Fans of Cardiff City would have experienced every emotion possible in the nine years between 2008 and 2017.
Promotion, relegation, cup finals at Wembley, play-off heartbreak, changing of the club’s colours. It was a near-decade long rollercoaster that wouldn’t look out of place on some Netflix sporting drama.
However, amongst the twists and turns, there was one constant: Cardiff’s midfield being spearheaded by Peter Whittingham.
A snip at £350k, ‘Whitts’ quickly established himself as City’s main man. His display at Middlesborough, scoring a wondergoal and assisting Roger Johnson, to set up our first FA Cup semi-final in 81 years gave us a flavour of what was to come.
He was to become the greatest I’ve seen in CF11.
How glorious those Saturdays were. Managed by Dave Jones, a beautiful new stadium a stones throw away from our beloved Ninian Park and bolstering players like Jay Bothroyd, Michael Chopra, Chris Burke, Stephen McPhail, Craig Bellamy and, of course, Whittingham.
We may concede 4, but we could also score 5 and most would come via Whitts’ either through a goal or an assist. He was just special.
His 2009/10 campaign was freaky. His stunning season culminated in a spectacular free-kick at the Kingpower (the clink of the post being my favourite sound of my life), as well as the often forgotten but more important penalty to wrestle the tie back in Cardiff’s favour.
A wizard, his wand a left foot, casting magic at whatever Championship stadium he graced.
I think the biggest compliment you could ever give him was that all other sides wanted him to be theirs and he was feared whenever City rolled into town.
Naturally, there were suitors. Why wouldn’t there be when he was regularly lauded for his performances week-in-week-out?
Despite the inevitable interest from clubs, there was never any drama.
Although possessing more than enough ability to cut it in the top flight there was no demand for higher wages, no touting himself in the media.
He seemed content in Cardiff, living in Barry and starting a family with a local girl.
A dream on and off the field for managers and supporters alike. The fact he played for Cardiff for so long will be one thing I will always be eternally grateful for.
I was lucky enough to meet Whitts a few times throughout the years as part of media and firstly as an awestruck fan.
One of them was at CCS during an awards do in May 2017 as his contract at the club was just about to expire.
Naturally, he was leaning against a wall with his hands in his pockets, smiling and without a care in the world which was a typical pose for the man who was the term ‘laid back’ personified.
In a drunken state following a few too many Guinness, I stumbled over and asked Peter would he stay if I gave him an extra £20 a week.
Laughing, he took out one hand, pointed at CEO Ken Choo and dryly said “Go and ask him”.
So, we did and, sadly for us, it wasn’t to be and Peter moved to Blackburn.
It will always be a deep shame to me that Whitts wasn’t here for the 2018 promotion and indeed retired here.
An even deeper regret is the fact we never got to say a proper goodbye but I’m sure the club will pay a tribute fit for a man who will always be etched into Cardiff City folklore.
I count myself very fortunate to have spent some time chatting and realising that my footballing hero is just the same as me, except he has the ability to kick a ball straight which is an ability I have always lacked.
But I class myself as even more blessed to have spent the weekends of much of my life watching him stroll about the green grass of Cardiff.
In a time where football is only a memory, it seems so cruel that the person responsible for the vast majority of my favourite ones has been taken away so soon.
Rest in peace, Peter.
Rest in peace, Peter.
As opposed to your chant, I hope more than anything you knew just how much City loved you.
We’ll miss you even more.
We’ll miss you even more.
