Purse has 'fondest of memories' of Cardiff

[Getty Images] Former Cardiff City defender and youth coach Darren Purse says he will look back on his time with the club with the "fondest of memories" after leaving the Bluebirds this summer. Purse left his position as manager of Cardiff's U21s to take charge of Irish outfit Sligo Rovers in June. "Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone at Cardiff City Football Club for giving me the opportunity to represent the football club, firstly as captain and then as U21s manager," he wrote. "It's been a hugely successful few years, and I'm incredibly grateful for the experiences, memories and friendships I've made along the way. "It's been a real privilege to play a part in the club and to work with such an amazing academy." Purse spent four years as a player at Cardiff between 2005 and 2009, making 123 appearances, and returned as an academy coach in December 2021. He was pivotal in the development of current first team players including Dylan Lawlor, Rubin and Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies and Ronan Kpakio. "I hope the club continues to benefit from the fantastic work being done within the academy, and I wish everyone at Cardiff City nothing but continued success," added Purse. "I'll always look back on my time at the club with the fondest of memories."