Should Darcy Blake leave Cardiff City?

Should Darcy Blake leave Cardiff City?
By Steve TuckerJul 6 2012.



Cardiff City player Darcy Blake
DARCY BLAKE has become a kingpin for Wales next to the likes of his big mate Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy. But for Cardiff City he barely registered a look in under Malky Mackay last season and must be wondering what the new campaign holds for him. STEVE TUCKER analyses Blake’s Bluebirds dilemma


DOES Darcy Blake need to leave Cardiff City?

Sure, it’s not the sexiest question of (another) summer of controversy and high emotions at the capital club, but it is one which has significance.

Most particularly, of course, for Chris Coleman’s Wales World Cup side who are gearing up for a qualifying campaign tinged with an optimism which for once might not be misplaced.


Blake has emerged as an integral part of his nation’s staring X1 next to the likes of Aaron Ramsey, his close friend, Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy.

It was Gary Speed who really established Blake as an integral role in the centre of the Dragons’ defence, dropping James Collins and pitching the Bluebirds’ youngster next to Swansea City stalwart Ashley Williams.

It was one heck of a gamble to plump for a Cardiff reserve ahead of a seasoned Premier League regular in Collins, but Blake justified the decision by flourishing on the international stage.

There was a first goal for Wales in the defeat to Australia last August, but it was the suspension of Collins for a Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro at Cardiff City Stadium which saw Blake really seize his chance.

Wales returned to winning ways that night and although everyone presumed Collins would walk straight back into the side for the next game away to England, Speed stuck with Blake,

He was imperious that night against Wayne Rooney and equally splendid in subsequent wins over Switzerland, Bulgaria and Norway.

So much so that new boss Coleman also stuck with Blake, picking him in his squad for the May friendly against Mexico rand leaving out Collins and Danny Gabbidon entirely.

Blake had to pull out injured, but going towards the World Cup he remains the man in possession.

However, his Cardiff situation could change that and hinder his international career.

If Blake’s Wales days are in the ascendency it seems his fortunes at club level with the Bluebirds remain as limited as always.

Blake joined Cardiff aged just ten and came through the youth ranks just ahead of current Wales skipper Ramsey.

He made his Cardiff debut in a Championship clash against crew in April 2006, but then had to wait until the following February to make his first start in a Bluebirds’ shirt.

It is a statistic that very much sums up Blake’s career at Cardiff. A stop-start affair, the promise always there, but never quite fulfilled.

It was the way under former Cardiff manger Dave Jones and it is continuing in that manner under Malky mackay.

During Mackay’s first season in charge, Blake made a modest seven starts. Despite his obvious talents and often ringing endorsements, those asked to manage him tend to go for others in the defence.

There have, of course, been questions raised about Blake, but on the field of play very few could claim he has let anyone down on those occasions he has been needed.

It has often been said at Cardiff that Blake is a victim of his own versatility. Able to perform with equal aplomb at full-back, centre-half or in midfield, Blake has never been able to pin himself down a role and a regular place in the Cardiff starting XI.

That confusion seems to be abating, though. Mackay believes Blake is best at centre-half, Speed and Coleman concurred at international level and, most importantly, the player himself admits he is most comfortable in the centre of defence.

It is perhaps Blake style of play at centre-half and lack of towering height which marks him out more of an international player than Championship regular.

His reading of the game, pace over those crucial first few yards and sensible delivery of the pass is more suited to international football.

The Championship is a different animal. More direct, big centre-halves are needed to deal with more uncultured battering rams on the deck or in the air.

Blake found himself last season behind skipper Mark Hudson and revelation Ben Turner when it came to a place in the Cardiff defence.

It is interesting to note that with Turner eligible to turn out for Wales it is possible he might also be putting pressure on Blake for his Wales shirt too.

But that is conjecture. What remains certain is that surely if Blake is to keep serving his country under Coleman he must be playing regular football.

There are plenty of Championship clubs who would welcome a player like Blake into their midst.

It’s not to fanciful to say his style might be even more suited to the Premier League. Gary Speed certainly thought so and went public with his views.

Perhaps the problem is Blake is just too useful as a squad player at Cardiff. Let’s face it, when it comes to back up he is a manager’s dream.

Put him at full back, put him in midfield, put him next to Hudson or Turner in the middle. Put him in any of those positions and be confident he will perform with aplomb.

But I wonder what Blake’s own thoughts are when he sees Mackay in the market for another centre-half this summer.

With Coventry’s Richard Keogh still on the radar and a failed attempt to get Derby skipper Jason Shackell also being reported one fears it is going to get worse for Blake rather than better with the Bluebirds.

It is a big summer for him. Cardiff won’t want to lose Blake, but the player himself has plenty to consider during what is a crossroads moment in his career.



