CARDIFF CITY APPOINT RUSSELL SLADE AS FIRST TEAM MANAGER
Cardiff City Football Club are pleased to confirm Russell Slade as First Team Manager, following his appointment by Tan Sri Vincent Tan.
Speaking of the appointment, Tan Sri Vincent Tan said, “I’m delighted to appoint Russell Slade as the Manager of Cardiff City. I have personally offered Russell this opportunity after giving much thought to the needs of the Club at this point in time and firmly believe that he is the right person for the job. I have spoken to many knowledgeable people in the game about Russell, and the feedback has been extremely positive. He is clearly well liked and respected, particularly by his former Chairman, Mr Barry Hearn, who could not speak more highly of him, both as a person and as a manager.
“The stability, integrity and experience that he brings is something I feel is essential for Cardiff City. He is capable of turning a group of players into an organised, tight-knit team, with great team spirit, who will work hard for each other while playing an attractive style of football. I want to give this honest, committed and hardworking man the opportunity to manage our talented players and I am convinced, with God’s blessing, Russell can succeed now that he has been given his first opportunity to manage at a higher level.
“I ask that our supporters offer him a chance to prove his long term value to our club, giving him and his players their full support as we try to earn our place in the Premier League under his guidance. Look at Russell’s track record. He certainly deserves to be given a chance. After all, Cardiff gave a chance to a mediocre manager from Watford and he took the Club to the Premier League. I did however give him a lot of money to spend for that – in fact, too much money.
“This is an important appointment for me because Russell has the right values for the Club and our supporters. I hope he will be able to bring the best out of our squad, and also help to unite everyone associated with the Club. So, let’s all give Russell a chance.”
Cardiff City Chairman Mehmet Dalman said, “I would like to welcome Russell and wish him every success as Manager of Cardiff City. I would also like to thank Scott Young, Danny Gabbidon and their team for stepping in to take the team over the last few weeks. Both are highly and rightfully respected at Cardiff City and will be given the opportunity to work with Russell to progress their own coaching careers.”
Russell Slade said, “I’m grateful to Vincent for giving me this opportunity as Cardiff City is a fantastic Football Club. We have a large squad and it’s more than putting out the best eleven players on paper. We need the best group of players out there with the right balance and chemistry. It’s now about building a relationship with the players and installing a strong ethos and work ethic. That’s what I want us to take onto the pitch every week.”
