Forgotten man McPhail chases new contract with the Bluebirds

FORGOTTEN man Stephen McPhail wants to land a new contract at Cardiff City.

McPhail’s current deal runs out at the end of the season and he has slipped off the radar as Malky Mackay’s men have stormed to the top of the Championship.

The 32-year-old has featured only once this term – the Capital One Cup defeat at Northampton way back in mid-August – with his season disrupted by injuries and illness.

McPhail has suffered two torn hamstrings as City medical staff have worked hard to find the right balance of medication to control his Sjogren’s Syndrome condition, which affects the moisture levels produced in the body.

But the former Republic of Ireland midfielder has told fans not to write off his Cardiff career.


“I truly believe I can be back in the first team pretty soon and then it’s down to me,” said McPhail, who has played over 220 games since joining from Barnsley in 2006.

“I have eight months left on my contract and I want to stay at this club much longer. To do that I have to be playing at my best and that’s something I believe I will be working towards over the next month or so.

“This squad is capable of winning promotion to the Premier League and I want to play a part in that.”

McPhail played an hour of the 4-0 victory over Millwall in the club’s Under-21 Development League team fixture at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.

One of the four over-age players permitted, McPhail linked up in central midfield with Joe Ralls as Etien Velikonja (3) and Nat Jarvis grabbed the goals.

It was McPhail’s first appearance of any kind since he limped off inside the opening 20 minutes at Northampton on August 14.

“It felt great to be back,” he said. “I’ve had to be patient because the manager and medical staff quite rightly made sure I took my time to regain fitness.

“The process could not be rushed and I’ve been training for three weeks or so now.”

“Physically, I feel good and there are a couple more development matches coming up which I want to be involved in.”



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Personally, I'd rather he went to another club and played week in week out.

bluebird since 1948 could turn faster than mcphail, hes done his time served us well for a few years time to move on as we got much better now on the pitch

I would be stunned if he received a new contract.

I would be stunned if he received a new contract.

I could perhaps see him having some sort of coaching role with the youngsters perhaps? Has he done his badges? Unfortunately his fitness is too questionable nowadays.

At his best, a classy player.

He won't get another contract. We'll be in the Premier League and he's definitely not up to that. Time to move on.

I think if we do play 451 some games,hes ideal sitting in front of back 4,whittingham could play more forward role then.

He has been a good player.........but sadly its time to move on.

I think if we do play 451 some games,hes ideal sitting in front of back 4,whittingham could play more forward role then.

For the remainder of his contract this season, maybe. But he's not worth a new contract to do that. He wouldn't get a game in the Premier League anyway.

He hasn't played well since the first half of his first season. Chopra made him look good. He passes sideways, can't tackle, can't shoot.

Not sure what he brings really.

He's certainly not forgotten. Fantastic player at his age and been through so much. His professionalism is top notch and been so loyal. Malky get him on the coaching duties

one of my fav players,hope he gets involved on the coaching side.

He hasn't played well since the first half of his first season. Chopra made him look good. He passes sideways, can't tackle, can't shoot.

Not sure what he brings really.

Have to agree with you on all above plus he no pace.Think his loyalty to us he deserves to do something with the kids in a coaching capacity

Personally, I'd rather he went to another club and played week in week out.

I don't think he's got playing week in week out in him anymore. Great servant to the Club and a top pro but it's time to go our separate ways

Cut the guy some f**king slack. I think he can have some involvement this season then hopefully next summer he can take up some coaching role. I admire his commitment.

Cut the guy some f**king slack. I think he can have some involvement this season then hopefully next summer he can take up some coaching role. I admire his commitment.

Why you swearing?

Stressing my point

Stressing my point

That makes it ok then. Ha. Unfortunately he was never that good and now is definitely past it. He is a nice guy apparently thought.