Latest news with #Bluebirds
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jones a contender as Cardiff hopeful on manager appointment
Cardiff City hope to announce their new manager this week, with Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones still in contention. The Bluebirds are looking for a ninth manager in four years as they prepare for life in League One following their relegation from the Championship this season. Advertisement After a sub-committee compiled a shortlist of around six, chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo have spoken to the candidates and presented their recommendations to owner Vincent Tan, who will have the final say. Jones has been a leading contender since Cardiff sacked previous manager Omer Riza in April, but hiring the Welshman would mean having to pay Charlton a significant compensation fee. Matters are further complicated by the fact Jones led the Addicks to promotion to the Championship last month, meaning they will start next season a division above Cardiff. But Jones is a lifelong Bluebirds fan and has spoken openly about his desire to manage the club one day. Advertisement Des Buckingham and Ian Evatt, former bosses of Oxford United and Bolton Wanderers respectively, have both been interviewed. Cardiff have also held talks with Leicester City assistant coach Brian Barry-Murphy and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, who took charge of the Welsh club's final three games of this season on a caretaker basis. But Ruben Selles, who was considered for the job when Cardiff sacked Erol Bulut last year, has ruled himself out as he wants to stay in the Championship following his recent dismissal by Hull City. Sources have indicated to BBC Sport Wales that some board members would like to see Tan appoint an experienced manager with a proven track record at this level, such as Jones or Buckingham, who led Oxford to promotion from League One last season. Advertisement Others would favour a different route, with ex-Manchester City academy coach Barry-Murphy and Ramsey still in the frame. Ramsey, whose Cardiff contract expires this summer, has still not decided whether or not he will continue playing next season. The 34-year-old former Arsenal midfielder enjoyed his brief stint in charge of his boyhood club, where he was assisted by his ex-Cardiff and Wales team-mate Chris Gunter among others. If Cardiff were to choose Ramsey or Barry-Murphy, whose only managerial experience came at Rochdale between 2019 and 2021, it has been suggested the club would need to revamp its structure. Advertisement The Bluebirds have been heavily criticised for their perceived lack of football knowledge at board level, with fans and former players calling on Tan to appoint a sporting director or someone of similar standing between the head coach and the board.
4 days ago
- Sport
Golden Glove hero Zac Jones bids farewell to Haverfordwest County
Departure comes after three and a half years of history-making moments for the Bluebirds HAVERFORDWEST goalkeeper Zac Jones has left the club after three and a half standout seasons, departing as both a fan favourite and one of the finest shot-stoppers ever to wear the Bluebirds jersey. The New Zealand international, 23, made history earlier this month when his penalty heroics and commanding presence helped secure Haverfordwest County's place in Europe. The club's dramatic shootout victory at Cardiff City Stadium against Penybont secured back-to-back UEFA Conference League qualifications—an unprecedented achievement in modern club history. Jones' performances throughout the JD Cymru Premier campaign earned him the league's prestigious Golden Glove award, recognising his consistency and excellence between the posts. His calm presence and sharp reflexes made him a cornerstone of the team during a period that many supporters have called the most exciting era in recent memory. Club officials have confirmed that Jones will now move on to a full-time opportunity, with multiple sources suggesting a transfer to The New Saints (TNS) is imminent—although neither club has officially confirmed the move. Fans and teammates alike have reacted with an outpouring of admiration and thanks. One supporter described Jones as 'the best keeper we've ever had,' while others acknowledged that he would be 'hard to replace' and hailed him as a 'Haverfordwest legend.' Jones, who joined the club in 2021, played a key role not only in league fixtures but also in European competition, where his performances raised eyebrows across the domestic and international football scene. His professionalism and leadership earned him the respect of coaches and fellow players, many of whom lifted him onto their shoulders in a symbolic farewell after the club's final match of the season. Haverfordwest County AFC have yet to name a replacement but thanked Jones for his service and commitment to the club and the local community. Photo caption: Farewell hero: Zac Jones is hoisted aloft by teammates following Haverfordwest's historic European qualification win at Cardiff City Stadium (Pic: JD Cymru Leagues/Facebook).
