Cardiff boss Darbyshire to leave at end of season

Iain Darbyshire will leave his role as Cardiff City manager and head of women's and girls' football at the end of this season.

Cardiff said in a statement that Darbyshire was bringing his six-season stay to an end to "pursue new opportunities overseas".

Under Darbyshire, the Bluebirds have won the past three Adran Premier league titles, having previously gone 10 years without one.

He also led Cardiff to four successive Bute Energy Welsh Cup wins from 2022 to 2025 as well as the Adran Trophy in 2024.

The Bluebirds remain in the hunt for silverware on all fronts heading into the remaining months of this campaign.

"It has been a huge personal honour to lead the women's programme at the club, and with the hard work of the players and staff we have taken enormous strides forward, not only for the club, but league-wide in the Adran Premier," said Darbyshire.

"Those steps were supported throughout by our incredible fanbase, whose unrivalled backing has played a key part in all our success over the last six years."

Head of football operations, Lee Southernwood, said: "Iain has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of Cardiff City FC Women and his impact on women's football in Wales will be felt for many years to come.

"Whilst we are naturally disappointed to see him move on, we fully respect his decision to pursue an exciting opportunity abroad.

"Importantly, there are still three trophies to fight for before he departs and I know Iain will give everything to help us finish the season in the strongest possible way."