Cardiff City have turned to Wales legend Aaron Ramsey in a last-ditch effort to avoid relegation.
The Bluebirds have appointed their 34-year-old national team captain as interim manager for the remainder of the Championship season following the dismissal of Omer Riza.
It means the club will finish the season having had three different managers – never a good look and rarely a formula for success, even if that’s measured only in terms of avoiding the drop.
The decision was made after Cardiff’s 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Good Friday, a result that kept the Bluebirds rooted in 23rd place, one point from safety.
It also comes just two days after Riza called a section of the fans who had taken pot shots at him on social media, “clueless” – a rash put-down he issued an public apology for prior to the match at Bramall Lane.
Riza, who had been under increasing pressure in recent weeks, was relieved of his duties on Saturday morning.
A club statement confirmed the change: "Cardiff City FC can confirm that a decision has been taken to relieve Omer Riza of his duties as First Team Manager.
“Aaron Ramsey will lead the Club for the remaining three games of the Sky Bet Championship season, beginning with Monday's match at home to Oxford United."
CHECK ODDS HERE: RAMSEY NOW NEW FAVOURITE!
Joining Ramsey in the technical area will be a team of familiar faces.
Former Wales teammate and current Under-19 national team coach Chris Gunter will act as assistant, alongside current Cardiff midfielder Joe Ralls.
Academy figures Tom Hutton and Matthew Bloxham complete the interim coaching setup, with Gavin Ward continuing as goalkeeping coach.
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"We'd like to thank Omer for his passion and effort during his time as Cardiff City manager and wish him the very best for his next steps in the game," the club added.
Ramsey, who has no previous senior managerial experience, has long been tipped for a future in coaching.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy is among those who have spoken of his potential to operate at a high level post-retirement.
Despite being currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Ramsey has been heavily involved behind the scenes—contributing to tactical planning and assisting at the club’s academy since returning to south Wales in 2023.
His appointment marks the club's second managerial change this season.
CHECK ODDS HERE: CARDIFF CITY NOW TIPPED TO STAY UP!
Erol Bulut began the campaign but was dismissed after a dismal start, collecting just one point from six games.
Riza, initially brought in as an assistant from Watford, was promoted to caretaker and later given the reins until season’s end following a brief improvement in form.
However, a prolonged downturn saw Cardiff go winless in five matches, culminating in a damaging loss at Bramall Lane that led to mounting supporter unrest.
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While owner Vincent Tan had previously shown loyalty to Riza, the latest defeat forced the club to act, with sources indicating that former manager Neil Warnock had even been considered as a fallback option.
Ramsey’s legendary status at Cardiff, where he became the club’s youngest ever player in 2007, is hoped will reinvigorate the fanbase during a tense run-in.
He went on to star for Arsenal—winning two FA Cups—before spells at Juventus and Nice, ultimately returning to Cardiff last summer.
Though injuries have limited his involvement on the pitch this season, his presence in the dugout could inject much-needed belief ahead of crucial clashes with Oxford United, West Bromwich Albion, and Norwich City.
"It’s a big moment for the club," a source close to the situation noted. "There’s real hope Aaron’s leadership can inspire the players and fans in these final games."
Ramsey will make his managerial debut when Cardiff host Oxford on Monday at Cardiff City Stadium.