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Manager sorted, structural changes made and weaknesses addressed - Cardiff City's perfect summer
Cardiff City face a huge summer as the club begins preparations for life in League One following the disastrous relegation from the Championship. The Bluebirds now find themselves in unfamiliar territory and under pressure to deliver a swift return to the second tier. With fan expectations high and the financial implications of dropping a division looming large, this off-season will be crucial in shaping the club's response and trajectory. One of the major tasks ahead lies in rebuilding the squad. Several key players could depart upon the expiration of their contracts next month, while some will want a return to the Championship. New signings will be needed, of course, to strengthen both depth and quality within the squad - but more on that later. READ MORE: Craig Bellamy pays new Wales call-up the ultimate compliment as transfer bid revealed READ MORE: Craig Bellamy announces Wales squad for World Cup qualifiers as uncapped Cardiff City teen included The appointment of the right managerial and backroom staff will be vital in setting the tone for the club's identity and playing style moving forward. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community Away from the pitch, Cardiff must also re-engage a fan base that has grown frustrated with recent seasons of underachievement. A clear plan, continued transparency from the board, and early progress in the transfer market could help restore optimism among supporters. Here, we take a look at what Cardiff's perfect summer looks like... All being well, Cardiff City will announce their new manager in the coming days. The board hoped to get the decision done and dusted by the end of May, which looms large. However, sources at the club indicate that a decision should be communicated to supporters this week. The Bluebirds have changed tack in terms of the manner in which they have selected their new manager. They created a sub-committee to whittle down the shortlist from dozens of candidates to around 10 and then six, before the board then engaged in interviews with the streamlined shortlist. Among the names in the hat are experienced managers, rookies, foreign managers, however the board have put forward their preferred trio to owner Vincent Tan and the decision now rests in his hands. It is hoped that Tan will make the call quickly, because much needs changing at Cardiff this summer. There are out-of-contract players who want to know who the new manager is and what they want to see and the plans they want to implement. There are also big transfer calls which need making with the manager's say-so. Cardiff fans will hope, fingers crossed, that the new man is in by the end of the week and we start to see real movement elsewhere in the club shortly after. Having a director of football at Cardiff would provide much-needed strategic direction at a club which has suffered from frequent managerial turnover and inconsistent recruitment. A director of football offers a long-term vision that extends beyond the tenure of any one head coach, overseeing the club's footballing philosophy, player development, and transfer strategy. This allows for a more unified approach across the senior team and academy, helping to maintain stability even when managerial changes occur—something Cardiff have struggled with in recent years. A key advantage of this role is that it separates the day-to-day coaching responsibilities from broader operational decisions. This enables the head coach to focus solely on team performance, tactics, and match preparation, while the director of football handles recruitment, contract negotiations, and scouting networks. Given Cardiff have a penchant for hiring rookie or inexperienced managers, it seems a no-brainer. At a time when Cardiff must build a competitive squad on a tighter League One budget, having someone dedicated to identifying undervalued players, developing internal talent, and executing a coherent recruitment plan would be invaluable. Ideally, this sort of appointment would be in place before a new manager is appointed, but we can't have it all. Additionally, a director of football can help bridge the gap between ownership and the football staff. With Vincent Tan often perceived as a distant or unpredictable figure in footballing terms, a strong director of football would act as a buffer—translating boardroom objectives into practical football decisions. There is hope, too, because Tan employs a similar figure at his other club, KV Kortrijk. This role would also facilitate smoother communication and greater transparency, while cultivating a stronger footballing identity. For a club like Cardiff, aiming to rebuild both on and off the pitch, the presence of a well-qualified director of football could be the cornerstone of a more sustainable operation. Mark Allen, a former director of football at Swansea, Rangers and within Manchester City's academy, helped head-up the recruitment drive for the new manager and if Tan views that one-off task force as a success, might he be a more permanent fixture? Fans will likely hope so. Cardiff have to be proactive in this transfer window and address some of the key weaknesses in their squad ahead of what will be a gruelling League One campaign. It isn't going to be pretty, either, because, newsflash, there are weaknesses pretty much all over the pitch. And that's before people start leaving in search of Championship football. