Gary Croft speaks out after being dropped

Last updated : 24 December 2002 By Michael Morris

"Scapegoat"
"No matter how it's dressed up, and no matter what people say to you, it's inevitable that you feel like a little bit of a scapegoat. I thought every player had a poor game against Bristol City and to be the only player dropped for the next game was a major disappointment," Croft told the Western Mail.

Croft had been moved to right back to cover the suspended Rhys Weston and was expecting to revert to the left back role he's played all season when City went to Layer Rd last Friday. Croft was surprised to find Chris Barker preferred in the left back position.

"A great deal was made about me playing out of position, but I am a right-footed player and I'm just as happy to play at right-back as I am at left-back. The gaffer says he prefers me on the left but I don't mind where I play. I've got no problem playing on the right.

"OK, I didn't play as well as I can against Bristol City but I don't think any player in the team did. I've had a chat with the gaffer about it. He pulled me in and gave me his reasons but a player will never agree with his manager when he's being left out.

"But I've got to take it on the chin. There's no point me walking around with my head down. There's the bigger picture at Cardiff City. It's not just about Gary Croft. Even though I didn't start Friday's game, there was no one more pleased about beating Colchester than me. The important thing is that Cardiff wins promotion this season."

Croft will find out later today if he is back in the side for the Luton game. City fans will find out when the team takes the pitch at Kenilworth Rd. Croft is taking the decision to drop him as a kick up the backside and thinks every City player will react the same way when they realise that no position is safe.

"I've been pretty established in the side this season and then I was left out. That means every player at this club has to look over their shoulder.

"When you're left out of the team you do look at yourself and wonder if there's something you're doing wrong. Being dropped wasn't just a kick up the backside for me, it was a kick up the backside to every player at this club."

Cardiff City play Luton Town at Kenilworth Rd on Thursday Jan 26th. Kick off 12 noon.