An updated look at the next Cardiff City manager market

It’s approaching two weeks since Cardiff City pulled the plug on Mick McCarthy’s tenure at the club.

It was a spell which started very brightly back in January but one that came to a crushing end following a horrible run of eight straight defeats, during which his side mustered one goal in 720 minutes of football.

Below we take a look at the latest in the Bluebirds' search for their third permanent manager of 2021…

Michael Flynn

From the moment Michael Flynn departed Newport at the start of October he’s been linked with a move to Cardiff, rumours which only intensified following McCarthy’s exit. Flynn is currently the odds-on favourite with the likes of Sky Bet and William Hill, although he’s drifted to 5/2 with Bet Victor.

Flynn also happens to be hotly linked with another struggling Championship club, Barnsley, a job he’s also odds-on for. In truth, Cardiff seems the more logical move for the ex-Exiles boss, who transformed the fortunes of the club during his four-and-a-half-year tenure. Upon his appointment they seemed destined for relegation, he saved them, then took the club to two League two play-off finals.

There will be questions over a sudden jump up two levels but he certainly has the confidence to take on either Championship position.

Jody Morris

Linked with fellow Welsh side Swansea in the summer, it’s surely only a matter of time until Jody Morris gets an opportunity in the managerial arena. He’s an excellent coach whose CV includes multiple honours with the Chelsea youth teams - including a quadruple - and assistant spells under Frank Lampard at the Blues and Derby.

Morris’ history of developing youth players combined with his coaching credentials make him an intriguing option for a club in desperate need of a fresh approach, while he could use his ties to Chelsea to recruit a talented cluster of youngsters.

Steve Morison

Steve Morison endured nightmare start as Cardiff’s caretaker manager after the club shipped three goals in 46 minutes at Stoke, only for the 38-year-old to inspire a stunning comeback as the Bluebirds came away with a prized point which brought an end to that eight game losing streak.

Midfielder Will Vaulks has been impressed by Morison’s impact so far, telling Wales Online:

"He has put his stamp on what he wants us to do. A bit more detailed analysis of the games in training - trying to have a look at what we did well against Stoke and what we didn’t, where we can improve. Little clips in training to make things better.

"He has tried to instil belief in us that we can play better football, we are better players than what we’ve shown over the period of poor results.”

Morison, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, could well be given time to shine as caretaker - and should he oversee 10 games it will count as a ‘win’ in the betting market. He’s previously coached at Northampton and Millwall, and his work with Cardiff’s academy means the future could be bright for the youngsters. Expect his current price of 11/1 to shorten if he gets a result in his second game tonight (Wednesday) against QPR.

Chris Hughton

Going down the experienced route didn’t work out in the end in McCarthy, but should Cardiff favour another manager with plenty of Championship know-how then Chris Hughton could be an option out at 25/1.

Hughton led Newcastle to the Championship title in 2010, then took Brighton up to the Premier League in 2017, and finished in the play-offs with Birmingham.

There will, however, naturally be concerns over his last spell at Nottingham Forest, which came to an end in September after a return of one point from seven matches. This season aside, Hughton is known for his defensive organisation and pragmatic style of play, which may not excite too many fans.

Likely to be a solid appointment, not a spectacular one.

Who else has been mentioned?

Chris Wilder’s odds continue to lengthen with the former Sheffield United manager now out to 14/1. Would undoubtedly be the high-profile appointment that could instigate a revival in fortunes, but similar to Flynn, Wilder is also being hotly linked with Barnsley.

Michael Beale continues to attract attention in managerial markets due to the job he’s doing as assistant manager to Steven Gerrard at Rangers, which resulted in a title win last season. Beale has worked extensively at youth level with Chelsea and Liverpool, and may soon be tempted to take the plunge into management.

When it comes to other managers working in the EFL, Lincoln’s Michael Appleton is priced at 20/1, as are Plymouth’s Ryan Lowe and Forest Green Rovers boss Rob Edwards.

Full odds below...