**Cardiff City Legend Endorses Aaron Ramsey for Managerial Role, Urges Director of Football Appointment**
Cardiff City legend Michael Chopra has thrown his support behind Aaron Ramsey, urging the club to hand the interim manager the reins on a permanent basis as the team faces a transformative summer. In the wake of a challenging season that saw the Bluebirds relegated from the Championship, Chopra’s endorsement comes amidst growing calls for significant changes at the club’s leadership level.
Aaron Ramsey, the Wales captain and boyhood Cardiff fan, was named interim boss following the departure of Omer Riza. Although Ramsey was unable to prevent the team’s drop to League One—confirmed after a goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion—the club icon believes the upcoming campaign presents Ramsey with an ideal opportunity to make his managerial breakthrough.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Chopra, who scored 65 goals in 145 appearances for Cardiff across four stints, shared his reasoning: “He’s got the pedigree, and in League One, the pressure on him will be a little less intense. Staying in the Championship would have been a bigger risk for a first-time manager, but now is the perfect time for Aaron and, hopefully, Chris Gunter to take the helm. Both have a deep knowledge of football and understand the club intrinsically.”
Ramsey’s commitment to the club is not in doubt, according to Chopra, who points out the midfielder’s local ties and passion for Cardiff. “If Ramsey doesn’t get his chance at Cardiff City, where else is he going to start his managerial career?” he said. However, with Ramsey’s contract expiring at the end of the season and uncertainty around his plans to continue playing, decisions must be made quickly.
The move to League One, their first in over two decades, has intensified scrutiny on the club’s leadership, both on and off the field. The Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust has already called upon owner Vincent Tan for urgent talks, citing a “lack of specialist football experience and knowledge at club board level” as a key concern for the future.
Echoing those concerns, Chopra called on the club to appoint a director of football—a figurehead who can unite football operations and bring expertise to the boardroom. He suggested two familiar names for the role: former Cardiff manager Dave Jones and ex-midfielder Stephen McPhail, who currently works as sporting director for Shamrock Rovers. “You just need someone who knows the club and knows football,” Chopra insisted.
Chopra did not shy away from criticism of the existing board either, particularly regarding their visible absence during matches. “There are people making footballing decisions who aren’t tuned in to what’s happening both on the pitch and behind the scenes. As much as I get on with them personally, it’s disrespectful for board members not to turn up and support the team,” he remarked.
This sentiment resonates with a growing portion of the Cardiff fanbase, who have become increasingly vocal about what they see as a disconnect between the club’s hierarchy and its supporters. The desire for transparency, stronger leadership, and a clearer footballing vision has perhaps never been higher in recent memory.
Cardiff City’s final game of the season sees Ramsey’s side travelling to Norwich City, marking an end to a difficult campaign with more questions than answers. With the summer looming, attention now turns to the club’s response; whether they will listen to the advice of club legends like Chopra and make the sweeping changes needed to restore pride and competitiveness in south Wales football.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear—Cardiff City faces a pivotal crossroads. The decisions made over the coming weeks, from Ramsey’s future to the structure of their backroom staff, could determine the club’s trajectory for years to come.