Cardiff owner backs Mackay as Moody departure is confirmed

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan has given Malky Mackay his full backing after confirming head of recruitment, Iain Moody, will be leaving the club.

Moody’s departure has caused controversy as his interim replacement is Alisher Apsalyamov, a friend of Tan’s son who only been on work experience with the Welsh side.

And this, combined with the loss of trusted colleague Moody, had reportedly unsettled Mackay, but Tan has moved to give the Scotsman his support.

On the club’s official website hesaid: “I have every faith in Malky and his team to lead us through the challenges of the Premier League. I have supported him in the past and will do so in the future for many years to come.

“I would say to all Cardiff City fans and everyone connected to the club, let us look forward to the future and remain united in our support of the team.”

Meanwhile the the Welsh side fully clarified the situation involving Moody and Apsalyamov.

“Cardiff City Football Club can announce the departure of Head of Recruitment, Iain Moody," the statement said. "Iain is leaving the club with our thanks for his contribution.

“In the interim period, Alisher Apsalyamov has been appointed as Acting Head of Recruitment, focussing on gathering data on individual players. Ultimate recruitment decisions of course remain the domain of the manager and majority shareholder.

“Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the Board and the staff at the club are fully committed to the future success of the team and hold a strong desire to compete in the best league in the world."