The new season is looming at Cardiff City. But for many fans, it won’t seem the same without Peter Whittingham. Josh Thomas pays a personal tribute and gives thanks to the decade-long contribution of ‘Whitts’.

 

It has been confirmed that after ten-and-a-half years at the club, 457 appearances, 96 goals and 93 assists, Peter Whittingham has said goodbye to Cardiff City.

The midfielder has signed for Blackburn Rovers on a two-year deal. For me, personally, it’s farewell to a legend, an icon, and a hero to so many people.

But when he signed in 2007, little did he know what a massive impact he would have on the club and what success he would bring.

At the time, the then 22-year-old had begun his career by being snapped up as a trainee by Aston Villa following his release by his boyhood club Coventry City, and had played over 50 times in the Premier League. He was also an established England under 21 International.

When Whittingham signed a new contract with Villa three years previously, he had already impressed his manager David O’Leary.

“Peter was the youngster that caught my eye when I came to Villa,” said O’Leary.

“He is one of those players who is willing to learn and take things on board.”

Whittingham took those traits with him after his move to City and within a year of signing led them to the FA Cup Final.

This was the first time I really got passionate about City after having gone to only a handful of games before that famous season. Whittingham really stood out and scored in the first game I attended on my own. He ended that season in fine form which followed on into the next – the Bluebirds’ final campaign at Ninian Park. It was my first year as a season ticket holder and I was excited to see what the next one would bring.

That first season at the Cardiff City Stadium didn’t disappoint and it turned out to be Peter Whittingham’s finest in a City shirt. He fired 25 goals from midfield and scored some quality, quite breath-taking goals. He really established himself that season and going week-in, week-out to watch him play was edge-of-your seat stuff.

His consistent performances throughout the season, helping City reach their first League Cup Final in 2012, and having been named in the Championship Team of the Season twice in three seasons, there was talk of him being linked to Premier League clubs in the summer of 2012.

Fulham and West Brom came in with offers, but ‘Whitts’ syade after then manager Malky Mackay insisted he wanted to build a team around the former Villa man.

Whittingham provided that platform and the result was promotion to the Premier League – the club’s first season back in the top flight for over 50 years.

Unfortunately, their status was short-lived. Relegation back to the Championship followed after one season.

However, watching Cardiff that season there were moments that would never to be forgotten – from beating Manchester City in the first home game, to clinching a last minute draw with Manchester United, to beating Swansea City in the first Premier League South Wales derby.

During a troubled season for the club, Whittingham still continued to put in hard-earned impressive performances each week. Towards the end of the season, he said: “My sole aim when I first arrived here was to help get the club into the Premier League.

“We’ve done that, but my appetite has not changed one bit. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season in the Premier League, I want more of it of course, but if we do go down, it’s all about us making sure we do bounce straight back up.”

What had been a dream turned into a nightmare and a few months into the next season Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked and replaced with Russell Slade.

That decision divided opinion and brought many questions to set against City’s promotion credentials, but it was during that season that the club went back to playing in Blue.

That was the greatest success that season and it proved a turning point as Whittingham against underlined his consistency.

When he signed from Villa in 2007, no-one would have known how much of an impact he would bring to the club. He has been through it all – playing at Wembley in three finals (FA Cup, League Cup and Championship play-off), part of the squad that gained the illustrious promotion, playing in the Premier League, the re-brand, and part of the one of the greatest eras in the Bluebirds’ history.

As we say goodbye to a special and incredible talent, he will surely go down as a legend. For me, growing up watching City play, he was the one player I would always look out for and look forward to hearing his name being announced over the speaker.

There is only thing to say now that he has left.

“He does what he wants, Peter Whittingham . . . he does what he wants.”

And by doing what he wants, he has earned a move to Blackburn with current manager Neil Warnock saying, “He wants to play and he’s got a two-year contract offered to him. You’ve got to take your hat off to that.”

I am sad to see him leave, but he will always be remembered for his professionalism, on and off the pitch, and how much of a role model he provided.

I want to wish him every success with his new club.

Thank you for the memories, Peter Whittingham, and for making your dream my reality.