Tuesday 2 September 2014 18:11, UK
Danny Gabbidon admits he thought his chance of a return to Cardiff had gone before his shock move on deadline day.
The Wales defender, who became a cult hero during his five years with the Bluebirds between 2000 and 2005, was announced as Cardiff's final move of the window and he will now combine his playing role with defensive coaching duties.
And Gabbidon, who had been training with the club to keep his fitness up, admits he could not foresee a return to south Wales.
"I came down and trained here for two or three weeks, trying to get myself fit, and seeing what could maybe happen," he told the club's official website.
"At the end of last week the manager began to mention about coming on board, and maybe getting involved a little bit with the coaching as well as playing.
"That was a little bit of a surprise at the time, but it was an exciting offer.
"A couple of years ago in my last season with West Ham, I had an opportunity to come back, but the club wouldn't let me leave. After that it looked as if maybe the time had gone, and I couldn't really see it happening, but football is a funny game.
"It'll be great to pull the Cardiff City shirt back on again."
