What Nathan Jones has said about becoming Cardiff City manager – It may worry some at Charlton Athletic
Aaron Ramsay’s brief interim spell resulted in the Bluebirds’ relegation to League One, and they are now without a manager after Omer Riza was fired in the middle of the season.
Being a native child and a lifelong Bluebirds supporter, Jones has never concealed his ambition to coach Cardiff at some point in his playing career.
Jones, 52, was asked by the South London Press about his intention to manage Cardiff City in September 2024, while Riza’s role was still temporary and a permanent appointment was forthcoming.
Jones said: “When this kind of material comes up I’m really flattered to be affiliated with that. I’ve been completely honest and open about my desire to manage Cardiff someday. My dad lives nearby, therefore it’s my hometown club.
“But at the moment, I’m working at a great club and have an amazing job, and I’m really, really trying to build something.”
That’s where we are, then. I promise not to treat anyone disrespectfully. Therefore, it means nothing to me because I love my job and the people I work with, and I go about my daily business as usual. I’ve asked a lot of folks to buy-in to it. Really, there is nothing to say.
While he was still employed at The Valley, he was also questioned about the nature of an approach:
“I wouldn’t just turn around and say it here if I had, would I? Really, there is nothing to be concerned about. I have an amazing position here, and I chose it for a specific reason: I think we can create something truly unique.
Although Nathan Jones has remained dedicated to his current position, his long-standing admiration for Cardiff City is clear. The timing of this renewed interest from the Bluebirds, coming just after he led Charlton to promotion, is enough to cause concern at The Valley.
“I make no secret about the Cardiff job, because it is my hometown club and all the affiliations I have there. One day I really, really would love to manage the football club.
Right now I’m Charlton manager and I’m thoroughly enjoying the project we are building.”
| Nathan Jones at Charlton Athletic (via FotMob) | |
|---|---|
| Games | 73 |
| Wins | 36 |
| Draws | 21 |
| Losses | 16 |
| Win percentage | 49% |
| Points per game | 1.8 |
Jones has been candid about his emotional attachment to his local team, and despite his insistence that he is focused on creating something unique in South London, it could be difficult to resist the temptation to return to Cardiff.
For the time being, Charlton supporters will be hoping that Championship football and the opportunity to further solidify his legacy would be sufficient to prevent him from returning home.
But as the days pass and Cardiff’s quest gets more intense, Jones might soon have to make the choice.
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