Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:13 am
Mark Hudson has spoken about how emotionally difficult the build-up to Peter Whittingham's memorial match against Aston Villa was on Wednesday.
The day began with former players, Hudson included, and staff members, along with Whittingham's family visiting Llandaff Cathedral for a memorial service and ended with a fitting tribute at Cardiff City Stadium in which the Bluebirds ran out 3-1 winners over Villa.
“It’s been a tough occasion,” Hudson said. “It’s been a really emotional build-up for everyone involved in it, but to have over 10,000 people come and support us, and to perform against a good side, was a fitting tribute.
“We went to Llandaff Cathedral earlier to pay our respects. It’s been difficult for everyone involved. For Amanda and Pete’s kids, to see them come out and be able to walk the team out and for everyone to be a part of it, was fantastic. It’s been well organised, so really well done to everyone involved.
“I was with him for five and a bit years. He was had a huge impact in the dressing room with his personality - he had a dry sense of humour.
"His knowledge of football was through the roof. He had magical moments on the pitch for such a long period of time. His application to it, to his sport, to his family; he was just a great human being.