Cardiff City narrow down their managerial search to just two candidates as key deadline set

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Cardiff City’s search for a new manager is coming to an end as a key deadline has been set to make their new appointment.

The Bluebirds have been on the lookout for a new manager since sacking Omer Riza in the middle of April.

Aaron Ramsey was placed in temporary charge for the final two games, but unfortunately, the Cardiff City icon was unable to keep them in the Championship as they suffered relegation to League One.

Michael Beale was initially the leading candidate for the job in South Wales, which left supporters worried, while Cardiff shortlisted Nathan Jones as an option before he signed a new contract with Charlton Athletic.

Now, their two-month search for a successor to Riza has almost come to an end, with just two names left to battle it out for the job.

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Aaron Ramsey and Des Buckingham the leading candidates for Cardiff City job

According to journalist Darren Witcoop, Cardiff’s search has been narrowed down to Ramsey and former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham.

Talks are continuing with both managers, and Ramsey has already presented his coaching team to the board in the event he takes over, with a decision set to be made by next week.

Cardiff are preparing for a campaign in the third tier for the first time in 22 years following relegation, and will be eyeing an instant return to the second tier.

But whoever they decide between Ramsey and Buckingham will have a job on their hands to get them challenging for promotion, as Cardiff are in trouble financially.

That being said, to give themselves the best possible chance of returning to the Championship, the choice is an easy one.

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Cardiff must hire Buckingham over Ramsey

Putting sentiment aside, Cardiff can ill afford to take risks by hiring Ramsey, and should do everything in their power to give Buckingham the job.

Buckingham may have been sacked by Oxford in December, but the 40-year-old was responsible for leading them into the second tier after beating Bolton Wanderers in the League One play-off final.

The Englishman has experience of navigating through the third tier in that regard and would bring attacking football to Cardiff, something they’ve lacked in recent seasons.

Admittedly, it wouldn’t be the most inspiring appointment but if it’s a choice between the two, it has to be Buckingham every day of the week.