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. Goalkeeper looks one area they might need to address. There are suggestions that Ethan Horvath could be one of the players out the door this summer, with the American wanting to secure a higher level of football in order to force his way into the national team. Whether his performances have warranted him being higher than League One is another conversation all together. It leaves Jak Alnwick and the uncapped Matt Turner. Will Cardiff look for a more experienced No.2 or stick with the academy graduate? None of the 'keepers really set the world alight last year, that's for sure. The defence was a huge concern last year. While individually there were some talented players, where was the leadership and where was the cohesion? There was no central figure barking orders or organising the troops and that will be paramount in League One, renowned for being more physically robust than the Championship. Jamilu Collins will leave, while it would be no surprise to see Perry Ng secure a second-tier move, so wing-backs would potentially need addressing, too. Although Ronan Kpakio is a fine and promising talent, while Luey Giles, on the other flank, was with him on the Wales senior team training camp in Spain under the watchful eye of Craig Bellamy. There have been just criticisms of Cardiff's midfield, too. Are they all too samey? There are a lot of players in there with very little point of difference, so far as the layman can decipher. Another area in the spine of the team which needs a big, physical presence to complement the passing skills of so many of the other midfielders already within the ranks. Providing Cardiff can hold on to both Callum Robinson and Yousef Salech — easier said than done, of course — then the striker situation looks relatively stable. Although there's a long way to go this summer and both of those players are likely waiting to see who is appointed as the new manager. There's also Roko Simic and Isaak Davies in waiting as back-up options. But on the wing is where Cardiff need far more pace and even more goal contributions. Teams now heavily rely on goals scored from the wing and City do not have that regular source from out wide. Wingers Anwar El Ghazi and Chris Willock proved disappointments last season, so, too, did Yakou Meite, for the second term running. Ollie Tanner, Davies and Cian Ashford are the current wing options, but Cardiff need at least one player with pace to burn and/or a proven goalscoring record to ease the burden in those positions. One real positive at Cardiff is the youth coming through, although it's always wise to urge caution on the ability of these young players, particularly given the toughness of the league they are about to enter. What they do have is real potential. Five of them — Giles, Kpakio, Ashford, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and Dylan Lawlor — have all been out on Wales camp with Craig Bellamy and they are some of the brightest youngsters the club have. Chuck in the likes of Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies, Rubin Colwill and even Eli King and there are some talented players there. Troy Perrett is another who has drawn glances from Premier League sides, too, and he will likely feature far more this term if the club can hold on to him. These players all need to be playing next season and it's up to the recruitment staff, new manager and, potentially, a new football-orientated employee to decide in which of the three following categories the promising youngsters fall into: Ready to play, needs a loan, cash in. Some of these players could save the club millions. Kpakio has reportedly lit up the training camp in Spain with Bellamy watching on, while Lawlor has interest from the Premier League and on the continent. Many fans want the likes of Ashford, Rubin Colwill and Davies to grab League One by the scruff of the neck and really show that they can rip it up on a week-to-week basis, which will do their confidence a world of good. There are others coming through, too, the likes of Dakarai Mafico and Mannie Barton spring to mind, and it is the one rare positive those inside the club, and fans, too, are equally excited about. A 'reset season' wasn't on anyone's wish list, but if one positive can come from it, it's to help mould these bright young things into players who can make a real impact at senior level.
