Local boy Ledley proud to lead Cardiff
Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley says it will be an honour to lead out the team he supported as a boy ahead of this weekend’s South Wales derby with Swansea. Speaking in the latest issue of FourFourTwo - out now - which features the Top 50 Football League Players, he said: “As a Cardiff fan born and bred, it’s a massive honour.
“Dave Jones asked me whether I wanted it, I had no hesitation in taking it and I’ve gone onto the pitch with more confidence as a result.”
The Welsh international netted against Swansea in the reverse fixture at the Liberty Stadium earlier this season which ended 2-2.
However, Sunday morning's clash, featured in FourFourTwo's 'More than a Game' this month, will be about more than just local pride and bragging rights.
The encounter is likely to be the last between the rivals at Ninian Park before the Bluebirds relocate to a new stadium, while both teams are in still in the hunt for a play-off place.
Ledley, though, is confident in his ability to lead. “I captained the side for the first time against Preston and we went on a long unbeaten run in the league as a result," he said. "I’m not saying that’s down to me but it’s proved I can handle the role."
Cardiff are currently 6th in the Championship, while Swansea sit in 8th just five points off the play-offs.
The new issue of FourFourTwo is out now, featuring:
• Interviews with Kaka, Arshavin, Terry, Motty, Stam, Dave Mackay & the Chuckle Brothers
• The Top 50 Football League Players
• Football’s Top 20 Hoaxes
• The Best Youth Team Ever
• Inside The Damned United
• Swansea vs Cardiff
Plus a FREE 36-page England supplement
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Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.