Cardiff City have confirmed that manager Iain Darbyshire will depart the club at the end of this season to pursue new opportunities overseas.
The 32-year-old is the most successful boss in Bluebirds history, having so far lifted eight trophies during his time at the helm and establishing the club as the dominant force in women’s football in Wales.
Having previously been assistant manager, Darbyshire was appointed to the top job in the capital in July 2020. A first trophy arrived in 2022 as City defeated Cardiff Met to lift the Bute Energy Welsh Cup, a competition they have gone on to win for four consecutive years.
A first Genero Adran Premier title arrived in 2023 – the club’s first league title for a decade – as the Bluebirds went the entire league campaign unbeaten and qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League as a result. The club transitioned to a semi-professional model that summer and have gone on to secure two further Genero Adran Premier crowns.
The trophy collection was complete when City won the Genero Adran Trophy for the first time ever in 2024, as part of a historic treble-winning campaign.
Darbyshire still has the chance to end his tenure with another treble this season, as his team currently sit top of the Genero Adran Premier heading into Phase Two, face a Bute Energy Welsh Cup quarter-final this weekend and will compete in the Genero Adran Trophy final later this month.
“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,” Darbyshire said.
“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.”
“Iain’s dedication and contribution to Cardiff City FC has been exceptional,” Cardiff City Executive Director & CEO, Ken Choo, said. “His leadership has driven significant progress across our women’s and girls’ programme, both on and off the pitch. His impact on the wider Women’s game in Wales has been profound.
“He will depart at the end of the season with our thanks and our very best wishes for the future.”
