" CARDIFF CITY STAR COULD BE LEAVING ? "

Could this REALLY be Peter Whittingham's last season at Cardiff City?

Whitts has had an offer of a new contract.

Wednesday 22nd February 2017

Peter Whittingham has now had the new contract to sign for six weeks and has not signed it yet,it is believed to be an offer of around £8,000 a week basic, plus bonus appearance money.

It is believed White is currently on £22,000 a week basics and this contract expires June 1st.

Why Bluebirds' fans may have to prepare themselves for the departure of a legend with over 400 appearances and 10 years of service to Cardiff City.


By Dominic Booth

With six goals and seven assists in 28 games this season, it's not as though Peter Whittingham has found himself on the periphery at Cardiff City this season.

And yet, after three sensational victories inside a week for Neil Warnock's side, in which Whittingham didn't feature whatsoever, questions have to be raised regarding the midfielder's future in south Wales.

That coupled with the ongoing contract talks, which seem to have stalled.






So what does the future hold for Whittingham?

The former Aston Villa youth product has legendary status secured in the hearts of the Bluebirds' faithful.

But Warnock's decision to allow the 32-year-old to drop quietly to the bench in recent weeks tells its own story.



Even the sight of Joe Ralls and Craig Noone taking Cardiff's free-kicks, corners and penalties has been odd. For more than a decade now, Whittingham's dead-eyed delivery has been a hallmark of the Bluebirds' game.

But one of the huge positives to take from recent performances is that Cardiff appear less reliant on those set-pieces producing goals. Noone, Kadeem Harris and Kenneth Zohore have all scored fluent goals from open play.

Ralls is improving in midfield, even if he'll never be a natural playmaker like Whittingham. Alongside Aron Gunnarsson however, the 23-year-old has formed a reliable partnership.


Now it seems the reality that Whittingham could actually leave has finally hit home.

The club will have to make some tough decisions in the summer and few are as bold and brave as Warnock when it comes to making them.

The likes of Emyr Huws, Matty Kennedy and Stuart O'Keefe are all out on loan at the moment, but could come back into the first team picture in the summer, as Warnock rebuilds with promotion in his sights.

Huws in particular, has been hugely impressive for Ipswich , notching a goal, an assist and a Man Of The Match display in his first four games for the Tractor Boys. With his ball-playing skills and cultured passing game, the Welsh international may be a natural heir to Whittingham's throne if and when he returns.



Greg Halford's arrival from Rotherham has also limited Whittingham's playing time since January, with Warnock preferring the utility man's defensive instincts to shield the defence in away games. And for all Whittingham's great qualities, he's never been a defensive-minded player.

Another central midfielder with attacking licence might be on Warnock's summer shopping list as well.





What happens now?

There may come a time when Whittingham and Warnock both agree that a move is best for all parties.

It might be unpalatable for those Cardiff fans who — quite rightly — worship Whittingham. And the left-footed magician's achievements in a Cardiff shirt should never be undervalued. A promotion, a play-off final, a League Cup final and an FA Cup final, plus nearly a century of goals — they don't just happen by chance.

It's unlikely that Cardiff City Stadium will see another player with such longevity and consistency.

There's still a chance Whittingham will extend his long stay in south Wales. But with every week that passes by, every win achieved without Whittingham, more questions will be raised. His future — for the first time in 10 years — is far from guaranteed.

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There's a contract offer in front of him. I expect him to sign it.

I'm a big fan of Whitts but if he signs the new contract, he has to accept a pay-cut and that he won't necessarily be a first team starter.

We've had a decent run of results recently, and he hasn't been starting.

Would like to keep him but can understand both parties if it doesn't happen

let's be honest if any of us were offered 8 grand a week we would jump at it

let's be honest if any of us were offered 8 grand a week we would jump at it

Massive drop in wages by 14k a week, 56 grand a month HOWEVER he is in his twilight years and doubtful he will find a better offer elsewhere, he would be foolish not to sign it.

it is believed to be an offer of around £8,000 a week basic, plus bonus appearance money.

