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Mick McCarthy set to succeed Neil Harris as Cardiff manager

Neil Harris was sacked following Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at home to QPR, which leaves Cardiff 15th in the Championship; former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy is set to be named as his successor

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Image: Mick McCarthy was recently sacked by Cypriot side APOEL after just two months in charge

Cardiff City are set to appoint Mick McCarthy as manager after sacking Neil Harris.

Harris was dismissed after Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at home to QPR, which leaves Cardiff 15th in the Championship - 13 points adrift of the play-off places and nine above the relegation zone.

The Welsh club have moved swiftly to identify a replacement in former Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff and QPR

The 61-year-old, who has also managed Millwall, Sunderland, Wolves and Ipswich, has been without a role since leaving Cypriot side APOEL earlier this month after just eight games in charge.

Cardiff have now lost their last six matches in all competitions following the defeat to QPR, with their last win coming against Birmingham on December 16.

The Bluebirds return to action on Wednesday against Barnsley, the club where McCarthy began his playing career, before facing another of the Irishman's former teams, Millwall, on January 30.

Bamba: McCarthy can bring back confidence

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Cardiff defender Sol Bamba reflects on Neil Harris' sacking as Bluebirds boss and gives his backing to his potential successor McCarthy

Cardiff defender Sol Bamba says he is disappointed Harris has left the club but would welcome the appointment of McCarthy.

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"At this level we all know that experience is massive," Bamba told The Football Show.

"You need to know the league inside out. I think if it is Mick McCarthy, he knows the league very well. He has proven at this level that he can be very, very good.

"I think we need someone to come and put the smiles back on our faces and give confidence back to the players, because you can see at the minute that the whole team is low on confidence.

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Bamba says he 'feels good' after undergoing his first chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer and is now 'focused' on developing his coaching career

"He's got experience, I believe he can come and do that. So hopefully, if he got the job, he can come in and start changing the results."

Bamba believes McCarthy could also help him with his own aspirations to become a manager after retirement.

"I know Mick from outside football, we've been in touch. He's a good man and has always given me good advice," added Bamba.

"If it was him, I'm sure he will help me develop and get better for me to become a manager. But the main thing for me at the minute is Cardiff City.

"Nobody is above the club. I feel bad and sad when I see the club in this position. We should be higher but the table never lies, so it's up to us to get back on the training pitch with the new manager and start turning things around."

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