What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Tue Feb 17, 2015 1:32 pm
They made you laugh, they made you cry. They made you gasp with astonishment and frustration. They’re the names you remember pulling on the Bluebirds’ shirt.
But what became of some of the most memorable characters to have played for Cardiff City?
From greenkeepers to hypnotists and dog groomers, some of these former Bluebirds have gone on to have weird and wonderful careers.
If you've ever wondered just what happened to the likes of Wimbleton, Whalley, Weston, Stant, Dale and Baddeley then you've come to the right place.
Wednesday 18th Feb 2015
GODFREY INGRAM
Until the days of Cardiff City £1m transfers, the £200,000 paid out for Godfrey Ingram was Cardiff’s record fee. It turned out to be little more than a glorified loan move, Ingram heading back to San Jose for the same fee nine weeks later. Ingram has enjoyed California since his retirement, entering the financial business, founding several venture capital firms. and helping companies start up. His hobby is said to be flying helicopters.
PETER SAYER
Peter Sayer’s FA Cup winner against Tottenham in 1977 – shooting home as four defenders chase him down – was regularly featured on Match Of The Day credits. The midfielder earned seven caps for Wales before heading back north and, after retiring, he became steward at Preston Golf Club.
PAT HEARD
Played for Cardiff during the 1990s. Embarked on a variety of careers after retiring from playing, becoming a publican in both Hull and Chesterfield, a summariser for Free Radio Birmingham, stage hypnotist and later an approved driving instructor.
RON HEALEY
One of the best goalkeepers to turn out for Cardiff, a regular in their 1970s Welsh Cup-winning sides and a Republic of Ireland international. Forced by injury to quit and set up a goalkeeper training academy in Manchester. Called Just4Keepers, he now runs it with his son Scott, also a former No.1.
SPENCER PRIOR
Spencer Prior’s tale of being made to eat sheep’s testicles as a condition of his move to Cardiff City has gone down in folklore. The centre-half was a big presence over his three years with the club and finished his career in Australia. He moved into coaching as assistant coach with the Matildas (women’s team) and U-20s. Is now the head of selection for Football Federation Tasmania.
JUNICHI INAMOTO
Junichi Inamoto’s loan spell at Cardiff City in the 2004-05 season sparked huge interest in the Far East, with fans travelling to see the Japan midfielder pull on the blue shirt. Played 14 league games for the Bluebirds before heading home via Turkey, Germany and France.Now 35, he signed for second-tier Consadole Sapporo in January 2015.
GARY CROFT
Gary Croft will be remembered for being the first footballer to play with an electronic tag when at Ipswich. Was part of the 2003 play-off squad, but hit by injuries. Returned to Grimsby and has since become a property developer, forming an estate agency with members of his family called Crofts, as well as being a radio pundit.
PAUL WIMBLETON
Paul Wimbleton’s long blond hair was easy to see in City’s midfield during his 100-plus league appearances at the end of the 1980s. The former Bluebird then flew all around the world to play before setting in America. The Hampshire-born Wimbleton now runs the Three Lions Soccer Academy in Marlton, New Jersey.
GARETH WHALLEY
The man who played the pass for Andy Campbell’s famous goal in 2003. Since moving into coaching, Whalley has honed his craft with a range of age groups in the Manchester City Academy, and has recently been appointed u18s assistant coach alongside former England winger Jason Wilcox.
RHYS WESTON
The former Wales and Cardiff defender travelled all around the world to prolong his career, after playing in Iceland, Norway and Malaysia, he returned to AFC Wimbledon. But hung up his boots to become a sales consultant for YourGolfTravel.com
NICKY RICHARDSON
Nick Richardson’s flowing block locks were a familiar sight in Cardiff City’s midfield during the 90s. Following his retirement from the game, he went into teaching back in his native Halifax. Now, with his hair shorter and greyer, he has founded AIM (Achievement In Mind), a sports psychology profiling and educational website.
JOHN ROBINSON
The former Wales international’s spell at Cardiff was typified by his usual hard work. He ran soccer schools in Sussex, but after retiring, moved to the United States, setting up a company running training camps and tours for youngsters. Robinson has also been appointed head coach and program director at South West Florida Adrenaline.
DES HAMILTON
The legend that was Disco Des finished his career at Barnet, after leaving Grimsby in 2004. Moved into education and now works as a full-time health mentor in Bradford, taking Project HE:RO to schools. Hamilton provides support to disengaged and vulnerable children, whilst inspiring all pupils to adopt healthy lifestyles.
LEE BADDELEY
The tough defender once claimed his prize for being marked as a Face In The Crowd in a Football Echo competition while sitting out a match. After his career finished at Exeter, he took a greenkeeping course at a golf club in the city and now works at the Downes Crediton club in Devon.