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's Cardiff City news as clubs set to test Bluebirds' resolve over talent and seven players rewarded
Tonight's Cardiff City news as clubs set to test Bluebirds' resolve over talent and seven players rewarded The latest Bluebirds news from Cardiff City Stadium Luey Giles (R) is one of seven Cardiff players included in Wales' U21s squad (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Wednesday, May 28. Bellamy: Clubs might test water for Kpakio this summer Wales head coach Craig Bellamy believes clubs further up the pyramid might just test Cardiff's resolve over their ability to keep Ronan Kpakio this summer. The right-back, who turned 18 on Sunday while enjoying a warm-weather training camp with the Wales senior players, has emerged as a top talent within the Bluebirds' youth ranks. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community Indeed, Bellamy said today he had eyed him up while part of Vincent Kompany's staff at Burnley, admitting: "Ronan, I've known him since he was very, very young. I've kept an eye on him. Even last year, I tried to buy him for Burnley. So I'm fully aware of him, having been watching him, especially over the last couple of years." However, when asked whether the teenager might be the subject of transfer interest this summer, the former Liverpool and Newcastle United forward said: "You might see it this year. I don't think it will just be them [Burnley]. "They [Cardiff] didn't know [back then]. We pulled away." Waxing lyrical about Kpakio, he added: "His progression has been outstanding. I think his potential can be ridiculously high. He's very athletic. Very intelligent. If he wasn't injured, I would have had him in March. "So he's a player, especially in the right-back position. We have one or two young ones coming through, but we don't have a big area in there so we really need to start developing players in that position. He's the perfect profile for that." Seven Bluebirds in U21s squad Wales U21 head coach Matty Jones has named seven Cardiff players in his 21-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against Norway in Malaga, Spain. The match will take place on Friday, June 6 June at 3pm. Several Bluebirds players who recently trained with Craig Bellamy's senior squad have been included in Jones' selection, including Cian Ashford, Dylan Lawlor, Luey Giles and Tanatswa Nyakuhwa. Joel Colwill is also involved, so, too, is highly-rated midfielder Troy Perrett, while Luke Armstrong has been called up. Armstrong, Perrett, Lawlor and Nyakuhwa are all uncapped at this level, having represented Wales at younger age grades. The fixture against Norway serves as valuable preparation for Wales ahead of their 2027 UEFA U21 EURO qualifying campaign, which begins later this year. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. Jones' side will be looking to build on positive results from the March international window, where they secured a 1-0 win over Andorra and drew 1-1 with Sweden. Their qualifying campaign opens with a challenging home clash against Group I top seeds Denmark on September 8. Wales U21s squad in full: Evan Watts (Swansea City), Lewys Benjamin (Wolves), Luke Armstrong (Cardiff City), Archie Harris (AFC Bournemouth), Luey Giles (Cardiff City), Zac Williams (Crewe Alexandra), Ben Hammond (Nottingham Forest), Thierry Katsukunya (Aston Villa), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Sam Parker (Swansea City), Alex Williams (West Bromwich Albion), Rhys Thomas (Man City), Joel Cotterill (Swansea City), Kai Andrews (Coventry City), Jonathan Bland (Barnsley), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Troy Perrett (Cardiff City), Cian Ashford (Cardiff City), Tanatswa Nyakuhwa (Cardiff City), Cameron Congreve (Swansea City), Chris Popov (Leicester City). Tsunoda admits 'there have been hard times' Cardiff centre-back Ryotaro Tsunoda has admitted he has had to endure "hard times" since his move to the Welsh capital. He moved from Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos 18 months ago and has still not kicked a ball for the Bluebirds. After a half-season loan at Kortrijk was cut short last season, he went back to Belgium this winter after recovering from surgery on said injury. While being one of the standout players for Vincent Tan's other club, he couldn't stop the club from suffering relegation out of the top flight. Writing on social media this week, he said: "Finished the season. Disappointing result but ending the season with no injuries. Being able to play soccer continuously again. "Being able to feel emotions that only come from playing football. There have been a lot of hard times, but I feel fulfilled in being able to experience life-filled experiences. "Expecting myself that this experience and feeling will take me to the next stage, first I'm going to rest a bit. Thank you for all the messages and support!!!" Newport to lean on Cardiff for loan players Newport County could once again lean on Cardiff to populate their squad with some loan players, according to chairman Huw Jenkins. The Exiles have recently appointed for Cardiff academy chief David Hughes as their first-team manager, which could see them utilise their links with the Bluebirds in order to sign players on temporary deals. Article continues below Speaking about the appointment of Hughes and the League Two side's transfer strategy, Jenkins said: "We've made offers, and we're waiting on responses. David is fully across all of it. "There may still be changes — players assessing their role under the new regime. But we know we need four or five experienced signings in vital areas. David's contacts — and ours at clubs like Cardiff, Swansea, and Bristol — will hopefully help bring in a few loan players or squad additions."
