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Well there seems to be issues with all three. Every fan watching can see that Joe is a shadow of the player that had Stoke City waving £6m at us for his services.
Now what is causing that? Well in my opinion I think he's caught in a storm of uncertainty. Probably not helped by those who are supposed to be helping him giving him allsorts of advice. Joe is out of contract in the summer and can start talking to prospective new clubs in January. But in this form who will want him? The club are adamant there's a deal on the table making him one of the highest paid players at the club so Joe has to weigh up his options.
Undoubtedly like others before him he can see the wonders of the Premier League but like others if he makes the wrong choice he'll soon be back at this level. If it was me I'd re-sign for Cardiff and get myself back on top form knowing I have the security of a contract behind me. If Cardiff don't get promotion and my form was good then the oportunity will present itself soon enough. At the moment being out of form and nearly out of contract means the offers on the table are pretty soon not going to be as lucrative as they might be just now. Joe's career is at a pivotal point.
This week the Chairman Peter Ridsdale commented that Ledley was "playing like he is somewhere else already". He stands by his comments adding
"I'm not criticising the player, the only thing I'm saying is that with any individual who has the uncertainty of their future on their mind, I could understand that would be playing on their thoughts. That is what I said on Monday and I'm not changing my view.
"I think he has been distracted. I believe the player's mind is elsewhere. That is my personal opinion. and I'm not retracting that.
"You have asked me a question, do I regret the comments I made on Monday? No regrets whatsoever."
It was then revealed that Joe is carrying an injury that needs surgey at some point. He is fit to play this weekend but in time this will have to be addressed. What club is going to want to spend millions on a player that will require three months on the sidelines at some point. Again the comfort of a new deal at City would ensure he is in contract when the time comes to be treated.
These are my pesonal opinions on what Joe maybe should do. I'm speaking as a fan though and not as someone who sees the player as an income stream.
Joe missed the chance to go to Stoke and I think he's still smarting from that. But that boat has sailed now so get over it. Another one will come along. It maybe a bigger and better one but first he needs to get back to the form that saw him take us to the Cup Final and that led the club through a massive run of good form a year ago as captain - hopefully starting today.
Speaking ahead to today's game with Preston Dave Jones has had his say on Joe.
"We want Joe to make up his mind and decide whether he's going to sign or he's not going to sign," said Jones.
"At the moment we can't get that answer.
"We want him to sign, we don't want to lose Joe and at the moment he is still employed by this football club.
"So while he's still here he will be selected if he's fit and ready - and at the moment he is.
"Joe has a problem with his hips and he probably will need an operation," said Jones.
"It's the same sort of thing Roger Johnson and Warren Feeney had.
"Warren played for three-and-a-half years with the same problem.
"If it gets to the stage where Joe can't play then, like any player at this club, he will be dealt with in the right manner. If we feel it needs to be done now, it will be.
"Joe is well aware of the situation.
"But when you go on the pitch every problem you have has to disappear otherwise you can't perform to the best of your ability."
Cardiff v Preston
Cardiff City Stadium. 3:00pm
Sarurday 5th December 2009
