**Des Buckingham Emerges as Leading Candidate for Cardiff City Managerial Role Amid Prolonged Search**
Cardiff City’s protracted hunt for a new manager appears to be drawing toward its conclusion, as former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham has emerged as the clear frontrunner to take the helm at the Welsh club. The Bluebirds have been without a permanent manager since Omer Riza’s dismissal toward the end of last season, when the club suffered relegation to League One. With pre-season preparations looming, the search for a new leader has intensified, and fans are eager for clarity and direction.
The process, overseen in part by club owner Vincent Tan and reportedly guided by external recruitment experts, has been marred by delays. Nearly two months on from Riza’s departure, there has yet to be an official announcement, fuelling mounting frustration and speculation among the Cardiff faithful. The absence of decisive action has led to calls from supporters for improved communication and transparency from those at the top.
Initially, two high-profile candidates appeared to be in the running. Nathan Jones, who had been linked with Cardiff following his stint with Charlton, put paid to any such rumours by signing a long-term extension with the Addicks. Meanwhile, club legend Aaron Ramsey, who assumed interim managerial duties for the closing fixtures of a disappointing Championship campaign, was widely tipped for the job. However, it has since been reported that Ramsey is poised for a fresh start overseas, with Mexican side Pumas reportedly set to secure his services.
This double setback left Cardiff in limbo, but now Des Buckingham has surfaced as the leading candidate for the position. Betting agencies currently list the 40-year-old as the odds-on favourite, ahead of Leicester City coach Brian Barry-Murphy and ex-Bolton manager Ian Evatt. Buckingham, who enjoyed a successful spell with Oxford United including guiding them to promotion from League One, was already involved in the interview process, which recently concluded.
Buckingham’s credentials have kept him in the frame for several managerial vacancies since he parted company with Oxford in December, and he was also linked to the Plymouth Argyle job. However, speculation suggests that Barry-Murphy now leads the race for the Plymouth post, which may clear the path for Buckingham to accept the Cardiff challenge. The Irishman, currently a first-team coach at Leicester and formerly at Rochdale, is reportedly favoured over fellow candidates Tom Cleverley, Jack Wilshere and Ian Evatt for the Home Park role.
Despite the narrowing field, concerns over the drawn-out decision-making process continue to dog Cardiff City’s hierarchy. The Cardiff City Supporters Trust issued a pointed statement this week, describing the prolonged search as “intolerable”. The Trust highlighted the urgent need for a stable managerial presence ahead of a critical pre-season – a period when strategic squad decisions are typically made. Their message questioned whether owner Vincent Tan harbours sufficient urgency and called for more direct engagement with supporters.
The absence of communication has further aggravated tensions, with fan groups expressing confusion over who is steering the recruitment process and whether external advisers remain involved. The Trust voiced its willingness to work with the club to foster better communication, emphasising that supporters deserve more respect and information during such a pivotal time.
This period of uncertainty comes at a crucial juncture for Cardiff City. Following the club’s relegation to League One and the need to rebuild both morale and the playing squad, swift and decisive leadership is essential to set a new course. While the appointment of a manager is expected imminently, supporters await confirmation with a blend of hope and apprehension.
Ultimately, as Des Buckingham stands on the cusp of potentially taking over at one of Wales’ most storied clubs, all eyes are on Cardiff City’s leadership to restore stability and vision. Only time will tell whether this long-anticipated decision will provide the impetus needed for the Bluebirds to soar once again.