Nathan Jones to Cardiff City latest: Charlton Athletic boss responds as interim makes desire clear

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones continues to be linked with a move to Cardiff City, listed as one of the favourites for the now vacant role. The Bluebirds sacked Erol Bulut after last weekend’s home defeat to Leeds United, placing assistant and former Arsenal youth coach Omer Riza in interim charge.

The Addicks have had a solid start so far this season, currently in fourth place, and they will be desperate to keep hold of Jones amid clear signs of progress, but there are other factors, given Cardiff are the Welsh boss’s hometown club. Here we run you through the latest.

Jones responded

Jones responded this week to claims that he could ditch Charlton to return to Wales to take over at the Cardiff City Stadium. He said: “When this kind of stuff comes up I’m very flattered to be linked with that. One day – I’ve made no secret and been totally open – I would like to manage Cardiff. It is my home town club – my dad lives close. But, right now, I have got a fantastic job and I’m at a wonderful club where I’m really, really looking to build something.

“So that is where we are. I won’t be disrespectful to anyone in any way. So for me it is nothing – I get on with my job day to day and I love my job here and the people I work with. I’ve asked a lot of people to buy-in to that. There is nothing to say really.”

Jones’ previous admission

Jones has previously admitted that he would be open to managing his boyhood club. He said back in 2021: “You never know where your career is going to take you.

“Here at Cardiff, Steve (Morison) has just come in and implemented something so he will need time. But, look, eventually, you never know. It's not something I can sit here now and say, 'Yeah, it's something I really want to do', but, being home in Wales, I love Wales, I am a very proud Welshman, it's a long way in the future but I would never turn that down."

Riza responds

Omer Riza is Cardiff’s current interim boss having served as Bulut’s assistant. Asked on Friday by WalesOnline if he wants the job permanently, he responded: “I thought this would come up. I have worked really hard. I had a really good playing career, I played for 17 years. I’ve been managed by some great coaches, Don Howe, Arsene Wenger, Harry Redknapp, not to mention the coaches I’ve played under abroad. Culturally, I have learnt a lot as a coach.

"As a coach, I have worked in academy football, with youngsters and players throughout the leagues. I have worked non-League, grassroots, a first-team coach, head coach at Leyton Orient. I’ve done the groundwork and I’ve worked really hard to get to this point. I’m ready to take on whatever challenges are in front of me.

"I never like to go into any environment thinking [a manager being sacked] would happen. Obviously it can. I gave my best for Erol and unfortunately we didn’t get the results. Some games we have been unlucky, especially early on at the start of the season. There is never that thought. But I’m getting to the point in my career now, where, if you do get the opportunity you are ready to take it. I’m certainly ready for that. Hopefully we will see the fruits of that at the weekend."