As the month draws to a close, Cardiff City’s search for a new manager remains unresolved, sparking apprehension among the club’s supporters as the promised May deadline arrives. With June now imminent and no appointment made, speculation and impatience have grown within the Bluebirds’ fanbase, eager to see clear leadership ahead of what promises to be a pivotal season.
Chairman Mehmet Dalman and senior board members previously expressed confidence that Cardiff would have a new manager in place by the end of May. That commitment has now come under scrutiny, given the looming deadline and absence of progress, even as the club approaches six weeks since former boss Omer Riza’s departure. Despite ample time for considered recruitment, the club faces accusations from observers of lagging behind in succession planning compared to rivals with larger football operations.
Reflecting a pattern seen over the past three years, Cardiff again risks entering the summer without settled leadership at the helm. Two seasons ago, the club parted ways with Sabri Lamouchi directly after a challenging campaign, while last year, protracted contract talks with Erol Bulut delayed preparations well into the off-season. Such uncertainties threaten to undermine critical summer planning, with this particular off-season carrying extra significance as Cardiff faces life in the third tier for the first time in over 20 years.
The club’s supporters are now keeping a watchful eye on the timeline, questioning whether the self-imposed May deadline will be met. The lack of formal announcement has left many anxious, particularly as the transfer window approaches and decisions that will shape the squad’s future are due.
Within the club, it is understood that the board’s preferred candidate has been identified and their recommendation has been with owner Vincent Tan for more than a week. However, deliberations are ongoing, with other names reportedly still being considered. High-profile candidates initially in the frame included Nathan Jones—who has since been promoted with Charlton—as well as the likes of Ian Evatt, Rob Edwards, Des Buckingham, Brian Barry-Murphy, Aaron Ramsey, and Ruben Selles, among others.
Sources suggest the owner is now favouring a more experienced coach after the difficulties encountered last season, when the club persisted with Riza for an extended spell. Qualities such as familiarity with English football and a record of winning promotion have therefore gained greater importance in evaluating potential managers. Nevertheless, some, like Barry-Murphy and Portuguese manager Vitor Campelos, continue to attract interest despite less conventional profiles.
Barry-Murphy, currently with Leicester City after gaining recognition at Manchester City’s youth academy, would represent a long-term project. His only previous senior management stint came at Rochdale, raising some questions over readiness for the role, while Campelos offers a track record of developing young talent, though he has no prior experience in English football. Campelos, who has managed several clubs in Portugal, is currently unattached after a brief spell with AVS.
Other contenders bring a mix of proven ability and ambition. Edwards and Selles, for instance, would signal intent but are believed to be seeking opportunities higher up the football pyramid. Meanwhile, Evatt’s consistency at League One level and Buckingham’s recent promotion with Oxford United have gathered support from within the club, with both viewed as promising, albeit “project”, appointments.
Aaron Ramsey’s candidacy remains a talking point among fans, though it is widely believed the Welsh international plans to play on for both club and country, casting doubt on any imminent move into management. Should Ramsey ever take up the position, it would likely require sweeping changes to the club’s footballing structure to free him from broader off-pitch demands—a scenario considered unlikely in the immediate term.
Ultimately, the delay appears to be a result of the range of options on the table, each offering distinct strengths and potential drawbacks. Amidst this uncertainty, Cardiff City’s supporters are hopeful that a decision will soon be reached, allowing the club to enter the summer with clarity and direction as preparations for a crucial campaign get underway.