PAUL SHAW
When Paul Shaw joined on loan from Arsenal, many fans thought they had signed Paul Merson. But supporters never saw Shaw score in his six Cardiff appearances, though he did have a decent career at Millwall and Gillingham. After playing around to world, he settled in the US and is now the coach of the Orlando City Under-23s side.
PHIL STANT
Manchester United had Cantona, Cardiff had Stantona, a huge favourite with the Ninian Park crowd. The former SAS soldier, who fought in the Falklands War, became the Football League’s Senior Youth Regional Manager. He has maintained the links between football and the military led a delegation to visit France last year to commemorate the Great War.
COHEN GRIFFITH
Also known by his first name, Cohen’s whole-hearted efforts won over the hearts of the fans during his time at Cardiff following his move from non-league Kettering. Is now a lecturer at Ystrad Mynach College, with a special responsibility for health and fitness.
JASON PERRY
Forget Stuart Pearce, Perry was the original ‘Psycho’, often single-handedly keeping Cardiff in game during his time with the Bluebirds. Now mixes a spot of media work with his role at Pencoed College, where he is a lecturer and runs the Bridgend Development football academy.
ANDY DIBBLE
Started his career at Cardiff and was a dependable number one. Then, as with most goalkeepers, had a much-travelled career, including successful spells at Luton Town and Manchester City. Turned to coaching, and is now at Championship side Rotherham. His son, Christian, has followed in his glove steps at Barnsley.
JEFF HEMMERMAN
The striker had a tremendous scoring record with Cardiff City, hitting 22 league goals in 55 games. Following retirement he trained as a physiotherapist and worked for Cardiff City before setting up his own rehabilitation clinic in Newport
CARL DALE
His goals kept Cardiff City in the Football League in 1995, and he hit more than 100 for the Bluebirds. Scored the final goal at Ninian in a legends game in 2009. Set up as an electrician in Newport after finishing his playing career.
RICHARD LANGLEY
Langley’s languid style wasn’t always suited to Cardiff’s midfield, but a fine player. Following retirement, he now works as an agent for Skill Equal and has a blog called Kicking it My Way, describing himself as a “student of the game.”
MARK DELANEY
Affectionately known as ‘Forrest’ for his ability to run and run and run, Delaney’s form at Cardiff led to a move to Aaston Villa and 36 Wales caps before injury ended his career. Now back at Villa Park as coach to the Under-16s squad.
TONY CARSS
A regular during that Russell Osman-Kenny Hibbitt-Frank Burrows year, Carss will be remembered bombing up and down the left. After completing a media studies course, Carss went into coaching and is now the Lead Professional Development Coach at Huddersfield Town.
GARETH STOKER
The epitome of a midfield battler, opponents knew they’d been Stoker-ed in a tackle, but injury hit his stay at Ninian. Now owns and manages TSC Sports and Dance Coaching in Leeds, provided a team of sports, dance and gymnastic coaches in and out of schools across West and North Yorkshire.
GARY STEVENS
Twice the top scorer during his four-year spell at Cardiff, having been signed from Evesham, where he played while working in a chicken factory. Now lectures at the Herefordshire and Ludlow College and helps run the Football Academy, which has linked up with Cheltenham Town.
Some of my personal favourites where Perry,Nicky Richardson, Stant and Carl Dale.
But what became of some of the most memorable characters to have played for Cardiff City?
From greenkeepers to hypnotists and dog groomers, some of these former Bluebirds have gone on to have weird and wonderful careers.
If you've ever wondered just what happened to the likes of Wimbleton, Whalley, Weston, Stant, Dale and Baddeley then you've come to the right place.
Wednesday 18th Feb 2015
GODFREY INGRAM
Until the days of Cardiff City £1m transfers, the £200,000 paid out for Godfrey Ingram was Cardiff’s record fee. It turned out to be little more than a glorified loan move, Ingram heading back to San Jose for the same fee nine weeks later. Ingram has enjoyed California since his retirement, entering the financial business, founding several venture capital firms. and helping companies start up. His hobby is said to be flying helicopters.
PETER SAYER
Peter Sayer’s FA Cup winner against Tottenham in 1977 – shooting home as four defenders chase him down – was regularly featured on Match Of The Day credits. The midfielder earned seven caps for Wales before heading back north and, after retiring, he became steward at Preston Golf Club.
PAT HEARD
Played for Cardiff during the 1990s. Embarked on a variety of careers after retiring from playing, becoming a publican in both Hull and Chesterfield, a summariser for Free Radio Birmingham, stage hypnotist and later an approved driving instructor.
RON HEALEY
One of the best goalkeepers to turn out for Cardiff, a regular in their 1970s Welsh Cup-winning sides and a Republic of Ireland international. Forced by injury to quit and set up a goalkeeper training academy in Manchester. Called Just4Keepers, he now runs it with his son Scott, also a former No.1.
