By admin Former Cardiff City manager Mark Hudson stated there was “a lot of pressure” managing the club under Vincent Tan, but he has been impressed with Erol Bulut’s performance this season.
The former Bluebirds captain took over after Steve Morison was fired in September 2022, however he was let go in January 2023 after a losing streak.
Hudson stated that he never communicated with the Bluebirds owner while he was a player, but the Malaysian’s interest increased once he was appointed manager.
“There is a lot of pressure! “I didn’t talk to him much as a player, but you talk to him a lot as a coach and manager,” he told the BBC’s EJFOF podcast. “It’s his club and he has put a lot of money into it and wants it to be successful, for sure.”
When asked if Tan specifically inquired about football matters, Hudson responded: “There are always questions posed – but that is the case with every football club. People want to know why you switched wingers or two forwards; it’s the owner’s club, so they’ll ask things that aren’t exclusive to Cardiff.
“There is always a dialogue between owners and technical directors, there’s always conversations about playing styles and reasons for this.”
Cardiff have experienced two more managers since Hudson’s departure, with Sabri Lamouchi leaving last summer and Bulut arriving ahead of the season. Bulut has guided Cardiff to mid-table this season, after the team battled relegation the previous two seasons.
Hudson has been impressed with Bulut’s performance this season and is encouraged by the recent infusion of under-21 players. Subscribe to our Cardiff City newsletter here.
“I believe he has done well. I’ve looked at the results over time — I follow it because I’ve been there as a player, coach, and manager — and there have been blips, and form has slipped,” he added in his season review.
“But look at the game the other day—a bench full of young players. Cian Ashford began. The two centre-halves were excellent recruits, and they have worked extremely well together. (Manolis) Siopis has stepped in and done well.
“They’ve effectively handled those guys and gotten them to execute. I got my results. Could results be slightly better in certain portions of the season? Yes, that would have put them in the top six. Are they able to achieve so this season? I would have guessed no, especially with a new boss.
“I believe he exudes confidence in the team, and the team responds to him, as evidenced by the results. I spoke with Rammers [Tom Ramasut] about how they are getting along, and he has been quite clear about what he expects from the players. (Ethan) Horvath, the keeper, has also performed admirably.
“Supporters will be excited to see academy talents emerge. I’m not sure if they can maintain their form long enough to get promoted next season, but the proof will be in the pudding.
Cardiff has struggled to develop young players, but Hudson believes there is merit in doing so and hopes the club will continue to support the talent coming through the academy. There are several young players vying for opportunities, including Joel Colwill, whom Hudson praised as a “very intelligent player” in the season’s final two games.
“I think that’s the pathway that would benefit Cardiff,” he said. “It will increase the value of the club and its players, as well as offer younger players confidence that there is a path forward.
“You then get to keep hold of the young talent you want at the club with a pathway being created, so hopefully that continues.”