Mick McCarthy sacked by Cardiff after eighth consecutive Championship defeat

Cardiff City have sacked Mick McCarthy after the club suffered their eighth consecutive defeat in the Championship.

The Bluebirds were beaten 2-0 at home by Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon to leave them perilously close to the relegation zone.

McCarthy was appointed manager on a short-term deal in January 2021 following Neil Harris' dismissal and signed a new two-year contract two months later before leading Cardiff to an eighth-place finish.

Cardiff began the season with three wins in six league games but their form nosedived in mid-September with the club losing their next eight fixtures by an aggregate scoreline of 19-1.

McCarthy did not attend media duties after the defeat by Middlesbrough and the Bluebirds subsequently released a statement confirming his and assistant manager Terry Connor's departures.

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Mick McCarthy has been sacked by Cardiff City

"Cardiff City Football Club can confirm that First Team Manager Mick McCarthy and Assistant Manager Terry Connor have left the Club by mutual agreement and with immediate effect," reads the statement.

"We would like to thank Mick and Terry for their efforts during their time with the Bluebirds and wish them all the best for the future.

"Steve Morison and Tom Ramasut will oversee first-team duties at this time, as the Board of Directors begin the process of appointing a permanent replacement."

Cardiff were also eliminated from the Carabao Cup with a second-round defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion in late August.

The Bluebirds have struggled both defensively and offensively, with one of the worst defensive records in the Championship and centre-back Aden Flint their top goalscorer.

McCarthy leaves the club with a win ratio of just under 38 per cent having previously managed the likes of Millwall, Sunderland, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town.

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He also had two spells in the Republic of Ireland hot seat and had a brief stint with Cypriot club APOEL before joining Cardiff.

McCarthy was inducted into the League Managers Association (LMA) 1000 Club and Hall of Fame in March this year after reaching the landmark of one thousand competitive matches.

Welcoming the former Republic of Ireland international into the elite group, LMA board member and Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I am delighted to see Mick reach this incredible milestone of 1000 games in football management.

Mick McCarthy won the Championship with Sunderland in 2005 and Wolves in 2009 ( Image:

PA)

"He has proven over his 19-year career, his ability as a leader to build winning teams at both club and international level.

"Mick is an inspiration to all young managers and knows the meaning of perseverance. I have always been impressed by the resilience that Mick shows as a manager, together with humility and a great sense of humour.

"Mick deserves his place in the history books and I am pleased to welcome him into the LMA 1000 Club and Hall of Fame."