CITY KEEPER NOT TRAVELLING AS TALK INTENSIFIES

Neil Etheridge to West Ham transfer talk intensifies as Cardiff City boss Neil Harris makes decision
By Glen Williams

The Bluebirds goalkeeper has been the subject of interest from West Ham in recent weeks and, amid speculation, the manager has said Etheridge just needs to focus on football


Neil Etheridge will not be involved in Cardiff City's FA Cup third-round replay with Carlisle on Wednesday night as speculation regarding a move to West Ham continues.

The Bluebirds shot stopper was benched for the South Wales derby clash with Swansea City at the weekend, with Alex Smithies taking the gloves.


City boss Neil Harris explained the decision was taken partly due to talk of a move to Premier League outfit West Ham.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph is thought to be the Irons' first choice, however there appears to be a hold up due to concerns over his fitness.

Randolph was due to undergo a second medical at the start of this week, however no information appears to have been disseminated and he is free to play in Boro's FA Cup clash with Tottenham on Tuesday night.

Should a move for Randolph fall through, it is thought Etheridge is the next man on the Hammers' list.


Reports emerged that West Ham had tabled a £7m bid for Etheridge this week, however WalesOnline understands no concrete offer has been made as yet.

But while the saga surrounding this potential transfer continues to fill the column inches, Harris believes it is right for Etheridge to take a step back and work on the training ground.


"Neil won't travel to Carlisle, he won't be involved," Harris said.

"He's trained today and he's fully fit and doing great, smiling and everything.

"At the moment, what I know at this minute is speculation is rife. Neil's not going anywhere, there has just been a lot of speculation for a long time.

"He just needs to focus on playing football.

"I'm not saying he's not going to be involved with us at all between now and the end of the month, that's not the scenario at all.

"Just at the moment, we need to make sure he gets what he needs and being on the training pitch is as important as anything."

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West Ham have submitted a bid for Cardiff City's Neil Etheridge
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West Ham are interested in signing the Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge.

According to Football Insider, the 29-year-old is being looked at as a replacement for the injured Fabianski and the Hammers have already made their move.

As per the report, West Ham have submitted a £7m bid for the player.


West Ham cannot afford to rely on David Martin to play every game for now and they must look to sign someone better.

David Moyes is already under pressure to improve his side’s performances and he will need proper signings.

Etheridge has been linked with a move away from the Welsh club and he could prove to be a good addition to the West Ham side.

A lot of speculation either way right now but it does appear that 'something' is in the air and there is a distinct possibility that Neil Etheridge could be close to a Premier League move

Articles say yes, club saying "no bids received" and City manager saying player left out of FA Cup Replay squad (quote) "partly due to talk of a move to Premier League outfit West Ham"

Certainly not being rested for 'cup-tied' purposes, so can only be one or both of injury protection and/or loss of focus

Should be an interesting few days and whilst I don't want to lose Etheridge from the squad, the guy's ambition/opportunity and a decent bid in current circumstances would make it difficult to keep hold

A lot of speculation either way right now but it does appear that 'something' is in the air and there is a distinct possibility that Neil Etheridge could be close to a Premier League move

Articles say yes, club saying "no bids received" and City manager saying player left out of FA Cup Replay squad (quote) "partly due to talk of a move to Premier League outfit West Ham"

Certainly not being rested for 'cup-tied' purposes, so can only be one or both of injury protection and/or loss of focus

Should be an interesting few days and whilst I don't want to lose Etheridge from the squad, the guy's ambition/opportunity and a decent bid in current circumstances would make it difficult to keep hold

Where does Harris mention west ham Sven? And Randolph has been signed now,so not looking like he is going to them? I agree it's more like he has lost focus,due to all the speculation,can't blame him,as he wants another crack at the prem,but a good decision by Harris to leave him behind,if his head is elswhere.

Don’t understand the reason for the club coming out to say he weren’t travelling,he weren’t in the match day squad for the home game with Carlisle either

Don’t understand the reason for the club coming out to say he weren’t travelling,he weren’t in the match day squad for the home game with Carlisle either

That's because it was the cup,and Harris wanted to see Smithies in action.

Don’t understand the reason for the club coming out to say he weren’t travelling,he weren’t in the match day squad for the home game with Carlisle either

That's because it was the cup,and Harris wanted to see Smithies in action.

Yes I understand that,but did he come out and say he weren’t going to be involved before the home game?

Don’t understand the reason for the club coming out to say he weren’t travelling,he weren’t in the match day squad for the home game with Carlisle either

That's because it was the cup,and Harris wanted to see Smithies in action.

Yes I understand that,but did he come out and say he weren’t going to be involved before the home game?

No,not in as many words,but did mention once or twice,about wanting to see all players in action,something and nothing imho.

Don’t understand the reason for the club coming out to say he weren’t travelling,he weren’t in the match day squad for the home game with Carlisle either

That's because it was the cup,and Harris wanted to see Smithies in action.

Yes I understand that,but did he come out and say he weren’t going to be involved before the home game?

No,not in as many words,but did mention once or twice,about wanting to see all players in action,something and nothing imho.

Just have the feeling there’s more to it,but we ll find out in time I’m sure

A lot of speculation either way right now but it does appear that 'something' is in the air and there is a distinct possibility that Neil Etheridge could be close to a Premier League move

Articles say yes, club saying "no bids received" and City manager saying player left out of FA Cup Replay squad (quote) "partly due to talk of a move to Premier League outfit West Ham"

Certainly not being rested for 'cup-tied' purposes, so can only be one or both of injury protection and/or loss of focus

Should be an interesting few days and whilst I don't want to lose Etheridge from the squad, the guy's ambition/opportunity and a decent bid in current circumstances would make it difficult to keep hold

Where does Harris mention west ham Sven? And Randolph has been signed now,so not looking like he is going to them? I agree it's more like he has lost focus,due to all the speculation,can't blame him,as he wants another crack at the prem,but a good decision by Harris to leave him behind,if his head is elswhere.

I was quoting from the article (now highlighted above) where they state 'Harris said...'

A lot of speculation either way right now but it does appear that 'something' is in the air and there is a distinct possibility that Neil Etheridge could be close to a Premier League move

Articles say yes, club saying "no bids received" and City manager saying player left out of FA Cup Replay squad (quote) "partly due to talk of a move to Premier League outfit West Ham"

Certainly not being rested for 'cup-tied' purposes, so can only be one or both of injury protection and/or loss of focus

Should be an interesting few days and whilst I don't want to lose Etheridge from the squad, the guy's ambition/opportunity and a decent bid in current circumstances would make it difficult to keep hold

Where does Harris mention west ham Sven? And Randolph has been signed now,so not looking like he is going to them? I agree it's more like he has lost focus,due to all the speculation,can't blame him,as he wants another crack at the prem,but a good decision by Harris to leave him behind,if his head is elswhere.

I was quoting from the article (now highlighted above) where they state 'Harris said...'

Fair play Sven, I stand corrected will wear glasses more often when in work!! (Sneaky peak n post if I can squeeze it in )

Looks like Day will be the keeper to leave now on loan? We don’t need three first team keepers,although Warnock wanted 4! It’s one position that you can get an emergency loan at ANYTIME!