Nice house, Family settled, cannot see many paying him 22k

I'm sure he could manage on 8k per week.

Im a big fan of Whitts, In fact for his loyalty I would probably put him in the same category as "Joe" Dwyer, but if we think with our "club head" on rather than our "supporter head" it doesnt make economical sense to invest in players who are over the age of 30 (unless they are GK).

It sad but true.

The contract offered suggests the club want him gone. I agree, he has to accept taking a cut but a cut of nearly 66% is a bit much if those figures are true. I would expect him to be offered between £12k and £16k on a year-by-year basis. Let's be honest though, his best years are behind him and he's clearly not a Neil Warnock type of player. I think it's almost inevitable he'll leave. He's been a class act for us on and off the pitch. I'll always regard him as one of my favourite players. All good things come to an end though. He would leave with my best wishes and fondest memories.

Whitts is finished as a first team starter the club are right to offer what they think he's worth

it is believed to be an offer of around £8,000 a week basic, plus bonus appearance money.

Nice house, Family settled, cannot see many paying him 22k

I'm sure he could manage on 8k per week.

You can't blame him from testing the waters and seeing if any offers come via his agent. I agree £8000pw is amazing money and we would all love to have the chance to earn such riches. His argument would probably be that a footballers career is a short one and he has to maximise his earnings whilst he can because in 3 to 4 years he will be retired and earning nothing.

"His argument would probably be that a footballers career is a short one and he has to maximise his earnings whilst he can because in 3 to 4 years he will be retired and earning nothing."

This never ceases to amaze me. Why do footballers think that they cannot do anything else after the age of 35. Yes a playing career is short but there are thousands upon thousands of workers who never get a career (or salary) anything like the length of a professional footballer. People get made redundant all the time and have to retrain to do something else.
Why is it that footballers can't these days? They always used to. Many ran pubs, became salesmen, set up their own businesses or even stayed in the game as managers, coaches, kit men etc.
Pampered or what!!!

Lets put it another way how do you think supporters would feel/react if the club or any other club signed a 30 year old player past his best on a free transfer within their budget and in the knowledge he would not be a regular first team starter but would just be added to the squad to add something different tactical wise now and again for 8 K p w.

Whittingham is goldust - keep him on I say.

As for those that say he should make do with whatever he's offered blah blah you are ignoring the economic dynamics at play - if a club offer him more then he is worth more, if not then he isn't.

Look at Hoilett - out of contract when we got him.

Lets put it another way how do you think supporters would feel/react if the club or any other club signed a 30 year old player past his best on a free transfer within their budget and in the knowledge he would not be a regular first team starter but would just be added to the squad to add something different tactical wise now and again for 8 K p w.

Already done this with Lambert!

Whitts is entitled to a testimonial so that together with his current offer should prove a carrot. Would he want to uproot for 18k elsewhere? I don't think so and he could have the choice of many positions within the club later in life should he stay.

it is believed to be an offer of around £8,000 a week basic, plus bonus appearance money.

Nice house, Family settled, cannot see many paying him 22k

I'm sure he could manage on 8k per week.

You can't blame him from testing the waters and seeing if any offers come via his agent. I agree £8000pw is amazing money and we would all love to have the chance to earn such riches. His argument would probably be that a footballers career is a short one and he has to maximise his earnings whilst he can because in 3 to 4 years he will be retired and earning nothing.

Yes Tony but also the clubs argument would be 'you are not in our plans at your age, so this is what we think you are worth at this time'
And as for short career well all these footballers should either have enough to see them through from what they've made or prepare for the future if you know they're on a short career.

Lets put it another way how do you think supporters would feel/react if the club or any other club signed a 30 year old player past his best on a free transfer within their budget and in the knowledge he would not be a regular first team starter but would just be added to the squad to add something different tactical wise now and again for 8 K p w.

