Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has quickly become the frontrunner for the vacant Cardiff City manager role.
The Croatian, who has previously managed West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, and more recently Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia, is heavily tipped by bookmakers to make a return to the Championship.
After Cardiff City’s poor start under Erol Bulut, who was dismissed following a 2-0 defeat to Leeds, Bilic’s odds for the job surged from 16/1 to 5/2. Interim boss Omer Riza, who has steadied the team by securing their first win against Millwall and a draw with Bristol City, is also in the running at 3/1. However, the momentum appears to be with Bilic, with reports suggesting talks are ongoing and a decision could be reached during the international break.
Cardiff City Managerial Hunt Continues
Cardiff City find themselves in a difficult position, having struggled at the start of the season. Riza has temporarily stabilised results, but the search for a permanent manager is underway. With Bilic’s extensive experience, both in English football and internationally, he is seen as a strong candidate to lead the Bluebirds out of trouble. Other potential candidates include Steven Schumacher, who is out of work after his time with Stoke City.
Bilic’s last stint in English football came with Watford, but his time there was short-lived, with the Croatian being sacked in March 2023. Despite this, his previous success with West Ham, including leading them to European qualification, makes him an appealing option for Cardiff’s hierarchy.
Who Is Slaven Bilic?
Slaven Bilic enjoyed a solid playing career as a defender, representing Hajduk Split, West Ham United, and Everton. His playing career was punctuated by his commitment and tactical intelligence, which set the foundation for his transition into management.
As a manager, Bilic’s most notable success came with the Croatian national team, guiding them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008. His subsequent move to club management saw him take charge of teams like Lokomotiv Moscow and Turkish giants Beşiktaş before he returned to England with West Ham United. Bilic led West Ham to a seventh-place finish in the 2015-16 Premier League season, securing European football for the club. His spells at West Bromwich Albion and Watford added to his experience in English football, although results were mixed. Most recently, he managed Saudi Arabian club Al-Fateh before departing by mutual consent in 2024.
Relief For Charlton
The news will be a particular relief to Charlton Athletic. Their manager, Nathan Jones, is a lifelong Cardiff City fan and had been mentioned in many reports as a possible front-runner. Jones has even said previously he would find the role hard to turn down.
After beeing booed by his own supporters a couple of weeks ago, he offered to ‘have his money’ and leave, further opening the door for the struggling Bluebirds. It seemed only a matter of time before they put a phone call into South London but as Cardiff near an appointment, it seems they’re looking a little further afield.
Writer’s View
Slaven Bilic’s potential appointment at Cardiff City would represent an exciting and logical choice for the club. His wealth of experience in the Championship and Premier League means he knows how to manage in high-pressure environments. He could bring a strong tactical approach that Cardiff desperately needs after their shaky start to the season. His tenure at West Ham, where he guided them to European football, shows he can inspire teams to punch above their weight.
However, there are concerns about whether Bilic’s more recent managerial stints have been less successful, notably his short spell at Watford. Cardiff need a manager who can handle the intense demands of a Championship relegation battle, and Bilic will need to quickly adapt to the squad if he takes on the job. Nonetheless, his appointment would likely be welcomed by many as a step in the right direction.
