Erol’s Bulut proof despite thrashing
CARDIFF were thumped by Middlesbrough in their final home game of the season – the worst result possible for out-ofcontract boss Erol Bulut.
With no new deal for the Turkish manager on the table prior to kick-off, Bulut revealed he was due to sit down for dinner with chairman Mehmet Dalman.
“Hopefully it will be resolved soon, maybe tonight,” said Dalman. “It is a bit of a ridiculous situation at the moment.”
It’s believed Dalman and the Cardiff hierarchy are waiting on the green light from owner Vincent Tan before securing Bulut for a second term.
The thrashing was harsh according to Bulut, who declared Cardiff’s season overall as a success.
He said: “We missed half the team today but that is not the reason. Our young players did well.
“We wanted to win for the fans but I am satisfied with the season. I think so are the fans and the board.
“We have one game left and thought we could have a few more points. We’ve built and progressed well.”
Cardiff began brightly and a 40-yard chip by David Turnbull almost beat Boro keeper Seny Dieng in the fourth minute.
Michael Carrick’s men went in front through Matt Clarke who sidefooted home just before half-time.
Boro upped the tempo after the break with further strikes from Finn Azaz, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alex Gilbert with Josh Bowler replying.
Carrick said: “We played very well in bursts with quality football.
“We’ve had ups and downs this season. It has not been good enough but there’s much to build on.” CARDIFF: Horvath 6; Romeo 5 (Conte (57) 6), Goutas 6, Phillips 6, Tanner 5 (Giles (77) 5); Ralls 5 (Wintle (68) 5), Siopis 5 (Colwill (57) 6); Bowler 6, Turnbull 6, Ashford 6; Diedhiou 4 (Robinson (68) 5) MIDDLESBROUGH: Dieng 8; Van den Berg 7 (Dijksteel (74) 5), Clarke 7, Ayling 6, Thomas 6; Howson 6 (Mccabe (62) 5), Barlaser 7; Jones 6 (Silvera (61) 6), Gilbert 8 (Lennon (74) 5), Azaz 8; Latte Lath 8 (Matthews (83) 5) MAN OF THE MATCH: Finn Azaz – Here, there and everywhere, a creative master on the day.
Jeremy Simpson 7