" WHO'S OUT THERE ? "

BY PHIL SMITH

Cardiff want a young, up and coming coach to take the reigns. These are eight of the brightest in the game at the moment.


Michael Appleton and Neil Lennon could be candidates.

So, the hunt for the man to lead Cardiff City's hunt for success next season has begun.

Our understanding is that they are looking for a young, up and coming boss who can bring fresh ideas and a fresh perspective to first team affairs.

The suggestion is they want someone with some level of experience, which would appear to rule out early bookies' favourite Craig Bellamy.

So who could come into the fold? With Russell Slade moving to a 'head of football' role, the new man is unlikely to have major, top level experience but will have already made an impression somewhere before.

These coaches would seem to fit the bill...

Robbie Neilson - Hearts of Midlothian

Robbie Neilson has been a resounding success in ScotlandRobbie Neilson has been a resounding success in Scotland
Cardiff should be taking note of the dramatic impact Alex Neil had at Norwich when he arrived from Hamilton last season.

The 35-year-old Hearts coach has worked miracles since taking the Tynecastle post, sweeping Rangers and Hibs aside last year. Incredibly, they were unbeaten in the league until January, and didn't lose again until April.

They currently sit third in their first season back in the Scottish Premiership.

Interestingly, he has built an excellent rapport with Director of Football Craig Levein.

They have recruited smartly, and also blooded a massive amount of youth.

All of that fits perfectly with what Cardiff are looking for.

Appleton was regarded as the coming coach in English football before a calamitous start to his managerial career.

He left Blackpool after just eleven league games to move to Blackburn, but only lasted 67 days as he failed to make an impact at Ewood Park.

His rehabilitation since then, however, has been impressive.

Dropping to the lowest tier of league football, Appleton has steered Oxford United to the brink of promotion from League Two. He also oversaw an impressive FA Cup run, dumping Swansea out in the third round.

Has played a big part in the astonishing rise of Kemar Roofe, too boot.

Well connected, well trained and with a big future ahead of him, it would be a surprise if Appleton wasn't in the mix.


Paul Clement - Ex Derby County
Clement was assistant manager at Real MadridClement was assistant manager at Real Madrid
His record at Derby was decent, and many felt his sacking was harsh in the extreme.

Having coached the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and learnt from one of the very best in Carlo Ancelotti, Clement is another young coach who would fit the bill.

This would be an ambitious move, and Clement himself might feel this would be too big a step down.

He will also know, however, how tough it is to get back in the game when you've been out for an extended period.


Paul Trollope - Cardiff City

Huw Evans Picture AgencyCardiff Manager Russell Slade and his assistant Paul Trollope
In the search for a new head coach, the Bluebirds' will presumably start by looking at the, er, current head coach.

Trollope has been credited for making a hugely positive contribution to the quality of Cardiff's football, one of the reasons for the slight upturn in mood amongst fans this season.

He has managerial experience, spending five largely successful years in charge of Bristol Rovers.

He would be a low cost option, and given his Wales connections would presumably buy massively into the philosophy of promoting youth.

Would not be the most inspiring of appointments but will surely be considered.

Related: What can Cardiff City learn from the teams that suffered their play-off disappointment last season?

Neil Lennon - Ex Bolton Wanderers
Bolton manager Neil Lennon will be in the opposition dug-out against EastleighFormer manager Neil Lennon
Having spent a season fighting fires at the Reebok, he would almost definitely relish the opportunity to take over a stable starting XI with potential for growth.

His stock has fallen amid the carnage of Bolton's relegation campaign, but this is a manager with a cabinet full of trophies. It is not all that long ago that he was leading Celtic to a famous victory over Champions League.

The winner that night, of course, was scored by Bluebird alumni Tony Watt.

With a big reputation, he might not fit the profile, but financial circumstances have dictated that has had to go with youth this season.

The likes of Zac Clough and Josh Vela have grown considerably, which will no doubt impress the board.

Nigel Adkins - Sheffield United
Action Images / Henry BrowneNigel Adkins
Stranded in 10th position, it has been a bitterly frustrating season for League One side Sheffield United.

Appointing Nigel Adkins looked inspired, but he has been a disappointment.

Nevertheless, his work at Southampton was superb, navigating tricky waters and leading them through two divisions in consecutive seasons.

Notably, that charge was lead by a plethora of young talent, all of whom have been sold on for enormous fees.

With a notoriously small ego, he would be as good a bet as anyone to deal with and get on with Vincent Tan.

Perhaps slightly older than the club are looking for, but a smart fit in every other sense.

Neal Ardley - AFC Wimbledon

The manager of the month for League Two in April knows the club well, having played for a season and had a role in the club's youth academy.

Is still young but now very experienced, having been at the AFC Wimbledon helm since 2012.

Ardley is the 9th longest serving manager in the Football League, likely to impress a club that is craving consistency and stability.

Whether he has what it takes to step up to a Championship play-off push is the big question mark.

Gus Poyet - AEK Athens

Has been enormously successful since moving to Greece, but will depart his role at the end of the season. The Uruguayan has been heavily linked with the Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town jobs in recent weeks.

He would be a considerable acquisition, likely want to want assurances over investment in the playing squad.

A swift and disappointing end to his Sunderland reign did immense damage to his reputation, but his Brighton team were known for playing very progressive football and he would command respect from the Cardiff squad.

Would be open to giving youth a chance and has seen everything there is to see over a distinguished career in football.

