Long-serving Cardiff City manager Iain Darbyshire to leave club | OneFootball

Iain Darbyshire (Cardiff City)

Cardiff City manager Iain Darbyshire will leave his role as the club’s head of women’s and girls’ football at the end of the 2025-26 season.

He is the longest-serving manager in the Genero Adran Premier with six years of service; the next longest-serving is Swansea City’s Yzzy Taylor, who started in her role at the start of this season.

A club statement said that Darbyshire is to pursue new opportunities overseas.

Cardiff City have enjoyed plenty of success under Darbyshire, with four consecutive Welsh Cup wins and three consecutive league titles as well as the Adran Trophy in 2024.

The squad are now semi-professional, as they have been for the last two seasons.

Iain Darbyshire: “A pivotal role”

In a media statement, Darbyshire said: “I’d like to thank the club, Tan Sri Vincent, Ken Choo, Steve Borley, Lee Southernwood and Michael Thomas for their valued support during the last six seasons in what has been a memorable time for us. 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. 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.

“Over the coming months, we will be competing in three domestic competitions and will give our all to have a successful end to the season and provide a platform to grow further in years to come.”

Head of football operations Lee Southernwood was quoted as saying: “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.”

Cardiff City are currently at the top of the Genero Adran Premier, one point ahead of second-placed Wrexham.