Already done this with Lambert!

Whitts is entitled to a testimonial so that together with his current offer should prove a carrot. Would he want to uproot for 18k elsewhere? I don't think so and he could have the choice of many positions within the club later in life should he stay.

Totally agree ,he could stay with the club and do his coaching if that's what he wants to do with his life

To me he not only has the best left foot I've ever seen down the City, but he is such a quiet, unassuming fella who has done the lot with us.

I know he's paid well I get that - but he's ours, and to me will always be our number 7.

CTID

He's in no hurry to sign club won't withdraw offer so he can wait see if anyone else wants him and offer better wages and playing options . As far as we're concerned if goes free up more money for more appropriate player for NW style of play. !

I just hope he stays.

£8k is a disgrace, given what he was earning previously. He'll be offered more elsewhere.

He's in no hurry to sign club won't withdraw offer so he can wait see if anyone else wants him and offer better wages and playing options . As far as we're concerned if goes free up more money for more appropriate player for NW style of play. !

Totally agree

Absolutely astonished by some of the comments here, he has been dropped 14k in wages for what? Age?

A guy who has no injury problems and is barely injury prone who mustered up 6 goals and 7 assists this season in a team that was 23rd at one point, if he was like a Rickie Lambert injury prone and not contributing much but he has contributed 28.8 percent of our goals this season Whittingham..

I think that offer is disgusting and it should be minimum half cut of his wages, this guy is not finished here and is our second top scorer and you can say we had a few penalties but you have to remember someone has to convert them.. penalties have been deciding factors in games for us this season.. you look at Bristol City home, big game for us and the calm head give us the lead in that game.

I hope he accepts it but don't blame him if he didn't.. he shouldn't be offered less than half his current wages.

I'm one that sentimental value in football shouldn't come into play especially if you are playing but I don't get what the problems are with Whittingham? 32 years old and mustered up 6 goals and 7 assists in a side that hasn't been brilliant since the turn of the year.. never injury prone and always give 110% in every game, been through a lot of things with this club and still signed contract after contract and had bigger offers than us near enough every season with us.

£8k is a disgrace, given what he was earning previously. He'll be offered more elsewhere.

May seem a disgrace but club could just do nothing and let him go? If not in NW plans why keep him on 15k to be on bench! People complain club of wasting money when they do something the right way that's a disgrace!

Will be back in the side soon and will prove ( yet again ), that he remains an important member of the first team squad. Get that testimonial arranged

Absolutely astonished by some of the comments here, he has been dropped 14k in wages for what? Age?

A guy who has no injury problems and is barely injury prone who mustered up 6 goals and 7 assists this season in a team that was 23rd at one point, if he was like a Rickie Lambert injury prone and not contributing much but he has contributed 28.8 percent of our goals this season Whittingham..

I think that offer is disgusting and it should be minimum half cut of his wages, this guy is not finished here and is our second top scorer and you can say we had a few penalties but you have to remember someone has to convert them.. penalties have been deciding factors in games for us this season.. you look at Bristol City home, big game for us and the calm head give us the lead in that game.

I hope he accepts it but don't blame him if he didn't.. he shouldn't be offered less than half his current wages.

I'm one that sentimental value in football shouldn't come into play especially if you are playing but I don't get what the problems are with Whittingham? 32 years old and mustered up 6 goals and 7 assists in a side that hasn't been brilliant since the turn of the year.. never injury prone and always give 110% in every game, been through a lot of things with this club and still signed contract after contract and had bigger offers than us near enough every season with us.

The wage he was on was a disgrace ,he s been on premiership contract playing average championship playing, just the same as some other players at the club time to cut our cloth hopefully warnock is doing that

Absolutely astonished by some of the comments here, he has been dropped 14k in wages for what? Age?

A guy who has no injury problems and is barely injury prone who mustered up 6 goals and 7 assists this season in a team that was 23rd at one point, if he was like a Rickie Lambert injury prone and not contributing much but he has contributed 28.8 percent of our goals this season Whittingham..

