Bulut hopes for 'positive' decision on Cardiff future

Cardiff City look close to making a decision on Erol Bulut’s future with the Bluebirds manager hoping for a “positive” outcome for both him and the club.

Bulut’s Cardiff contract ends after next weekend’s trip to Rotherham United.

But club owner Vincent Tan is thought to be close to delivering a verdict on whether to offer Bulut a new deal.

Cardiff are guaranteed a top-half Championship finish despite Saturday’s heavy home defeat to Middlesbrough.

That represents significant progress after they finished one place above the relegation zone last season, yet Bulut – who was appointed on a one-year contract last June – does not know yet whether he will still be in charge come pre-season.

Unusually, Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo attended Bulut’s press conference after the Middlesbrough loss.

When Bulut was asked for an update on his contract situation Dalman, who was sat with members of the media, said: "Why don't you let me have dinner with him tonight?"

Dalman and Bulut are due to attend Cardiff’s end-of-season awards evening on Saturday night.

Bulut was then asked whether he hopes a decision on his future will be made quickly.

"Everyone will know, I will know, the board will know, but it's up to the board,” he said.

“The chairman is here [in the press conference room] and he gave the answer before.

"We hope it's positive from both sides."

Former Fenerbahce boss Bulut has indicated that he would like to remain at Cardiff, and said before the Middlesbrough game that the club’s hierarchy were “happy” with the club’s progress during his season in charge.

Bulut acknowledged that a comprehensive defeat was a disappointing way to sign off at home in 2023-24, but remains pleased with his team’s efforts throughout the campaign.

"The last game at home, we wanted to win in front of the fans, it didn't happen,” he said.

“If we see the whole season, until now, I am personally satisfied with the season.

"I think our fans and our board are satisfied with where we are now. We have one more game left against Rotherham. We could have had a few points more but we have built really good and progressed as a club this season. Cardiff can only build on it."