Cardiff City have confirmed that they hope to share a positive update regarding their vacant managerial position in the near future.
The Bluebirds have been without a permanent boss since parting company with Omer Riza in April. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey took the reins on an interim basis but was unable to steer the club away from the relegation zone, eventually finishing bottom of the Championship.
The Welsh-based outfit have been linked with a number of names since, including Ramsey. The 34-year-old was believed to be one of the front runners, but news emerged earlier this week that he has opted to head to South America in order to continue his playing career.
It has now been claimed that the club are in advanced talks with ex-Manchester City academy coach and current Leicester City assistant Brian Barry-Murphy.
Cardiff Announcement Due ‘Soon’
To conclude the process, Cardiff have put together a subcommittee which includes Gavin Chesterfield and Mark Allen. With supporters keen to learn who will be taking the team forward next season, Cardiff have been forced to issue an update. Speaking to official club media, club director Steve Borley said:
“We understand that concerns have been expressed regarding the length of the process, and while initially the plan was to have the manager, and his staff, in place before now, the correct due diligence, however long it took, was essential to the ongoing success of the Club. This is one of the most important appointments in Cardiff City’s recent history.
“We’ve been immensely impressed by the standard of those who wish to lead our football club. We are excited to share a further positive update soon regarding the appointment of a new management team once the necessary negotiations have been concluded.
“Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Mehmet Dalman, Ken Choo, our board of directors and I wish to place on record our thanks to Gavin Chesterfield, Mark Allen and the Wasserman Agency.”
Writer’s View
The timing of Cardiff’s statement is impossible to ignore. This has been a lengthy process, with the likes of Ian Evatt and Des Buckingham both thought to have been under consideration. Barry-Murphy is also a name which has been mentioned on numerous occasions and the fact that this coincides with the news that the Bluebirds have held advanced talks with the Leicester City coach indicates that an appointment is close. If true, it’s an interesting choice and one which may underwhelm supporters. Next season is huge for the club, with the expectation they will be challenging for an automatic promotion spot in League One.
