Cardiff City: Board eyes stability, but braces for relegation battle

Cardiff sacked manager Erol Bulut in September – after he oversaw the club’s worst start to a season in 94 years – just three months after he signed a new two-year deal to remain in south Wales.

Despite an initial upturn in fortunes under caretaker boss Omer Riza – who has since been given the role until the end of 2024-25 – Cardiff sit second from bottom in the Championship before Saturday’s trip to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough (15:00 GMT).

Dalman stated in the meeting that the club’s wage bill was “competitive” enough to sustain a top-half Championship squad, but added that the side was “not punching above its weight”

But the club hope to improve their squad during the January transfer window, with Dalman admitting the winter market represents an “opportunity” for the Bluebirds.

As far as off-the-pitch matters are concerned, Dalman confirmed the club is continuing to lose money, although there has been a “substantial reduction” in losses.

Borley added that Cardiff are confident a proposed involvement in the Welsh League Cup would not affect its English Football League status.

He added that the proposals, which “will only benefit Welsh football”, is initially for four years of participation.

The club also defended its engagement with supporters, citing recent Fan Advisory Board meetings, but both parties agreed to increase levels of communication from the board to the wider-supporter base.