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Manager sorted, structural changes made and weaknesses addressed - Cardiff City's perfect summer
Manager sorted, structural changes made and weaknesses addressed - Cardiff City's perfect summer The Bluebirds are aiming for promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking and face a crucial summer ahead Cardiff players huddle together (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Cardiff City face a huge summer as the club begins preparations for life in League One following the disastrous relegation from the Championship. The Bluebirds now find themselves in unfamiliar territory and under pressure to deliver a swift return to the second tier. With fan expectations high and the financial implications of dropping a division looming large, this off-season will be crucial in shaping the club's response and trajectory. One of the major tasks ahead lies in rebuilding the squad. Several key players could depart upon the expiration of their contracts next month, while some will want a return to the Championship. New signings will be needed, of course, to strengthen both depth and quality within the squad - but more on that later. The appointment of the right managerial and backroom staff will be vital in setting the tone for the club's identity and playing style moving forward. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community Away from the pitch, Cardiff must also re-engage a fan base that has grown frustrated with recent seasons of underachievement. A clear plan, continued transparency from the board, and early progress in the transfer market could help restore optimism among supporters. Here, we take a look at what Cardiff's perfect summer looks like... Article continues below Manager announced quickly All being well, Cardiff City will announce their new manager in the coming days. The board hoped to get the decision done and dusted by the end of May, which looms large. However, sources at the club indicate that a decision should be communicated to supporters this week. The Bluebirds have changed tack in terms of the manner in which they have selected their new manager. They created a sub-committee to whittle down the shortlist from dozens of candidates to around 10 and then six, before the board then engaged in interviews with the streamlined shortlist. Among the names in the hat are experienced managers, rookies, foreign managers, however the board have put forward their preferred trio to owner Vincent Tan and the decision now rests in his hands. It is hoped that Tan will make the call quickly, because much needs changing at Cardiff this summer. There are out-of-contract players who want to know who the new manager is and what they want to see and the plans they want to implement. There are also big transfer calls which need making with the manager's say-so. Cardiff fans will hope, fingers crossed, that the new man is in by the end of the week and we start to see real movement elsewhere in the club shortly after. Structural changes made Having a director of football at Cardiff would provide much-needed strategic direction at a club which has suffered from frequent managerial turnover and inconsistent recruitment. A director of football offers a long-term vision that extends beyond the tenure of any one head coach, overseeing the club's footballing philosophy, player development, and transfer strategy. This allows for a more unified approach across the senior team and academy, helping to maintain stability even when managerial changes occur—something Cardiff have struggled with in recent years. A key advantage of this role is that it separates the day-to-day coaching responsibilities from broader operational decisions. This enables the head coach to focus solely on team performance, tactics, and match preparation, while the director of football handles recruitment, contract negotiations, and scouting networks. Given Cardiff have a penchant for hiring rookie or inexperienced managers, it seems a no-brainer. At a time when Cardiff must build a competitive squad on a tighter League One budget, having someone dedicated to identifying undervalued players, developing internal talent, and executing a coherent recruitment plan would be invaluable. Ideally, this sort of appointment would be in place before a new manager is appointed, but we can't have it all. Additionally, a director of football can help bridge the gap between ownership and the football staff. With Vincent Tan often perceived as a distant or unpredictable figure in footballing terms, a strong director of football would act as a buffer—translating boardroom objectives into practical football decisions. There is hope, too, because Tan employs a similar figure at his other club, KV Kortrijk. This role would also facilitate smoother communication and greater transparency, while cultivating a stronger footballing identity. For a club like Cardiff, aiming to rebuild both on and off the pitch, the presence of a well-qualified director of football could be the cornerstone of a more sustainable operation. Mark Allen, a former director of football at Swansea, Rangers and within Manchester City's academy, helped head-up the recruitment drive for the new manager and if Tan views that one-off task force as a success, might he be a more permanent fixture? Fans will likely hope so. Addressing weaknesses Cardiff have to be proactive in this transfer window and address some of the key weaknesses in their squad ahead of what will be a gruelling League One campaign. It isn't going to be pretty, either, because, newsflash, there are weaknesses pretty much all over the pitch. And that's before people start leaving in search of Championship football. