Craig Bellamy has spoken out about the chaos that has engulfed Cardiff City over the last week putting the future of Malky Mackay at risk.
Club owner Vincent Tan sent Mackay’s trusted assistant Iain Moody on gardening leave with unknown 23-year-old Alisher Apsalyamov stepping into Moody’s key recruitment role.
Rumours spread that Mackay could be on his way out of the Premiership club with local hero Bellamy horrified at the thought.
Bellamy achieved a lifelong ambition when he helped Cardiff back into the top flight and doesn’t want to see the man that guided the club there leave.
“What he’s done for us a club and the professionalism he’s brought into this club has changed it completely,” the striker said of Mackay.
“I don’t say that with any disrespect to the people who have been here in the past because everyone’s done their bit in their stage here – but Malky has taken it to another level.
“The professionalism, the respect all around the club. I feel there is a unity between the fans and the players I’ve never seen here, it’s completely different.
“You now see a group of players playing their heart out for the fans every time and it’s appreciated.
“And he’s created that, there’s no two ways about it, the manager has made the players buy into it – a one club mentality.
“He is the best young British manager out there and what he has done is incredible.
“I don’t know what’s happening with him but what I do know – and I’m sure I speak for the rest of the players – is that he has been immense for us.
“I wouldn’t say he’s someone with an iron rod, but we will run through brick walls for him – and that’s not always the case in football.”
Looking at recent events from a distance Bellamy added: “It is difficult because I’ve been away on international duty.
“I’ve only been drip-fed news but I do know that, having worked closely with Iain Moody, I am stunned (at him going). I mean that.
“He is a huge, huge loss to this club. I only found on Friday what’s happened and it’s a sad moment for us as a club because he’s exceptional.
“Wherever he goes that club will be lucky to have him, no doubt about that.”
