When it comes to their parting ways, Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan took a lower road this afternoon than the one Malky Mackay chose, as the sacked manager released a statement following his removal as boss of the Bluebirds side he shepherded to the Premier League.

“It is with the deepest and most sincere regret that I today confirm my sacking as manager of Cardiff City FC,” Mackay said. “As disappointing as today’s decision is, I am already able to look back at my time at Cardiff City FC with immense pride and joy given the number of milestones the club achieved during the last two-and-half years.

“A League Cup Final appearance followed by promotion to the Premiership for the very first time, achieved as winners of the Championship, allowed the club a move back to this elite level after a 51-year absence.

“I have enjoyed my time immensely at this fine club, in this great city, and throughout I’ve always attempted to put my own personal stamp on specific areas that I believe to be all-important such as the implementation of a progressive culture as well as a complete professional approach to all aspects of day-to-day management that are required if you are to become a top club – and more importantly to remain as one.

“I would like to thank my players, all of my direct footballing staff, all the people behind the scenes at the club and most importantly the people of Cardiff, who have stood behind me resolutely throughout my time here and especially in these recent turbulent months.

“I leave with my head held high having gained a level of experience that, upon reflection, I suspect would have been difficult to find anywhere else in British football.

“The foundations laid at Cardiff City FC will provide a solid platform for my successor, and for the sake of the club, I hope that all of the progress that has been made so far will not be impaired in any way by today’s enforced changes.”