Ex-Arsenal favourite handed first EFL manager job before retiring from playing

Former Arsenal favourite Aaron Ramsey has been handed his first managerial job before even retiring as a player. Cardiff City have been left in a dire situation after former Arsenal player Omer Riza failed to improve results following the departure of Erol Bulut earlier in the season.

Riza, who was previously an assistant, was being credited with some of Bulut’s early success, coming across well with the players, but he has overseen a disastrous run of results that has plummeted the Bluebirds into the bottom three with just three games remaining.

Fans who travelled to see Cardiff at Sheffield United on Good Friday chanted “we want Riza out”, and the board have listened, handing the 45-year-old his P45. With just three games left, Cardiff were always unlikely to make a long-term appointment, and so they have turned to midfielder Ramsey to lead the team for the rest of the season, with the Welshman sidelined with injury.

Ramsey has struggled with injury throughout his latest spell with his hometown club, but he has done his coaching badges, setting up a coaching career beyond his playing time. Interestingly, long-serving Cardiff captain Joe Ralls will be part of the backroom staff having also been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury, and former Cardiff and Tottenham player Chris Gunter will also form part of the staff. Gunter has been coaching with Wales under-19s.

A club statement confirmed on Saturday: “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.

“Chris Gunter, Joe Ralls, Tom Hutton and Matthew Bloxham will join Aaron in the technical area. 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.”

Cardiff are currently 23rd in the Championship and one point - and significant goal difference - off safety with three games to go, facing Oxford United and West Brom at home before taking on Norwich City away from home to close the season.

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