Former West Brom and Watford boss 'unlikely' to take Cardiff City job

Former West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has held talks about taking the Cardiff City job, but is 'unlikely' to take over.

Bilic is the current favourite for the only vacant managerial job in the Championship, but a swift return to football management doesn't seem to be on the cards. He only departed Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh in mid-August, having agreed to mutually part ways after just one season.

The 56-year-old hasn't been involved in English football since his sacking at Watford in March 2023. He left the club ninth, four points off the play-offs, and was replaced by Chris Wilder, who was unable to steer them to a top-six finish.

In their update in Cardiff’s pursuit for a new manager, WalesOnline claimed that talks were held this week between the former Croatia boss, and he’s ‘unlikely’ to be appointed. Instead, it seems Reading boss Ruben Selles is being fancied for the role.

The former Southampton manager will apparently 'form a chunky segment of the hierarchy's discussions' as they continue their search for a replacement for Erol Bulut. Selles has been in charge of Reading for 15 months, and guided them to a 17th-placed finish last season.

Before Charlton Athletic’s win on Saturday, Birmingham City had only failed to win one league game, and that was on the opening day against the Royals, who held them to a 1-1 draw at home. Reading are currently 16th, and are under a transfer embargo.

West Brom will have a watchful eye on Cardiff City’s managerial situation, as they host them at the Hawthorns later this month. Cardiff come to the West Midlands on Saturday, October 22, and it appears they won’t be coming with a former Baggies boss in charge.

They do have Callum Robinson in their ranks though, and he’s their top scorer this season. The Republic of Ireland international has two goals in seven games this season. Cardiff will want to address their managerial situation sooner rather than later as they are currently bottom of the Championship.