January
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Todays name linked with the vacant managers job at Ninian Park is Neville Southall. Big Nev has parted company with Torquay Utd. While he has no league experience at managing he has taken joint control of the Wales post for I think it was one game.

Whilst all this speculation is going on don't forget Billy Ayre. He is control for the moment and needs all the support we can give him.

News item from te media today (not sure where its from sorry.)
TORQUAY have released veteran goalkeeper Neville Southall from his week-to-week contract, and it is strongly rumoured that he is being courted by Cardiff about their vacant manager's position.

The former Everton stopper brought up his 700th league appearance in The Gulls' 2-1 defeat at the hands of Division Three basement club Chester on Saturday, but his next could well be in the royal blue of Cardiff.

The 41-year-old has amassed a record 92 Wales caps, and he could be set to move to the Welsh capital in the wake of The Bluebirds parting company with Frank Burrows on Monday.

Southall has yet to apply for the vacant job at Ninian Park, but the Welsh club are looking for a big name in an attempt to stave off relegation from Division Two.

A possible contender for the position is former Huddersfield manager Peter Jackson, who is favoured by a consortium who are willing to invest up to £3 million in the club

The Western Mail today took a look at the potential runners and riders.
DIE-HARD Cardiff City fans have called for the next manager to be a Welshman.

Frank Burrows left the club by mutual consent on Monday and assistant Billy Ayre has been put in charge for Saturday’s match at Scunthorpe.

Former Blackpool manager Ayre has made it clear he would like the job on a permanent basis, though ex-Huddersfield manager Peter Jackson is expected to be offered the post.

But Kevin Ratcliffe, Peter Nicholas and Tony Pulis were last night put forward as worthy candidates by fans.

“We need a young track-suited manager who is passionate about Welsh football,” said lifelong Bluebirds follower John Henderson, from Heath, Cardiff.

“Peter Nicholas would be my choice. As a player he always gave 100 per cent commitment for Wales and has gained a wealth of coaching experience with Crystal Palace.

“Frank Burrows did brilliantly to take City up in his first full season back at the club.

“But this season he stuck to the same playing system, even when things were going against the team.

“He seemed too set in his ways and some of his signings have to be questioned. It’s time for a younger man with fresh ideas to take over.”

Ratcliffe is the man to revitalise the team, said Alan Chapman, 29, from Porthcawl,

“As a player, Kevin played a major part in helping City gain promotion under Eddie May. He was doing a great job at Chester before the club’s new owner interfered with team affairs, and is already turning things around at Shrewsbury.”

Peter Tomkinson from Dinas Powys, urged the board to go for an experienced Welsh manager.

“John Toshack is the perfect candidate but there’s no chance of us getting him,” he said.

“But there are other proven Welsh managers around, like Tony Pulis, Brian Flynn and Kevin Ratcliffe.

“The bookmakers have made Peter Jackson odds-on favourite because of the bets put on him.

“Jackson did reasonably well in his short spell with Huddersfield. But he isn’t a proven manager, nor exactly a high-profile person.

“The people who are investing £2.5m in the club will obviously want their own man.

“If they aren’t going for a big name why not invite a Welshman to manage the premier club in Wales?” City chairman Steve Borley said the board would appoint who they considered to be the best man for the job, regardless of his nationality.

“Names like Peter Jackson, Jan Molby, Gary Megson - even Brian Kidd - have been bandied about but I am not interested in names,” said Borley.

“I want someone to come here and show the pride and passion this club deserves to take it forward. We have no one in mind at the moment and will be advertising the post.

“I know some fans would like a Welshman in charge but each applicant will be considered purely on merit.

“Billy Ayre will put himself in contention if results improve.

“There have been too many below-par displays lately. Certain players have got to show greater commitment - and that’s Billy’s department.”

A new manager is unlikely to be installed until the club is taken over by the wealthy business consortium fronted by millionaire Clive Sullivan, probably next week.

But Borley insisted the appointment would not be made by the investors.

“It will be the choice of the directors. Of course, the new investors will want their say. But they will only have one vote among the six on the board. And the board will continue to run the club.”