Preston North End and Charlton Athletic are among the clubs to have made contact over signing former Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba, WalesOnline has learned.
The centre-back, 37, is a free agent after leaving Middlesbrough following a campaign in which he played 29 first-team games, far more than he would have imagined given he had only just been given the all-clear from cancer just 12 months ago.
Neil Warnock took him up there to play a part on the pitch, but also to have a big impact in the dressing room, which he undoubtedly had. And after a season in which he impressed during his many outings for the Teesside club, he has garnered some admirers who want him to sign for them ahead of next season.
Championship sides Preston North End and Blackpool have both made contact with Bamba during the off season, however the Seasiders' interest now appears to be less certain after their manager, Neil Critchley, departed to join Steven Gerrard in the dugout at Aston Villa. Bamba also has admirers in League One with Charlton, too, who have a new manager in Ben Garner.
Both Preston and Charlton are understood to have made contact this week, however Bamba is still thought to be considering his next move carefully and has not yet officially retired from playing. He has, however, made it clear that a career in management in the future is something that attracts him.
Just this week, Bamba told talkSPORT : “Management is what I’m looking to do. I haven’t officially retired yet and I have a few options here and there. But I am looking at the next 10 to 15 years whereas if I do play it will probably be for another year or two if I’m lucky.
"But I’ve got to think more long term for my future too. I’m not pretending that because I’ve played the game for 15-20 years I know everything there is to know about the game, so I want to learn and I am happy to be a number two or a number three or whatever, and then eventually when I feel ready I can be a manager.
"I want to learn the trade, but I also don’t want to start right at the bottom because any good chef needs a good kitchen and good ingredients to be successful. I’m not going to say I need or deserve a Premier League club. I’m realistic.”
Asked about the biggest influence in his career, unsurprisingly, Bamba's answer centred around another Cardiff City fans' favourite.
“I’ve had so many great managers over the years but the one who comes to mind immediately, and I’m sure no one will be surprised, is Neil Warnock. His man-management for me is key," he added.
"You can argue about his football or the way you want to play but for me, I don’t care. I look at the person and he is a very good man who has helped me a lot and always gave me good advice. So for me, man-management is key and if I had to pick one then I would pick him definitely.”