SPENCER PRIOR
Spencer Prior’s tale of being made to eat sheep’s testicles as a condition of his move to Cardiff City has gone down in folklore. The centre-half was a big presence over his three years with the club and finished his career in Australia. He moved into coaching as assistant coach with the Matildas (women’s team) and U-20s. Is now the head of selection for Football Federation Tasmania.
JUNICHI INAMOTO
Junichi Inamoto’s loan spell at Cardiff City in the 2004-05 season sparked huge interest in the Far East, with fans travelling to see the Japan midfielder pull on the blue shirt. Played 14 league games for the Bluebirds before heading home via Turkey, Germany and France.Now 35, he signed for second-tier Consadole Sapporo in January 2015.
GARY CROFT
Gary Croft will be remembered for being the first footballer to play with an electronic tag when at Ipswich. Was part of the 2003 play-off squad, but hit by injuries. Returned to Grimsby and has since become a property developer, forming an estate agency with members of his family called Crofts, as well as being a radio pundit.
PAUL WIMBLETON
Paul Wimbleton’s long blond hair was easy to see in City’s midfield during his 100-plus league appearances at the end of the 1980s. The former Bluebird then flew all around the world to play before setting in America. The Hampshire-born Wimbleton now runs the Three Lions Soccer Academy in Marlton, New Jersey.
GARETH WHALLEY
The man who played the pass for Andy Campbell’s famous goal in 2003. Since moving into coaching, Whalley has honed his craft with a range of age groups in the Manchester City Academy, and has recently been appointed u18s assistant coach alongside former England winger Jason Wilcox.
RHYS WESTON
The former Wales and Cardiff defender travelled all around the world to prolong his career, after playing in Iceland, Norway and Malaysia, he returned to AFC Wimbledon. But hung up his boots to become a sales consultant for YourGolfTravel.com
NICKY RICHARDSON
Nick Richardson’s flowing block locks were a familiar sight in Cardiff City’s midfield during the 90s. Following his retirement from the game, he went into teaching back in his native Halifax. Now, with his hair shorter and greyer, he has founded AIM (Achievement In Mind), a sports psychology profiling and educational website.
JOHN ROBINSON
The former Wales international’s spell at Cardiff was typified by his usual hard work. He ran soccer schools in Sussex, but after retiring, moved to the United States, setting up a company running training camps and tours for youngsters. Robinson has also been appointed head coach and program director at South West Florida Adrenaline.
DES HAMILTON
The legend that was Disco Des finished his career at Barnet, after leaving Grimsby in 2004. Moved into education and now works as a full-time health mentor in Bradford, taking Project HE:RO to schools. Hamilton provides support to disengaged and vulnerable children, whilst inspiring all pupils to adopt healthy lifestyles.
LEE BADDELEY
The tough defender once claimed his prize for being marked as a Face In The Crowd in a Football Echo competition while sitting out a match. After his career finished at Exeter, he took a greenkeeping course at a golf club in the city and now works at the Downes Crediton club in Devon.
PAUL SHAW
When Paul Shaw joined on loan from Arsenal, many fans thought they had signed Paul Merson. But supporters never saw Shaw score in his six Cardiff appearances, though he did have a decent career at Millwall and Gillingham. After playing around to world, he settled in the US and is now the coach of the Orlando City Under-23s side.
PHIL STANT
Manchester United had Cantona, Cardiff had Stantona, a huge favourite with the Ninian Park crowd. The former SAS soldier, who fought in the Falklands War, became the Football League’s Senior Youth Regional Manager. He has maintained the links between football and the military led a delegation to visit France last year to commemorate the Great War.
COHEN GRIFFITH
Also known by his first name, Cohen’s whole-hearted efforts won over the hearts of the fans during his time at Cardiff following his move from non-league Kettering. Is now a lecturer at Ystrad Mynach College, with a special responsibility for health and fitness.
JASON PERRY
Forget Stuart Pearce, Perry was the original ‘Psycho’, often single-handedly keeping Cardiff in game during his time with the Bluebirds. Now mixes a spot of media work with his role at Pencoed College, where he is a lecturer and runs the Bridgend Development football academy.
ANDY DIBBLE
Started his career at Cardiff and was a dependable number one. Then, as with most goalkeepers, had a much-travelled career, including successful spells at Luton Town and Manchester City. Turned to coaching, and is now at Championship side Rotherham. His son, Christian, has followed in his glove steps at Barnsley.
