David Marshall
Thu May 24, 2012 7:27 am
CARDIFF CITY goalkeeper David Marshall has insisted it was an easy decision to commit his future to the Bluebirds.
The 27-year-old has penned a new three-year deal with the option of extending that period by an extra year.
The Scottish international was manager Malky Mackay’s first choice last season and Marshall said it was the faith shown in him which prompted him to put pen to paper.
“It’s great committing to the club for the next three years at least,” said Marshall.
“I had a year left on my current deal which would have taken me through next season, but the gaffer pulled me not so long ago and told me he wanted to offer me a new deal.
“I was more than happy to sign it and the process has been quite straight forward from start to finish.
“It was an easy decision for me to extend my deal here. I hadn’t even brought up the prospect of extending at this stage, but, as I say, the gaffer told me I was part of his plans.
“The gaffer was a big part of my decision to stay here. He gave me the chance to get back fit and prove myself back last summer and I appreciated that. I want to be able to repay him now on the pitch and kick on again.”
And Marshall also praised his back-up last term, Tom Heaton, who left the club last week when his contract came to an end.
While Mackay is now expected to land Peterborough shot-stopper on a three-year deal soon to put pressure on Marshall next season.
“Tom is a number one Championship goalkeeper without question,” said Marshall.
“We were very fortunate last season in that when he came in and played he was fantastic for us.
“But he wants to play and knows that he must be playing first-team football. Whichever club he ends up at will be lucky to have him without a doubt.”
Along with his team-mates, Marshall said he was now looking forward to the new Championship campaign.
“It was a long and hard season which ultimately ended disappointingly at West Ham, but I think we put in a great effort on the back of so much change 12 months ago and by the time August 18 comes around we’ll be ready to go again,” Marshall told cardiffcity.co.uk
“Hopefully a few new faces will come in as well to freshen things up as is often the case and the new season will come around quickly as always.”
Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay could be handed a boost ahead of the next Championship campaign by the news winger Craig Conway could be fit for the Bluebirds’ preseason.
The 27-year-old damaged ankle ligaments in the Bluebirds’ draw at home to Watford on April 9 and missed the rest of the season.
He had surgery last month and was expected to be out for at least three months, but now appears to be making better progress than first expected.
Conway posted on his twitter account: “My ankle is good I’ll be fine for pre-season.”
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk
The 27-year-old has penned a new three-year deal with the option of extending that period by an extra year.
The Scottish international was manager Malky Mackay’s first choice last season and Marshall said it was the faith shown in him which prompted him to put pen to paper.
“It’s great committing to the club for the next three years at least,” said Marshall.
“I had a year left on my current deal which would have taken me through next season, but the gaffer pulled me not so long ago and told me he wanted to offer me a new deal.
“I was more than happy to sign it and the process has been quite straight forward from start to finish.
“It was an easy decision for me to extend my deal here. I hadn’t even brought up the prospect of extending at this stage, but, as I say, the gaffer told me I was part of his plans.
“The gaffer was a big part of my decision to stay here. He gave me the chance to get back fit and prove myself back last summer and I appreciated that. I want to be able to repay him now on the pitch and kick on again.”
And Marshall also praised his back-up last term, Tom Heaton, who left the club last week when his contract came to an end.
While Mackay is now expected to land Peterborough shot-stopper on a three-year deal soon to put pressure on Marshall next season.
“Tom is a number one Championship goalkeeper without question,” said Marshall.
“We were very fortunate last season in that when he came in and played he was fantastic for us.
“But he wants to play and knows that he must be playing first-team football. Whichever club he ends up at will be lucky to have him without a doubt.”
Along with his team-mates, Marshall said he was now looking forward to the new Championship campaign.
“It was a long and hard season which ultimately ended disappointingly at West Ham, but I think we put in a great effort on the back of so much change 12 months ago and by the time August 18 comes around we’ll be ready to go again,” Marshall told cardiffcity.co.uk
“Hopefully a few new faces will come in as well to freshen things up as is often the case and the new season will come around quickly as always.”
Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay could be handed a boost ahead of the next Championship campaign by the news winger Craig Conway could be fit for the Bluebirds’ preseason.
The 27-year-old damaged ankle ligaments in the Bluebirds’ draw at home to Watford on April 9 and missed the rest of the season.
He had surgery last month and was expected to be out for at least three months, but now appears to be making better progress than first expected.
Conway posted on his twitter account: “My ankle is good I’ll be fine for pre-season.”
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk