Cardiff City Contemplate Life Without Darcy Blake

Cardiff City look set to lose longserving utility player Darcy Blake as the young Welshman seeks assurances over his playing future at the club. Blake is a superb option to have on the bench, and has covered centre-back and full-back positions for us on numerous occasions. He's even played a few games in midfield, but remains a natural defender.

Unfortunately for Darcy the key word above is covered and he has never been able to make himself a first choice in any position - owing in no small part to the fact his most likely position is right back, and Kevin McNaughton is among the best in the Championship.

Last season, Blake spoke of his frustrations, but was publically backed by manager Malky Mackay who insisted he was part of his plans. Now though, Darcy is wary of spending another year on the sidelines and has rejected City's offer of a new deal, leaving him with just a year to run on his City contract.

Whilst a great asset to the Bluebirds, Blake needs to play. Both for his personal reasons, and to keep his place in the Welsh squads. Since making his debut at the very end of the 2005/06 season, he has made under 100 appearances in the following 6 years - with half coming as a substitute.

I really hope that Darcy Blake stays with the Bluebirds, and playing more regularly will surely help with his concentration and positioning. Every time he plays, he doesn't let us down and while his distribution can be an issue, he, like McNaughton has never had a natural right midfielder playing ahead of him!

If Blake is set on an exit, City must deceide whether to cash in this summer, sell him cheaply during January or allow him to leave on a Bosman free transfer. At 23, we would be entitled to some compensation, unless he chose the Adam Matthews route....

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