JEFF HEMMERMAN
The striker had a tremendous scoring record with Cardiff City, hitting 22 league goals in 55 games. Following retirement he trained as a physiotherapist and worked for Cardiff City before setting up his own rehabilitation clinic in Newport
CARL DALE
His goals kept Cardiff City in the Football League in 1995, and he hit more than 100 for the Bluebirds. Scored the final goal at Ninian in a legends game in 2009. Set up as an electrician in Newport after finishing his playing career.
RICHARD LANGLEY
Langley’s languid style wasn’t always suited to Cardiff’s midfield, but a fine player. Following retirement, he now works as an agent for Skill Equal and has a blog called Kicking it My Way, describing himself as a “student of the game.”
MARK DELANEY
Affectionately known as ‘Forrest’ for his ability to run and run and run, Delaney’s form at Cardiff led to a move to Aaston Villa and 36 Wales caps before injury ended his career. Now back at Villa Park as coach to the Under-16s squad.
TONY CARSS
A regular during that Russell Osman-Kenny Hibbitt-Frank Burrows year, Carss will be remembered bombing up and down the left. After completing a media studies course, Carss went into coaching and is now the Lead Professional Development Coach at Huddersfield Town.
GARETH STOKER
The epitome of a midfield battler, opponents knew they’d been Stoker-ed in a tackle, but injury hit his stay at Ninian. Now owns and manages TSC Sports and Dance Coaching in Leeds, provided a team of sports, dance and gymnastic coaches in and out of schools across West and North Yorkshire.
GARY STEVENS
Twice the top scorer during his four-year spell at Cardiff, having been signed from Evesham, where he played while working in a chicken factory. Now lectures at the Herefordshire and Ludlow College and helps run the Football Academy, which has linked up with Cheltenham Town.
Some of my personal favourites where Perry,Nicky Richardson, Stant and Carl Dale.
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Tue Feb 17, 2015 3:27 pm
anyone know what happened to greg farrell and where he is now ? also alan warboys and tony evans would like to know maybe this forum could start a where are they now 
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Tue Feb 17, 2015 11:46 pm
What about Eddie Johnson???
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:27 pm
nubbsy wrote:What about Eddie Johnson???
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:28 pm
What about Adrian Alston what's he doing know
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Wed Feb 18, 2015 11:00 pm
Great post!
Nicky Richardson, Lee baddely, Phil Stant and Carl Dale etc great memories of those when I was about 14
Nicky Richardson, Lee baddely, Phil Stant and Carl Dale etc great memories of those when I was about 14
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Thu Feb 19, 2015 10:37 am
Adrian Alston:
I sell stuff on eBay. Someone called 'Alston' from Australia bought something so I thought I'd ask if he was related; turned out Adrian was his brother!
Apparently our Adrian's long been back in Aussi, retired from everything. I think I remember his brother saying he'd had a heart attack.
I sell stuff on eBay. Someone called 'Alston' from Australia bought something so I thought I'd ask if he was related; turned out Adrian was his brother!
Apparently our Adrian's long been back in Aussi, retired from everything. I think I remember his brother saying he'd had a heart attack.
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Thu Feb 19, 2015 11:05 am
Carl Dale was my fav player when I was a young lad! 
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Thu Feb 19, 2015 12:07 pm
kalamazoomakone wrote:anyone know what happened to greg farrell and where he is now ? also alan warboys and tony evans would like to know maybe this forum could start a where are they now
Yes seeing the name Greg Farrell reminded me. I think I saw him play against Crystal Palace and he got sent off for punching a Palace player flat out. I think the result was 1 - 0 or 2- 1. It may have been the first game I went to. Long time ago and far away........
does anyone know where he is and if my memory is correct?
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Fri Feb 20, 2015 5:37 pm
Lengee wrote:kalamazoomakone wrote:anyone know what happened to greg farrell and where he is now ? also alan warboys and tony evans would like to know maybe this forum could start a where are they now
Yes seeing the name Greg Farrell reminded me. I think I saw him play against Crystal Palace and he got sent off for punching a Palace player flat out. I think the result was 1 - 0 or 2- 1. It may have been the first game I went to. Long time ago and far away........
I'd almost forgotten that match but I'm pretty sure we lost it. The sending off contributing to the defeat. I think Farrell lives in South Africa but I recall reading that he did call into the CCS when he was over here a couple of years ago. But not on a match day.
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Sat Feb 21, 2015 10:02 am
Es you are right I could not recall if it was 2 -1 or 1 - 0 to Palace but..........happy days
Re: What Became Of City's Cult Heros From The Past.
Sat Feb 21, 2015 10:36 am
kalamazoomakone wrote:anyone know what happened to greg farrell and where he is now ? also alan warboys and tony evans would like to know maybe this forum could start a where are they now
I heard that Warboys ended up driving trucks around the North of England after he retired. I think I read somewhere that he now runs a pub, but not sure as this is only what other people have told me.