Cardiff City continue their search for Omer Riza’s permanent successor, with Charlton Athletic’s Nathan Jones amongst the likely candidates, according to Wales Online.
The Bluebirds opted to part company with Riza in April, naming midfielder Aaron Ramsey as interim boss for the final three matches of the campaign. The former Arsenal star was always facing an uphill battle though, and could only muster two points as Cardiff finished bottom of the Championship.
Owner Vincent Tan is determined to get the next appointment right and give the club the best opportunity of escaping League One at the first time of asking. However, there appears to be a frustration growing amongst supporters, who are looking for stability ahead of what will be a crucial transfer window.
Jones Admired, But List Is Extensive
It is claimed that Jones is likely on Tan’s shortlist. The 52-year-old is hot property right now, having guided Charlton into the Championship with a 1-0 win over Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final last weekend.
The link is an easy one to make. The former Luton Town boss is a boyhood Cardiff fan and has previously admitted on several occasions his desire to manage the club in the future. Despite that, a move from England’s capital city to Wales’ does seem unlikely, especially after his heroics at The Valley.
Of course, Jones isn’t the only name on the list. The report states that the owner is keen to bring in someone who has experience in gaining promotion, whilst also having experience at this level.
This has seen the likes of Ian Evatt, Des Buckingham, Rob Edwards and Ruben Selles attract interest. Elsewhere, Leyton Orient’s Richie Wellens is also thought to be under consideration.
Writer’s View
Cardiff’s delay in naming their next permanent boss is understandable considering how drastically wrong they have got it in previous years. Nathan Jones would be a stellar appointment and despite the 52-year-old hoping to take the hot seat in the future, it’s a move which seems unlikely at this moment in time. He dropped into League One to rebuild his reputation following his ill-fated stint with Southampton in 2023 and he has achieved just that. Taking on the Cardiff role would be a huge risk. Evatt and Buckingham have been the front runners all along, and it is likely that one of those two eventually land the position.
