**Cardiff City News Round-Up: Managerial Search Intensifies as Des Buckingham Becomes Front Runner and Ramsey Firm on Playing Ambitions**
As Cardiff City look to rebuild following a disappointing campaign culminating in relegation, the search for a new manager has picked up considerable momentum. The club is now preparing for life in League One, a level it has not contested for over two decades, making the current off-season one of the most crucial in recent memory.
The latest developments from the Cardiff City Stadium suggest a shift at the top of the bookmakers’ list for potential new managers, with Des Buckingham emerging as the new favourite. Buckingham, who most recently managed Oxford United until his dismissal in December last year, now leads the odds at evens. His tenure at Oxford saw the club achieve promotion from League One, a feat likely to appeal to Cardiff’s hierarchy as they aim for an immediate return to the Championship.
Bournemouth assistant manager Tommy Elphick has also been in the frame, having surprisingly emerged as a leading contender at the weekend. Despite his relative lack of managerial experience, Elphick is still being heavily linked with the role, sitting close behind Buckingham in the running alongside interim manager Aaron Ramsey, both hovering at 4/1 with bookmakers.
Ramsey, largely seen as a club legend and presently guiding the team on a temporary basis, has made it clear his priority remains on playing rather than managing, at least for the moment. Speaking to Optus Sport, the Wales international stated, “I’ve still got a few years left of playing yet,” despite his ongoing pursuit of coaching qualifications. His current contract is due to expire next month, with an option to extend still under consideration. However, questions remain over whether the 33-year-old will see his future in League One, especially evident after two seasons disrupted by injury.
Fuelled by the ambition to continue representing Wales, possibly even leading the squad at the next World Cup, Ramsey’s commitment to his playing career is undiminished. He commented on the privilege of captaining his country: “To represent your country and to lead the boys out is a proud moment for me every time I do it.” Ramsey acknowledges the immense challenges of returning to peak fitness following successive injury-hit campaigns, but insists the motivation to reach another World Cup is as strong as ever.
Separately, another name associated with Cardiff is being linked with a managerial position elsewhere. David Hughes, currently part of Manchester United’s academy staff and previously Cardiff’s academy director, is reportedly in pole position to take over at Newport County. The 47-year-old Welshman brings a wealth of experience from roles at top clubs including Aston Villa and Southampton, and is widely considered a strong appointment for the League Two outfit, who have been without a permanent boss since late April.
Back at Cardiff, the club have engaged renowned sports agency Wasserman to oversee the initial phase of their managerial recruitment. Tasked with compiling a shortlist from across Europe and North America, Wasserman will soon deliver recommendations for a thorough, multi-stage interview process. With the club explicitly stating their desire to return to the Championship as rapidly as possible, the decision over the next manager is seen as pivotal.
Prominent supporters and observers have also highlighted the value of bringing further footballing expertise to the boardroom, especially given the complexities of recruiting a manager capable of thriving in League One. Thus far, however, a director of football has yet to be appointed, with the club relying on Wasserman’s international reach and acumen.
Cardiff City’s determination to bounce back is evident not only in their approach to management recruitment but also in the clarity of their targets. The coming weeks will be decisive, as the Bluebirds aim to make the right appointments—both on and off the pitch—for a successful revival.
As pre-season approaches, the eyes of the Cardiff faithful remain fixed firmly on developments both within their own ranks and in neighbouring clubs. All stakeholders, from supporters to club directors, will hope that this summer’s decisions provide the spark for a swift and successful return to the Championship.