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. Goalkeeper looks one area they might need to address. There are suggestions that Ethan Horvath could be one of the players out the door this summer, with the American wanting to secure a higher level of football in order to force his way into the national team. Whether his performances have warranted him being higher than League One is another conversation all together. It leaves Jak Alnwick and the uncapped Matt Turner. Will Cardiff look for a more experienced No.2 or stick with the academy graduate? None of the 'keepers really set the world alight last year, that's for sure. The defence was a huge concern last year. While individually there were some talented players, where was the leadership and where was the cohesion? There was no central figure barking orders or organising the troops and that will be paramount in League One, renowned for being more physically robust than the Championship. Jamilu Collins will leave, while it would be no surprise to see Perry Ng secure a second-tier move, so wing-backs would potentially need addressing, too. Although Ronan Kpakio is a fine and promising talent, while Luey Giles, on the other flank, was with him on the Wales senior team training camp in Spain under the watchful eye of Craig Bellamy. There have been just criticisms of Cardiff's midfield, too. Are they all too samey? There are a lot of players in there with very little point of difference, so far as the layman can decipher. Another area in the spine of the team which needs a big, physical presence to complement the passing skills of so many of the other midfielders already within the ranks. Providing Cardiff can hold on to both Callum Robinson and Yousef Salech — easier said than done, of course — then the striker situation looks relatively stable. Although there's a long way to go this summer and both of those players are likely waiting to see who is appointed as the new manager. There's also Roko Simic and Isaak Davies in waiting as back-up options. But on the wing is where Cardiff need far more pace and even more goal contributions. Teams now heavily rely on goals scored from the wing and City do not have that regular source from out wide. Wingers Anwar El Ghazi and Chris Willock proved disappointments last season, so, too, did Yakou Meite, for the second term running. Ollie Tanner, Davies and Cian Ashford are the current wing options, but Cardiff need at least one player with pace to burn and/or a proven goalscoring record to ease the burden in those positions. Carving a youth pathway One real positive at Cardiff is the youth coming through, although it's always wise to urge caution on the ability of these young players, particularly given the toughness of the league they are about to enter. What they do have is real potential. Five of them — Giles, Kpakio, Ashford, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and Dylan Lawlor — have all been out on Wales camp with Craig Bellamy and they are some of the brightest youngsters the club have. Chuck in the likes of Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies, Rubin Colwill and even Eli King and there are some talented players there. Troy Perrett is another who has drawn glances from Premier League sides, too, and he will likely feature far more this term if the club can hold on to him. These players all need to be playing next season and it's up to the recruitment staff, new manager and, potentially, a new football-orientated employee to decide in which of the three following categories the promising youngsters fall into: Ready to play, needs a loan, cash in. Some of these players could save the club millions. Kpakio has reportedly lit up the training camp in Spain with Bellamy watching on, while Lawlor has interest from the Premier League and on the continent. Many fans want the likes of Ashford, Rubin Colwill and Davies to grab League One by the scruff of the neck and really show that they can rip it up on a week-to-week basis, which will do their confidence a world of good. There are others coming through, too, the likes of Dakarai Mafico and Mannie Barton spring to mind, and it is the one rare positive those inside the club, and fans, too, are equally excited about. Article continues below A 'reset season' wasn't on anyone's wish list, but if one positive can come from it, it's to help mould these bright young things into players who can make a real impact at senior level.
