Cardiff City are searching for a new manager after Russell Slade was kicked upstairs into a Head of Football role.

Slade will take charge for the final time as the Bluebirds bring their Championship campaign to an end at home to Birmingham on Saturday.

Former Celtic and Bolton boss Neil Lennon and ex-Spurs and Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood are two of the early contenders.

But the new coach will not have to report to Slade who hopes of continuing in the job were ended after a call with owner Vincent Tan on Friday afternoon.

And though Slade will be on the transfer committee his will not be the final say which leaves questions marks over what his role will be.

A statement from Vincent Tan said: “I’d like to thank Russell for his efforts since his appointment here in October 2014.

“Since then, we have seen stabilisation and progression both on and off the field. Crucially, he is a man who I have been able to trust.

“Russell’s contribution has been significant, and I am pleased he has accepted this new position to stay at the football club.

“He will help us as we look towards the future and begin shaping our squad for the new season.

“I also feel that he can help us create additional synergy between Cardiff City and our sister clubs.”

Slade took over in October 2014 after the club made a disappointing start to life back in the Championship after their one season in the Premier League.

The ex-Leyton Orient manager has always struggled to win over fans but has seen an upturn in that relationship after guiding Cardiff to the brink of the play-offs.

Slade did so despite slashing £12million off the wage bill and being forced to let key players like Kenwyne Jones and Joe Mason leave.

But the 3-0 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday which ended City’s chances of reaching the top six looks to have put paid to his time in charge.

Slade added: “I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Tan Sri Vincent Tan for giving me the opportunity to join this football club back in 2014.

“I feel we have made progress on and off the field during this time, achieving stability and giving the club solid ground on which to move forward.

“I’m therefore very pleased to accept the new position of head of football, which allows me to play my part in our future.”

City were keen on Lennon before Slade took over and the Scot is available having left relegated Bolton in March.

Sherwood is also available having been axed by Villa earlier in the season