Riza 'hopeful' of getting Cardiff job permanently

Omer Riza's previous first-team managerial experience came at Leyton Orient

Cardiff City interim manager Omer Riza hopes he has done enough to get the job on a permanent basis.

The former Watford coach stepped in last month when the Bluebirds sacked Erol Bulut following the worst start to a season in the club’s history.

After losing his first game at Hull 4-1, Riza led Cardiff to their first league win of the season at the eighth attempt on Tuesday as they overcame Millwall 1-0.

Riza will remain in charge for Sunday’s Championship match at Bristol City and, although he has not been given any guidance from the Cardiff board about his future prospects, the ex-Leyton Orient coach believes he has put himself in contention to get the job permanently.

“For me, when it comes to the position, I've always said I want the opportunity. Hopefully I will get it,” said Riza.

“In my mind, you ask these questions, you think to yourself, if you're going to bring someone in that's around my age, then there’s no point looking any further because I’ve done the same things these guys have done. The fact is they’ve been able to stand in front of a crowd because they’ve been given the opportunity to do so.

“If it's somebody who has managed 500-600 games and has got loads of experience and you can learn from him, then that's a different story. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve been working hard to get to this point and that doesn’t change.”

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo were at the Millwall game and spoke to Riza afterwards.

Asked how those conversations went, Riza said on Thursday: “Same as what it usually is. Well done on getting the three points, well done to the players and the staff and looking forward to Sunday.”

After Cardiff sacked Bulut on 22 September, club sources had indicated they were willing to wait until the October international window before choosing his permanent successor.

With the Championship taking a break for those international fixtures after this weekend, Dalman, Choo and Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan are expected to make a decision on the next manager soon.

“I've not heard anything. Nothing has changed in that respect. I’m just prepping for Sunday and hopefully getting three points,” Riza added.

“Obviously we have the international window where the club can look at decisions they want to take. Whether I'll be privy to those decisions or not I don't know.”