Ian Gordon

Russell Slade has revealed for the first time that he wants a new contract at Cardiff.

The Bluebirds manager’s deal runs out this summer and there have been question marks over his future.

Slade met with owner Vincent Tan on Thursday after the Malaysian billionaire made a rare visit to the club but insisted he had not held any talks about a new deal.

But Slade, 55, said: “Yes of course I want a new contract when it’s right.

“I have enjoyed my time here. I am not looking to move.

“There is a lot of things that we have had to do at the football club really almost before we can press the foot down on the accelerator and move forward.

“But for me nothing has changed from the start of the season whether we have had to address certain financial issues or not.

“The fact is our target has been the top six. Nothing has changed and that is still the focus going into the game against Charlton.”

Tan has backed Slade – who he appointed 17-months ago following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – for carrying out the cost-cutting he wanted at the club.

And he has urged fans to stop criticising Slade as he looks to guide Cardiff into a play-offs spot – they are currently five points off the top six.

Tan has also revealed he will convert £68million of debts into equity and has pledged to make the club debt free within five years.

Slade added: “I think that shows his commitment to the club.

“It’s a huge amount of money that he’s pledged to get off the debt of the club so that just shows his love and passion for the place. It’s a long term project, not a short-term project.”
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