Cardiff revamp coaching staff after Riza sacking

After a promising start and upturn in results, Riza kept Cardiff in contention in the league and his appointment was made permanent to the end of the season in December. However, the team’s form has declined since then, and following two wins since the start of February, he was sacked on Saturday.

In a statement, Cardiff said: “Aaron Ramsey will lead the club for the remaining three games of the Championship season, beginning with Monday’s match at home to Oxford United.

“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.”

Ramsay had rejoined his hometown club as a player in the summer of 2023. He is currently out injured, having undergone surgery on his hamstring last month.

Cardiff have appointed four coaches to assist Ramsey:

• Chris Gunter: Former Cardiff, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest defender has been Head Coach of Wales U19s since 2024.
• Joe Ralls: Cardiff’s club captain, who has spent his entire career at the club. 
• Tom Hutton: Promoted from the Academy, where he is U18s Lead. Has worked for the Bluebirds since 2012, first with their Community Foundation and then the Academy. 
• Matthew Bloxham: Pro Licence holder who joined Cardiff’s Academy in 2010. Permanent position is as U21s Assistant.

Meanwhile, TGG can reveal that Richard Shaw has been sacked as Cardiff Assistant following Riza’s exit. The former Coventry City and Crystal Palace defender had worked with Riza as U21s coach at Watford and joined him at Cardiff in December 2024.

Meanwhile, Tom Ramasut and Darren Purse, who also assisted Riza, have been moved down to the U21s. Ramasut has been with Cardiff since 2021, initially with the Academy and then with the first team since 2021. 

Purse has been U21s boss at Cardiff since December 2021 and moved up to assist Riza with the first team.