After six seasons leading the Bluebirds, Iain Darbyshire will leave his role as Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football at the end of the 2025/26 season to pursue new opportunities overseas.
Following a ten-year gap without silverware for the Club, the Bluebirds lifted the Adran Premier title in 2023 under Iain’s tutelage, repeating the feat in 2024 as part of a treble-winning season and keeping the trophy in the Welsh capital in 2025.
Darbyshire guided City to Bute Energy Welsh Cup wins in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 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.
On field success has seen Cardiff City Women earn the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League qualifiers the past three seasons, whilst the efforts of Iain, his coaching staff, players and backroom support team have allowed the Club to develop off the field in conjunction with steady growth of the women’s game in Wales.
City Women transitioned to a semi-professional side ahead of the 2023/24 season, whilst improved standards and ambition have paved the way for success at U19 level and the recent launch of an U13s side.
Reflecting on a time of un-paralleled success with the Bluebirds, Iain 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 added: “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.”
Executive Director & CEO, Ken Choo said: “Iain’s dedication and contribution to Cardiff City FC has been exceptional. 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.”
The process of appointing Iain’s successor has begun and will be communicated to supporters in due course.