Cardiff Dealt Double Blow

Cardiff City have lost two of their backroom staff to Premiership side West Ham United dealing a crucial blow their pre-season fitness programme.

Physio Steve Allen and his assistant Paul Hunter have both moved to Upton Park.

Allen, rated as the best physio he knows by Sam Hammam started out at Wimbledon while Hammam was owner there.

Allen joined Hammam in south Wales almost a year ago, but has chosen to return to London.

'It is with great regret that Steve Allen is leaving the club,' said Hammam.

'In almost 30 years of football I would consider Steve my closest field man and I have known him since he was a 20-year-old kid.

'I call him my footballing son, he calls me his footballing dad.

'It is a great loss to both myself and the club.

'I am very happy for Steve and sad to see him leave Cardiff.

'But my mind is content that this is a good move for him as he will now be closer to his family home in London.

'I would like to thank Steve and Paul for all their hard work and wish them well for the future.'

Allen originally turned his back on the Premiership to join Cardiff, signing on at Ninian Park as previous club Crystal Palace went up to the top flight.

When Allen joined last July Hammam hailed his appointment as a massive coup that would be envied by top clubs.

'I rate Steve Allen as the best,' he said at the time.

'We have the best physio department at any club.

'I would be surprised if Chelsea or Manchester United compare.

'Allen is the best qualified physio at any club in the country.'