The best player in the Conference - Lennie

Last updated : 08 January 2004 By Michael Morris
23 year old Paul Parry will jump three divisions when he makes his City debut this weekend. Cardiff have been short of a left sided midfielder since John Robinson was injured and Julian Gray went back to Crystal Palace.

Now we move on, Parry comes into the position with a fine reputation in the Nationwide Conference. He's said to be one of, if not the best player in that league. Many clubs are said to have been looking but were unsure whether to take the risk on bringing a non league player into the nationwide league.

Lennie has taken the decision to go for Parry and I can see an immediate impact on the City team. Parry of course will need time to settle in and will need the support of a sometimes over demanding City crowd but his natural width will see City look a far better balanced team. He can score goals as well. He got Hereford's 90th minute winner last weekend which sees them 2nd in the Conference. He also scored a hat trick just before Christmas as Hereford put 7 past Forest Green.

Lennie has had the player at Ninian Park on trial, he's watched play a few times and added to his reputation and goal scoring we may have ourselves a very decent player.

Hereford fans think the exposure he will now get in Division 1 will see him enter the mind of Mark Hughes.

The City boss had this to say

"There is a HUGE gulf between the Conference and the First Division and Paul has also got to deal with what I call 'the Cardiff experience.'," Lennie told the Western Mail.

"It's a huge challenge for him and I can't say if he will be able to make the jump or not. I would say he is ready for the Second or Third Division but it's impossible to say whether he will do it in the First.

"But, from what I've seen of him, I think he has got a decent chance of bridging the gap. Paul has been outstanding for Hereford. He's got a good left foot and scores a lot of goals from his position.

"He's the best player in the Conference and he's right on top of his game."

Parry's transfer fee could be as high as £150,000 depending on appearances and whether he gets caped by Wales.

Lennie has not ruled out a move for Andy Monkhouse. The Rotherham midfielder remains a target for Lawrence. City play Rotherham on Saturday and maybe things will move on after that game. It had been widely reported that an agreement had been reached to bring Monkhouse in on Monday after the Rotherham game. The Millers injury crisis and the arrival of Parry at Ninian Park may delay this. There is no definate details available at the moment.