Cardiff City are keen on bringing in Reading manager Ruben Selles as the permanent successor to Erol Bulut, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
The Bluebirds endured a torrid start to the season, picking up just one point from their opening seven fixtures. This saw Bulut lose his job just three months after signing a new two-year contract, and he left the club languishing at the bottom of the Championship.
First team coach Omer Riza was handed the role on an interim basis whilst the search for a replacement took place. He almost immediately achieved an upturn in results, winning four and drawing two between October and November. However, results have dipped in recent weeks and the Welsh-based outfit host Watford this weekend hoping to end a five match winless run.
Cardiff Keen On Ruben Selles
Cardiff have taken their time in recruiting their new manager. A number of names have been linked over the past couple of months, with the recently departed Leicester City boss Steve Cooper the latest.
Reading head coach Ruben Selles was first touted as a potential candidate back in October, prompting the 41-year-old to publicly address the speculation. It now seems as if Cardiff could revisit their original plans after it emerged that Championship rivals Hull City are also keen on the Spaniard.
Witcoop claims both clubs are keen to prise Selles away from the Select Car Leasing Stadium, whilst Stoke City also expressed an interest prior to appointing Narcis Pelach in September.
The former Southampton boss has performed wonders at Reading during his stint at the club. Amidst their off-field struggles, he has managed to stabilise the playing side of the business and currently has the Royals on the fringes of the play-offs in League One.
Writer’s View
Cardiff fans have become increasingly frustrated with the uncertainty surrounding their managerial position in recent weeks. It’s clear that the club’s hierarchy have been giving Omer Riza an extended audition to land the role on a permanent basis, but they may now feel they have to act on Selles due to Hull’s interest. The Tigers parted company with Tim Walters last week and are currently embroiled in a relegation battle alongside Cardiff. This could become a battle in the coming days.
