Club Appointment | David Hughes
Cardiff City FC is very pleased to announce the appointment of former Bluebirds defender David Hughes as Academy Head of Coaching.
David’s remit at Cardiff City FC will be to oversee our entire Academy coaching department, lead on coach and player development across all age groups from U9 to U23 and work with first team staff to ensure a smooth transition for players through the Academy and into the first team environment.
Whilst refining current playing and coaching styles, David will be entrusted with aligning all age groups within the Academy to create consistency in play and progression across the three phases of Academy development. His most recent post was as Southampton’s Head of Academy Player Development, having held similar key roles in youth development at Watford, Aston Villa and with the Football Association of Wales.
Speaking in an interview that you can watch in full on Cardiff City TV, David said: “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.
CARDIFF CITY TV | DAVID HUGHES
“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.
“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. 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.”
Head of Academy, James McCarthy, added: “This is a hugely exciting appointment for the Club, and I think David’s track record at his former clubs speaks for itself.
“His passion and enthusiasm for youth development and working with our young footballers is evident and I know how much they and our coaches will benefit from his experience and expertise.”
