Croft's Career Chance

Return of the Croft?
By Chris O'Brien
June 25 2005

Newly-appointed Cardiff City manager Dave Jones has handed Gary Croft a career lifeline. The defender has the opportunity to earn himself a new Bluebirds contract if he can prove his fitness to the new Ninian Park boss.

Gary Croft could yet resurrect his Cardiff City career under new manager Dave Jones. The versatile defender looks set to try and prove his fitness to the Bluebirds boss over the summer as he aims to earn himself a new contract.

Lennie Lawrence had told Croft to find a new club prior to his departure as manager, with the former Ipswich Town star registering only one appearance throughout the 2004/2005 season due to a series of frustrating, niggling injuries. However, Jones wants to hold onto Croft and has given the player a chance to prove his fitness.

"There's an opportunity for him to come in, show his worth, get fit and then I can work from there," said Jones.

Croft was nearing a first-team comeback towards the end of last season and will be hopeful that he can play a part in the club's pre-season preparations with the ambition of being ready for first-team action when the new Football League Championship campaign kicks-off in August.

Good luck to Croft with a tough battle ahead of him.