What Nathan Jones has said about becoming Cardiff City manager - It may worry some at Charlton Athletic | OneFootball

The Addicks boss has made no secret of his desire to manage in South Wales

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones is reportedly still under consideration for the vacant Cardiff City job, according to WalesOnline.

The Bluebirds are currently managerless following the late season sacking of Omer Riza, with Aaron Ramsay’s short interim tenure cumulating in relegation to League One.

Jones has made no secret of his desire to manage Cardiff at some point during his career, as a local lad and boyhood Bluebirds fan.

What Nathan Jones has said about managing Cardiff City

Jones, 52, was asked by the South London Press about his desire to manage Cardiff City in September 2024, while Riza’s post was still temporary and a permanent appointment was imminent.

Jones said: "When this kind of stuff comes up I’m very flattered to be linked with that. One day – I’ve made no secret and been totally open – I would like to manage Cardiff. It is my home town club – my dad lives close.

“But, right now, I have got a fantastic job and I’m at a wonderful club where I’m really, really looking to build something.

“So that is where we are. I won’t be disrespectful to anyone in any way. So for me it is nothing – I get on with my job day to day and I love my job here and the people I work with. I’ve asked a lot of people to buy-in to that. There is nothing to say really.”

He was also asked about the nature of an approach while he was still in post at The Valley:

“If I had I’m not going to suddenly turn around and say it here, am I! There is nothing really to worry about. I’ve got a wonderful job here and I took this job for a certain reason – because I believe we can build something special.

“I make no secret about the Cardiff job, because it is my hometown club and all the affiliations I have there. One day I really, really would love to manage the football club. Right now I’m Charlton manager and I’m thoroughly enjoying the project we are building.”

Charlton Athletic promotion could complicate Cardiff’s pursuit of Jones

While Nathan Jones has remained committed to his current role, his long-standing admiration for Cardiff City is no secret.

The timing of this renewed interest from the Bluebirds, coming just after he led Charlton to promotion, is enough to cause concern at The Valley.

Jones has spoken openly about his emotional ties to his hometown club, and even though he insists he's focused on building something special in South London, the allure of returning to Cardiff could prove hard to resist.

For now, Charlton fans will hope that Championship football - and the chance to further cement his legacy - will be enough to keep him from heading home.

But as Cardiff's search intensifies and the days tick by, the decision may soon rest in Jones’ hands.