Cardiff City flop opens up on failed Bluebirds spell after £4m transfer

Former Cardiff City man Greg Cunningham has opened up on his disappointing spell in South Wales. The 33-year-old spent around three years with the Bluebirds after arriving for a fee of £4million in 2018.

The full-back joined ahead of the Premier League season before going on to feature just 12 times in the league, eventually leaving to rejoin Preston in 2021 following loan spells with Blackburn and North End.

Cunningham and Warnock fell out after the then City boss publicly blamed the former Ireland international following a thrashing at the hands of Manchester United.

Years on, Cunningham, who remains at Preston, has reflected on his disappointing spell in South Wales during an appearance on North End’s official podcast.

“It’s mad, because Cardiff was probably the worst time in my career – and it should’ve been the best,” said the veteran defender. “Although I ticked the box, lived the dream and got some Prem games, psychologically, mentally and emotionally, it was the worst time in my career. I went there and it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“You have conversations that ultimately don’t happen, when you go there. I had gone into my last year and wanted to stay. I was enjoying the project under Alex Neil and really enjoying my football under him. It was the season where there was no doubt in my mind – just get in there (the play-offs), because when we get in there, we are winning and then there’s a one-off at Wembley.”

Cunningham went on to admit he had an uneasy relationship with Warnock before adding of his Cardiff exit: “I’ve always said that. They say that when you leave, you don’t come back. When the opportunity arose, I was never turning it down. I love it at this club. I am quite open about it and I’m very grateful to the other clubs I’ve played for – and when I was there, I gave it everything like I always do. But, I think it’s no secret that I play my best football here. It is home for me.”