Former Bluebirds defender takes on top academy role

CARDIFF City have appointed former defender David Hughes as their academy head of coaching.

The 42-year-old, who made 17 appearances for the Bluebirds between 2001 and 2003, will oversee the progress of all the sides in City’s youth set-up from under-nine all the way through to under-23 level.

Hughes has previously held youth coaching positions at Shrewsbury, Watford, Aston Villa and Southampton.

Speaking after his appointment, Hughes told the club’s official website: “I’m really excited and pleased to be here; this is a very exciting opportunity, because Cardiff City Football Club has an important place in my heart.

“I started my coaching journey here over 15 years ago, so to come back having learned from other organisations and talented individuals is fantastic.

“Development is more than just grass-based practice; education and holistic growth is essential for young players, as is understanding what it takes to be successful as an individual on and off the pitch.

“Establishing our identity and playing style as a club across age groups is also critical.

“We have very able coaches in our academy programme and integrating player and coach development will be essential in ensuring that we are developing across all areas.

“It’s important to stress that there is a huge amount of highly talented individuals in this academy and the staff here are aware of that fact.”

Hughes, originally from Wrexham, enjoyed early coaching spells in Wales with Barry Town before moving to Port Talbot Town, and also spent a stint working for the Football Association of Wales.

His most recent post was at Southampton, where he was head of academy player development.

Part of the brief for Hughes will be to enable a smoother transition between the academy and the first team, with the lack of young players making the grade in recent years clearly a cause for concern for the Bluebirds hierarchy and fans.

“Fundamentally, my role is going to be about looking at coach and player development and aligning phases and pathways to ensure that we’re giving our exciting, local talent a route that ends with a senior debut,” Hughes continued.

“Success is gauged by seeing those young players running out on the pitch in that scenario, at ease in their new surroundings.

“Individual development and progression is central to the club’s long-term success.”