Cardiff should put him on their shortlist.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Got them in the play offs and he kept Sunderland up.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Got them in the play offs and he kept Sunderland up.

Still don't think he's right for us, prefer someone young and fresh

Trouble is if criticism of Slade was any thing to go by then the next man in should have some serious championship credentials so that the fans won't be on his back after 5 mins and to that end Adkins would be a good shout though I can't see him working under Slade.

Last edited by Sneggybluebird on Fri May 06, 2016 5:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Got them in the play offs and he kept Sunderland up.

Still don't think he's right for us, prefer someone young and fresh

Neal Ardley would also be good.

Trouble is if criticism of Slade was any thing to go by then the next man in should have some serious championship credentials so that the fans won't be on his back after 5 mins and to that end Adkins would be a good shout though I can't see him working under Slade.

I don't want Adkins think there is better out there.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Got them in the play offs and he kept Sunderland up.

Still don't think he's right for us, prefer someone young and fresh

Neal Ardley would also be good.

Yes he be ok and knows the club

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Got them in the play offs and he kept Sunderland up.

Still don't think he's right for us, prefer someone young and fresh

Neal Ardley would also be good.

Yes he be ok and knows the club

And would bring youth through.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Got them in the play offs and he kept Sunderland up.

Still don't think he's right for us, prefer someone young and fresh

Neal Ardley would also be good.

Yes he be ok and knows the club

And would bring youth through.

Truth is lots of talented young managers out there who would relish chance to manage a fairly big club like ours!

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Got them in the play offs and he kept Sunderland up.

Still don't think he's right for us, prefer someone young and fresh

Neal Ardley would also be good.

Yes he be ok and knows the club

And would bring youth through.

Truth is lots of talented young managers out there who would relish chance to manage a fairly big club like ours!

True.

Nigel Clough

Wherever he had been has left clubs in a better state than when he took over.

Plays good football on the ground and knows most of the British leagues.

Maybe at Burton but we are a bigger fish and he may be tempted.

Nigel Clough

Wherever he had been has left clubs in a better state than when he took over.

Plays good football on the ground and knows most of the British leagues.

Maybe at Burton but we are a bigger fish and he may be tempted.

Nigel Clough

Wherever he had been has left clubs in a better state than when he took over.

Plays good football on the ground and knows most of the British leagues.

Maybe at Burton but we are a bigger fish and he may be tempted.

I wouldn't mind him.

Trouble is if criticism of Slade was any thing to go by then the next man in should have some serious championship credentials so that the fans won't be on his back after 5 mins and to that end Adkins would be a good shout though I can't see him working under Slade.

I don't want Adkins think there is better out there.

Well tell us who you think fits the bill bearing in mind he must have solid championship experience otherwise the fans will be straight on his back if it don't go well from the off.It just amazes me that alot of fans have been reasoning that Slade shouldn't have had the job because he didn't have the necessary championship experience and yet seemingly wouldn't mind Ardley.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

good shout

Paul lambert would be good, he was great at Norwich. Also I would not mind Paul clement either. He was really well thought of before his role at Derby and many people feel Derby got rid of him to soon.

Paul lambert would be good, he was great at Norwich. Also I would not mind Paul clement either. He was really well thought of before his role at Derby and many people feel Derby got rid of him to soon.

I would expect Lambert wanting the Celtic job and Paul Clement I think he would want some money to spend which Tan is going to splash.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Virtually every manager available at our level has failed somewhere.
That's why they call it the 'merry go round' I guess.
I certainly wouldn't mind him, he plays attractive football as well.

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Virtually every manager available at our level has failed somewhere.
That's why they call it the 'merry go round' I guess.
I certainly wouldn't mind him, he plays attractive football as well.

He would be a good appointment he would have us play possession football.

It could be Almir Hurtic, Tan likes him

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Virtually every manager available at our level has failed somewhere.
That's why they call it the 'merry go round' I guess.
I certainly wouldn't mind him, he plays attractive football as well.

He would be a good appointment he would have us play possession football.

Rydog, I find myself agreeing with you a little lately which is pretty much a first out of your ten thousand odd posts!!!

Jeez, I just noticed you're a mod. When did that happen?

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Virtually every manager available at our level has failed somewhere.
That's why they call it the 'merry go round' I guess.
I certainly wouldn't mind him, he plays attractive football as well.

He would be a good appointment he would have us play possession football.

Rydog, I find myself agreeing with you a little lately which is pretty much a first out of your ten thousand odd posts!!!

Jeez, I just noticed you're a mod. When did that happen?

A couple of weeks now.

It could be Almir Hurtic, Tan likes him

Almir who?

Well looks like good list so on wing and prayer get good one!

Poyet would be good.

Not sure about him did not do well at Brighton.

Virtually every manager available at our level has failed somewhere.
That's why they call it the 'merry go round' I guess.
I certainly wouldn't mind him, he plays attractive football as well.

Your Probably right but guess anyone better than slade ?

It could be Almir Hurtic, Tan likes him

Almir who?

Has anyone else googled him???

He looks like A cross between Glen Roeder and Denis Neilson.

Fun guy in the dressing room

It could be Almir Hurtic, Tan likes him

Almir who?

Has anyone else googled him???

He looks like A cross between Glen Roeder and Denis Neilson.

Fun guy in the dressing room

The Glen Roeder bit makes sense.

Tim Sherwood or Nigel Pearson or Craig Bellamy for me!