I think that offer is disgusting and it should be minimum half cut of his wages, this guy is not finished here and is our second top scorer and you can say we had a few penalties but you have to remember someone has to convert them.. penalties have been deciding factors in games for us this season.. you look at Bristol City home, big game for us and the calm head give us the lead in that game.

I hope he accepts it but don't blame him if he didn't.. he shouldn't be offered less than half his current wages.

I'm one that sentimental value in football shouldn't come into play especially if you are playing but I don't get what the problems are with Whittingham? 32 years old and mustered up 6 goals and 7 assists in a side that hasn't been brilliant since the turn of the year.. never injury prone and always give 110% in every game, been through a lot of things with this club and still signed contract after contract and had bigger offers than us near enough every season with us.

I think your letting your heart rule your head. It's clear Whitts doesn't fit Warnocks style or future plans. Should the club still offer high wages? Warnocks the manager if he doesn't see whitts as an integral part of the team next season then he is right to hold back on high wages.
Let's be honest here as great a club legend Whitts is his level is championship, he's 33 next season and I can't see any clubs offering more than the 8k so why should we? We're not a charity.

Lets put it another way how do you think supporters would feel/react if the club or any other club signed a 30 year old player past his best on a free transfer within their budget and in the knowledge he would not be a regular first team starter but would just be added to the squad to add something different tactical wise now and again for 8 K p w.

Spot on.

Whitts has had stability and bloody good wages for a long time at Cardiff City I'm struggling to see why some think we should pay over the odds because he's been here so long.

Absolutely astonished by some of the comments here, he has been dropped 14k in wages for what? Age?

A guy who has no injury problems and is barely injury prone who mustered up 6 goals and 7 assists this season in a team that was 23rd at one point, if he was like a Rickie Lambert injury prone and not contributing much but he has contributed 28.8 percent of our goals this season Whittingham..

I think that offer is disgusting and it should be minimum half cut of his wages, this guy is not finished here and is our second top scorer and you can say we had a few penalties but you have to remember someone has to convert them.. penalties have been deciding factors in games for us this season.. you look at Bristol City home, big game for us and the calm head give us the lead in that game.

I hope he accepts it but don't blame him if he didn't.. he shouldn't be offered less than half his current wages.

I'm one that sentimental value in football shouldn't come into play especially if you are playing but I don't get what the problems are with Whittingham? 32 years old and mustered up 6 goals and 7 assists in a side that hasn't been brilliant since the turn of the year.. never injury prone and always give 110% in every game, been through a lot of things with this club and still signed contract after contract and had bigger offers than us near enough every season with us.

I think your letting your heart rule your head. It's clear Whitts doesn't fit Warnocks style or future plans. Should the club still offer high wages? Warnocks the manager if he doesn't see whitts as an integral part of the team next season then he is right to hold back on high wages.
Let's be honest here as great a club legend Whitts is his level is championship, he's 33 next season and I can't see any clubs offering more than the 8k so why should we? We're not a charity.

Top post people need to get real warnock is the manager and would have a say on if a player is worth an amount, if he leaves that frees up over a million pound a year just on his contract

"His argument would probably be that a footballers career is a short one and he has to maximise his earnings whilst he can because in 3 to 4 years he will be retired and earning nothing."

This never ceases to amaze me. Why do footballers think that they cannot do anything else after the age of 35. Yes a playing career is short but there are thousands upon thousands of workers who never get a career (or salary) anything like the length of a professional footballer. People get made redundant all the time and have to retrain to do something else.
Why is it that footballers can't these days? They always used to. Many ran pubs, became salesmen, set up their own businesses or even stayed in the game as managers, coaches, kit men etc.
Pampered or what!!!

Agreed, top post! Great to have an injection of sanity. There's poor buggers (barely) surviving on £75 a week!