It's now virtually certain that Alan Cork has
fallen on his sword and resigned as manager of Cardiff City FC.
Word from contacts high up in Cardiff City last
night said that Cork would be given the chance to resign before being sacked
today. Cork it appears took the first option.
There is no official confirmation from Cork or
the club.
Again unconfirmed but it's thought that Lennie
Lawrence will take over the managers job for the rest of the season. I can
only guess that Lennie will be given the opportunity to prove himself and to
try and keep the job into next season.
The former Wimbledon player has come under increasing pressure in recent
weeks due to the Welsh club's erratic form in their push for a second
successive promotion.
Last season they came up from Division Three, and after heavy investment
from owner Sam Hammam, they were expected to make a genuine bid to go
straight through Division Two.
The final straw was Saturday's 4-0 away to defeat to struggling Wigan
Athletic, who broke a five-game winless streak in spectacular fashion
against an expensively assembled Cardiff side.
Speaking of the fans' reaction after Saturday's defeat, Cork had said:
"Life's never comfortable in Cardiff because everyone wants to win every
game, but you can't blame them."
Cork met with Hammam over the weekend to discuss his future, and BBC Sport
Online understands that Cork then offered his resignation.
A statement from Cork confirming his decision is expected sometime on
Monday.
The appointment last month of former Grimsby boss Lennie Lawrence as
Cardiff's director of football, increased the pressure on Cork.
Lawrence has become increasingly involved in onfield tactics and it is
likely that he will take over team affairs from Cork.
Cork was appointed Cardiff manager in October 2000, after former Wales and
Wimbledon boss Bobby Gould moved upstairs as director of football.
Gould left his post with the club earlier this season, followed by Ian
Atkins - who only lasted a few months - allowing Lawrence to step in. Atkins
is now in charge at Oxford United.
Ian Butterworth, who arrived at Ninian Park just after Cork took charge, is
expected to continue as assistant manager.
Cork, who managed Swansea City for a brief period during the 1997/8 season,
has spent big in enticing players such as Danny Gabbidon, Spencer Prior,
Graham Kavanagh and Peter Thorne to Ninian Park during his reign.
The players' performances have at least proved that Cork has a good eye for
quality, but it appears that perceived flaws in his tactical organisation
may have proved insurmountable.
Cardiff, in 11th place in Division Two - five points off the play-off
places - must now regroup for Tuesday night's home match against Bury.
