Former Arsenal midfielder appointed Cardiff City's interim manager

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has been appointed to lead Cardiff City for the rest of the Championship season following the departure of interim boss Omer Riza.

Riza was relieved of his duties on Saturday after a 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United left the Bluebirds just one point above the Championship relegation zone.

Ramsey, 34, will take charge of the team for the first time on Monday when Cardiff host Oxford United at Cardiff City Stadium.

He will be supported by former Wales international and current Wales Under-19s manager Chris Gunter, along with Cardiff midfielder Joe Ralls.

Ramsey will become the third man to take charge of Cardiff City this season

The rest of the technical staff will include goalkeeping coach Gavin Ward, under-21s coach Matt Bloxham, and under-18s manager Tom Hutton, who are all expected to remain in their current roles.

A club statement read: “We’d like to thank Omer for his passion and effort during his time as Cardiff City manager and wish him the very best for his next steps in the game.”

“Aaron Ramsey will lead the Club for the remaining three games of the Sky Bet Championship season, beginning with Monday’s match at home to Oxford United.

“Chris Gunter, Joe Ralls, Tom Hutton, Matthew Bloxham and Gavin Ward will join Aaron in the technical area.”

Aaron Ramsey may lack frontline managerial experience, but he has long held coaching ambitions.

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has even tipped him to work at a high level once his playing days are over.

The 86-cap international will become the third man to take charge of Cardiff City this season.

The campaign began under Erol Bulut, who was dismissed after collecting just one point from the club’s opening six games – the worst start to a season in Cardiff’s history.