Vidmar first to leave. Whos next?

Last updated : 03 May 2005 By Michael Morris
Tony Vidmar has admitted he was going to leave Cardiff this summer whatever happened.

"I would knock Cardiff back even if they did offer me a new contract," he told the Western Mail

"Going back to NAC Breda was a pretty straightforward decision. I always wanted to finish my European career in Holland.

"I told the gaffer that I would have left Cardiff even if the club was in a better position and could offer me a new contract. I always wanted to go back to Holland. When I played over there before, I really enjoyed it."

Vidmar will be involved in his last City game this weekend against Q.P.R.

City have 6 other players out of contract. Willie Boland, Toni Koskela, Neal Ardley, Michael Boulding, Darren Williams and Gary Croft.

Of the 6 players Neal Ardley (who has either scored or set up all four of the goals that have seen City earn 5 points from the last 9 to ensure safety) will be offered a new deal.

"I hope to talk to all of them," said Lennie Lawrence. "Clearly there are some I want to stay and Neal Ardley is one of them."

"I'd love to have him at Cardiff City again next season.

"He is a terrific player to have around on and off the pitch. He has had a significant effect on our team during the relegation battle."

Gary Croft will not play again this season, he's been out for most of the season with a bad injury, Lennie will have to decide if he can risk offering the player a new contract. Michael Boulding has offered nothing in his time here and I would not expect him to be kept on. Toni Koskela has had very little chance to impress. What we have seen of him looked fairly promising. I would expect Lennie to offer new deals to Darren Williams and Willie Boland.

Of the players still in contract it seems inevitable that we will lose Danny Gabbidon and possibly / probably James Collins (delete as appropriate if you are optimistic or pessimistic).

One welcome departure (no offence intended) would be Andy Campbell. A big earner who is giving nothing to the side at the moment could be in line for a move to Darlington where City could assist with his wages for the reamining year of his City contract.

There have been other unconfirmed links of Langley back to Q.P.R and Warner back to Millwall.