CARDIFF Blues search for a new head coach is set to continue after Jim Mallinder has reportedly ended talks with the club.
The former-Northampton Saints boss had been favourite to replace Danny Wilson, who has agreed to join Wasps at the end of the season.
This is the latest setback for the Blues, after a very public falling out with their landlords, Cardiff Athletic Club.
On the pitch, Wilson’s side are currently unbeaten in three in the Pro14, however their game against Beneton last weekend was postponed due to the adverse weather concerns.
They have also reached the knockout stages in the European Challenge Cup after topping their group, winning five out of their six matches. They will face Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Saturday, March 31.
Fans are not impressed by the news, with Mallinder seemingly being a certainty to take the job.
Jim Mallinder out of the Cardiff Blues running according to The Times. Big blow for the Blues, the search for a class coach continues.
— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) March 6, 2018
No new players for next year, and can’t sign any until coach is on board
No attacking coach for next year
Can’t resign fringe players till head coach comes on
Season ticket renewal date coming up— Tony (@Bigt8409) March 6, 2018
Cardiff Blues fan Steven Matthews said: “The announcement just adds to the period of confusion and instability the club are experiencing. It’s a difficult time for all concerned.”
Mallinder is not the only coach to rule himself out of the running. Irishman Geordan Murphy was linked to the job, but is instead interested in taking over the Wales job from Warren Gatland after the 2019 World Cup.
Hurricanes boss Chris Boyd was also touted with a move to Cardiff Arms Park, but he has agreed to replace Mallinder at Northampton at the end of the season.
