Malky Mackay in talks with Cardiff

16 June 2011 14:17
ShareWatford have given manager Malky Mackay permission to speak to npower Championship rivals Cardiff.[LNB]The Bluebirds want Mackay to replace Dave Jones, who was sacked last month following their play-off semi-final defeat by Reading.[LNB]An official approach was turned down by Watford but following discussions at boardroom level, chairman Graham Taylor said: 'We have reluctantly agreed to allow Malky to speak to Cardiff.'[LNB] Discussions: Mackay has been given the green light to speak Cardiff[LNB]City made their move after former England striker Alan Shearer revealed he had held 'unsuccessful' talks with the club earlier this week.[LNB]Ex-Celtic, Norwich and West Ham defender Mackay, 39, has been in charge at Vicarage Road for two seasons.[LNB]Watford were among the favourites to be relegated both years but Mackay guided them to 16th and 14th-placed finishes despite operating on a shoestring budget and regularly seeing his best players sold.[LNB]This summer he has already lost top scorer Danny Graham to Swansea while fellow striker Will Buckley was sold to Brighton.[LNB] The next step: Cardiff made it to the play-offs, but were beaten by Reading over two legs[LNB] Chief executive Julian Winter also left last week leaving new owner Laurence Bassini to run the club.[LNB]Bassini insisted yesterday the club would do 'everything in our power' to keep hold of Mackay, but the Scot has now asked permission to open talks with Cardiff.[LNB]Taylor added: 'The owner spoke with the board members and following Malky's request to speak to Cardiff, we have granted him permission.'[LNB]Mackay only signed a new three-year contract in March so Cardiff would have to come up with a compensation package if they can lure him away.[LNB]A statement from the Bluebirds read: 'Cardiff can confirm talks are under way with Malky Mackay to become our new manager.[LNB]'The talks began after permission was granted by Watford following our approach.' [LNB]  Watford reject Cardiff approach for boss Mackay after Shearer snubOff the sofa! MOTD pundit Shearer emerges as shock contender to take over at CardiffThe 2010/11 managerial merry-go-round: Alex McLeish quits Birmingham - 55 bosses gone this season [LNB]  Explore more:People: Graham Taylor, Danny Graham, Alan Shearer Places: Cardiff, Norwich, United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail