Bamba is among big names to leave Cardiff
CARDIFF City stars Sol Bamba, Joe Bennett and Jonny Williams have all left the club, it has been announced.
The Bluebirds revealed their retained list yesterday evening, with the high-profile trio joining Junior Hoilett in departing.
The news will surprise many, with boss Mick McCarthy appearing to suggest Williams would be staying last month.
Bamba’s departure will sadden supporters after the Bluebirds cult hero’s final season saw him battle and overcome cancer. He came on in the final minute of the Bluebirds’ last match of the season but will not wear the shirt again.
There have been previous suggestions he would be given a coaching role at the club, but no announcement on that has been made at this stage.
Bennett had been holding contract talks with club bosses before and after serious injury struck in March. No deal has been reached, and the man described by chairman Mehmet Dalman as “the best left back in the league” leaves for nothing at the end of his current contract.
A Cardiff City statement read: “We would like to place on record our sincerest thanks and best wishes to Sol Bamba, Joe Bennett and Junior Hoilett who will be moving on this summer upon the expiration of their current deals.
“The three players joined us in 2016 and would go on to become key figures in our 2017/18 promotion squad. Between them they made a total of 478 appearances across a five-year period, representing a significant contribution to the Club’s recent progress and history.
“Joe Day and Jonny Williams will also leave the Club with our best wishes at the end of June. Our departing Bluebirds will always be welcome here at Cardiff City Stadium and we wish them all the very best for the future.”