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z1zp7YZPtO

No ...... Id have Darcy wearing the No. 2 shirt every time before Mc Naughton , but he plays at Centre Half and not Full Back for Wales so there is the dilema !! The other alternative is to drop Hudson ( the current captain ) and play Darcy alongside Ben Turner .... over to you Malky

He should def leave to further is career,hes not getting a look in with us waste of a talent

One of MM less faves - sadly if i were him i would but he`s ccfc thru and thru just needs to change his attitude drink wise

Wouldn't like to see him go as I think he got a lot to offer us but does need more game time can't wait for season to start fed up with mrs findin jobs for me to do on weekends

Would he have more games if he were scottish,as for the drinking has he ever let us down answer no

Not good enough to start but brilliant as a backup utilty player. Depends if that is what he wants, backup with a automatic chasing side or first choice in lower half side

Wrong attitude for a player

Malky holds the cards with this, because of Darcys lack of having a consistent first team run, there are still flaws in his game which are all part of the learning curve being denied him by lack of games, in particular his best position - Centre Half. Ask Wayne Rooney of course, that professional performance showed the ability, also he had a run with Gerrard in partnership towards the end of the season before last and was excellent.

Full back also, either side too. Remember when we beat the Jacks at theirs with Bellamy and Ramsey stealing the headlines, but Darcy came on second half big time snuffed out the Jacks wing play, and (I'll never forget this) almost scored the goal of the season when he did an Archie Gemill past 3 or 4 Jacks including Tate, before curling a shot against the post.

He is also an option and back up as a defensive midfielder.

So his ability and versatility is highly rated by myself, plus he gets my bias towards Welsh players in our squad - which is becoming almost zero. Her needs a run and to be shown the faith that Gary Speed put in him over Collins. I think we have a very good raw and still learning utility player.

I am well aware of his off field bad habits, rumour or fact, that hasn't helped his reputation or physique, but as I said earlier - he is young and learning, and hasn't had it easy with his football career, don't know if Plymouth helped him or not?

But for the good of the Wales team where Centre half positions have no strength in depth whatsoever, I would reluctantly be happy for Darcy to get a transfer to a team where he is wanted and given the option to be first choice in the lads own favoured position.

But I do hope its Cardiff City. Good luck Darcy.

This article lost all credibility when i read this part about Darcy :

sensible delivery of the pass

This article lost all credibility when i read this part about Darcy :

sensible delivery of the pass

Oh, of course we have Mark 'Hoddle' Hudson, Kevin 'Pirlo' McNaughton and Anthony 'Steven' Gerrard!

Darcy cant pass f*cking wind!

worst passer of the ball along with Kev

I'd keep him just for his flexibility

Although I'd love Blake to stay If I was him I would maybe go out on loan this season? I've always liked watching Darcy play he has good pace and when ever he comes on he plays well.

Us strengths are also what is holding him back - ie, his versatility.

He is an excellent all round defender/defensive midfielder. He is equally good at full back or centre half, and can play left or right. Unfortunately, this makes his best position SUBSTITUTE, as he can cover so many positions. to get regular first team football I suspect he may have to drop down a division - he's too valuable to Championship teams on the bench.

As for his off-field activities. We know Malky looks at every aspect of a player, including how he behaves off the field. If he doesn't keep high standards, he may be gone sooner rather than later.

Owes us nothing, but owes it to himself to go and play elsewhere while he has got the chance.

Having said that, there are other more important (and expensive) players I would like shipped out first.

Very average player if you ask me, Would like him to stay as back up but if he goes so be it.

Who ever said Blake is better than McNaughton is having a laugh...

I like Darcy, but in my opinion he is what he is... a good squad player.

Yeah he should go

For the sake of his career then yes. But I'd like Darcy to stay as he can cover a few positions, good squad player to have.

annis if darcey can sort himself out,properly.......then the answer to your question is...NO...he has a great future

Send him out on loan.

Seems to think that by getting in a poor Wales sides means he deserves to be starting for City -

Depends who would come in for him.
Hes worth 1million in my opinion.
I would want him to stay.
Hes worth a bit of money in my opinion if a team wants him.

Depends who would come in for him.
Hes worth 1million in my opinion.
I would want him to stay.
Hes worth a bit of money in my opinion if a team wants him.

£1m?!?? Who are you, his agent?!

- Never established himself as a first team player
- Doesn't have a position
- Attitude/ professionalism issues

£250k - £500k max in my opinion.

Other clubs dont know his problems.
Also hes young and his international performances gives him a little boost.

yes i think he should, ok squad and back up player but thats about all

Darcy should've started last season when super kev had a poor run of form. It would've given super kev a reality check, that know one is guaranteed a start, and given Darcy a chance to prove himself. I don't know what's happening off the field though.

If Koegh is worth 750k then Darcy is worth more than that.