Thursday 18 September 2014 22:42, UK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left Cardiff City by mutual consent after nine months as manager, following their disappointing start to the season.
The 41-year-old leaves the club in 17th position in the Championship after three defeats from seven games following their relegation from the Premier League.
Solskjaer was appointed in January in the wake of Malky Mackay's departure but was unable to save the Bluebirds from the drop, while the team's form this season continued along the same lines.
After the club was relegated many people advised me to let him go, but I decided to keep Ole on for the Championship season. Regrettably our recent results do not justify Ole’s continued role as manager.
"Ole was hired on our understanding and belief that he would help us fight relegation from the Premier League." owner Vincent Tan told the club's official website.
"Unfortunately that did not happen. After the club was relegated many people advised me to let him go, but I decided to keep Ole on for the Championship season. Regrettably our recent results do not justify Ole’s continued role as manager.
“Ole has therefore decided to step down and I have accepted this. During my short association with Ole, I have found him to be an honest and hardworking professional but unfortunately the football results were not in his favour."
The former Manchester United striker signed 14 players since his appointment, including nine in the summer transfer window, but an overall record of 16 defeats from his 30 matches in charge proved insufficient for a club with aspirations of an immediate return to the top flight.
Our difference in philosophy on how to manage the club made me decide to step aside and allow the club to move forward in the direction Vincent wants.
“Having spoken with Ole on deciding the best course of action for all parties, I’m sorry to say that we have agreed that it is in the best interest of the club for us to go our separate ways," Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman added.
"Ole has been a wonderful professional to work with since his arrival at the club. Due to a difference in philosophy of approach to the game, we have decided to part company amicably."
Defender Danny Gabbidon, who returned to the club as a player-coach earlier this month will take charge of the team for Saturday's game against Derby, alongside Scott Young, who spent his entire playing career with the club before taking up a role with the club's community operation.
Solskjaer, who was in his first managerial role in British football after a successful spell in charge of Molde in his native Norway, also blamed the "difference in philosophy" for his exit.
“I want to thank Vincent for giving me the opportunity to manage Cardiff City FC. He has my full respect and I really wish him all the best in his pursuit of making this football club successful," he said.
"However, our difference in philosophy on how to manage the club made me decide to step aside and allow the club to move forward in the direction Vincent wants."
Solskjaer's final match in charge proved to be Tuesday's 1-0 home defeat by Middlesbrough, with his team booed off the pitch at half-time and full-time.
