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Jim Mallinder is set to succeed Danny Wilson as head coach of Cardiff Blues – and he could be joined at the Arms Park by George North.

Former Northampton Saints boss Mallinder, who guided the east midlanders to English Premiership, two European Challenge Cup crowns and Anglo-Welsh Cup glory during his 10 years at Franklin’s Gardens, was sacked last December.

He got his marching orders following just one win in 10 matches and a 43-32 home defeat to the injury-ravaged Ospreys in the Champions Cup but remains a highly respected figure in union circles.

The Yorkshireman became the the first coach to guide a team unbeaten all the way to the final of the Heineken Cup in 2011.

They seemed on the way to lifting the trophy after racing into a sizeable lead in Cardiff only to be overhauled by a Johnny Sexton inspired second half fightback from Leinster.

Former Sale full-back Mallinder also had a spell coaching England Saxons, and they won 15 of their 16 fixtures, including beating New Zealand Maori in the final of the Churchill Cup.

The 51-year-old cut his teeth coaching Sale from 2001-04 and was in the frame to succeed Stuart Lancaster as England coach following their flop at the 2015 World Cup but the job went to Eddie Jones.

Mallinder was the longest-serving boss in the Premiership prior to his dismissal.

Speaking at the weekend, he said: “I had 10 and a half years, a fantastic time at Northampton.

“What you do remember particularly are the highlights, the winning trophies, winning some big games, and I have got very, very fond memories of that time.”

Mallinder declined to speak about his coaching plans.

Blues have been searching for a new head coach since Danny Wilson opted not to renew his contract and chose instead to take up a new challenge with Dai Young’s Wasps for next season.

Former Ireland international Geordan Murphy, Wales coaching candidate and Hurricanes boss Chris Boyd, who ironically as agreed to replace Mallinder at Northampton, and South Africa’s 2007 World Cup winning forwards coach Gert Smal have also been linked with the post.

But Mallinder is likely to head up a coaching staff of promising young Welsh coaches – Nicky Robinson, Richie Rees and Richard Hodges are already in place along with Wales defence guru Shaun Edwards – at the Blues.

Even though the Blues had distanced themselves from Wales star North, who has signed a National Dual Contract with the Welsh Rugby Union for next season, he hasn’t ruled out joining them.

The decision over which region he wants to join will be his and the possibility of teaming up with Mallinder, who signed him for Northampton and been a strong source of support during North’s battle to overcome worrying bouts of concussion, hamstring problems and a serious knee injury, could be attractive.