Solskjaer says he made call to leave Cardiff

Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he left the Sky Bet Championship club because of a "difference in philosophy" with owner Vincent Tan.

The Norwegian’s departure after only eight-and-a-half months at Cardiff was announced in a club statement on Thursday afternoon following talks in London on Wednesday between Solskjaer and the club’s hierarchy.

The two parties said they parted on amicable terms but Solskjaer made clear it was him who decided to step aside after Tuesday night’s 1-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough had seen them fall to 17th place in the Championship.

Wales defender Danny Gabbidon, who returned to the club as a player-coach earlier this month, and Scott Young, another former Cardiff player now coaching in the academy, will take charge of the team for the league trip to Derby on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Felix Magath has been sacked as manager of Sky Bet Championship strugglers Fulham.

Fulham, relegated from the Barclays Premier League last season, lie bottom of the Championship.

Fulham’s U21 coach Kit Symons has been placed in caretaker charge for tomorrow’s visit of Blackburn.