Hughton Still Favourite for the Cardiff City Job

Chris Hughton remains the strong favourite to be named the new Bluebirds boss later this week, with interviews set to be concluded in the next few days.

It is understood that Hughton has not been interviewed for the position made vacant by Dave Jones’ sacking exactly a week ago.

But representatives of the former Newcastle boss have indicated that Hughton is willing to be interviewed if necessary.

That is a clear sign Hughton feels that Cardiff is the right vehicle for him to get back into football after a seven-month absence.

But Watford boss Mackay and Huddersfield manager Clark have both drawn admiring glances from the Bluebirds hierarchy.

Former Scotland defender Mackay, 38, has worked marvels on a shoestring budget at Vicarage Road to turn Watford into a decent Championship outfit.

Clark, also 38, the former Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham midfielder, has also made a bright start to his management career.

In his two seasons at Huddersfield he has guided the club into the League One play-offs, only for the Terriers to fall just short of winning promotion to the Championship.

However, although the pair are highly-rated by City bosses, they are both under contract and Watford and Huddersfield would demand hefty compensation for their services.

So it looks as if the way is clear for 52-year-old Hughton to take over at Cardiff and resume a managerial career abruptly ended by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in December.

Hughton was quoted over the weekend, saying: “For me the most important thing is to get back at the highest level possible – but the calibre of clubs in the Championship is very high.

“There were surprises towards the end of the season, but I think the gap between the top and bottom of the Premier League has been closer than ever – and we saw a really competitive Championship too.”

Former West Brom manager Roberto di Matteo and ex-Barnsley boss Mark Robins have also been strongly linked with the Cardiff post.