By Chris O'Brien
September 5 2004

Ian Butterworth and Clive Goodyear have both been sacked following the Bluebirds' poor start to the season. Is this just a move to appease supporters who are calling for the head of manager Lennie Lawrence?

A backroom shake-up has taken place at Ninian Park with two senior members of staff sacked following a dismal start to the new season. Assistant manager Ian Butterworth has been told to pick up his cards, whilst fitness coach and former physiotherapist Clive Goodyear has also left the club.

Supporters have been calling for the head of Lennie Lawrence in recent weeks, but City owner Sam Hammam has insisted the former Middlesbrough chief is the right man for the South Walian outfit. The departure of Butterworth and Goodyear could just be something to appease fans, although hopefully a good new number two will arrive at the club.

Butterworth was relived of his duties of reserve team manager last season when Paul Wilkinson arrived, and his quiet manner on the touchline seems to have cost him his job. Steve Allen recently arrived as physiotherapist to the team, and Hammam would probably have seen Goodyear as surplus to requirements as the clubs wage bill mounts.

A few names have been whispered already. Former Wimbledon manager Terry Burton is said to be attracting interest from the Bluebirds. He is currently assistant at Watford so the club may struggle to lure him to South Wales, with Hornets manager Ray Lewington desperate to hold onto his assistant. Expect many names to be mentioned over the coming weeks - Andy Legg, anyone?