.
Feelings neutral.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:57 pm
Go make up some more shit. 
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:58 pm
Barry Chuckle wrote:Go make up some more shit.
I do try you know.
Re: Gabbidon can't wait to face Cardiff in the EPL
Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:46 pm
OriginalGrangeEndBlue wrote:mjw6150 wrote:Gabbidon is a legend
No he's not.
He was a very good player & had a great partnership with Collins for a few seasons but legend? Never.
The word is so overused.
Of course he is, over 100 appearances and involved in one of our biggest games (2003 play off final) and was absolute quality for us. The Gabbidon who played for us is still better than all of the centre backs we have at the moment.