Cardiff City have confirmed that they will be looking for a new first-team manager next season, with current boss Russell Slade accepting a different role within the club. 55-year-old Slade will become Head of Football and shall take charge of his final game against Birmingham City this weekend.
It was only earlier today that Slade revealed that he plans on holding talks with owner Vincent Tan about his future following the Birmingham game. Those talks appear to have been fast-tracked, meaning the Bluebirds are on the lookout for a new manager.
A statement was released by the club on Friday afternoon on their official club website. It revealed that Slade had been asked to take up a new role within the club and he accepted that proposal.
As Head of Football, the experienced Slade will report to Chief Executive Ken Choo and oversee ‘football decisions’ such as scouting. Accepting this position ensures that the role is remains in ‘trusted and experienced hands’.
Speaking on his new role, Slade said he was delighted to be remaining at the club so that he can contribute to the progress made both on and off the field,
“I’d like to express my sincerest of thanks to Tan Sri Vincent Tan for giving me the opportunity to join this Football Club back in 2014.
“I feel that we’ve made progress on and off the field during this time, achieving stability and giving the Club solid ground on which to move forward.
“I’m therefore very pleased to accept the new position of Head of Football, which allows me to play my part in our future.”
Owner Tan said that Slade has played a major role in stabilising the club as a whole since his appointment in October 2014 and expects him to play a major role in their development,
“I’d like to thank Russell for his efforts since his appointment here in October 2014.
“Since then, we have seen stabilisation and progression, both on and off the field. Crucially, he is a man who I have been able to trust.
“Russell’s contribution has been significant, and I’m pleased that he’s accepted this new position to stay at the Football Club. He will help us as we look towards the future and begin shaping our squad for the new season. I also feel that he can help us create additional synergy between Cardiff City and our sister clubs.”
