Inside Cardiff City's academy as talent factory changes course of club's future

"I see myself as the gatekeeper of the academy and I'm very, very proud."

After a half-an-hour chat with Cardiff City's head of academy, David Hughes, that quote is about as apt as any to sum up just how he views his role at the club. Of course, given the well-documented success of the academy in recent times, it's easy to see just why he is bursting with pride.

After many barren years, spanning a decade or more, Cardiff's production line looks as fit-for-purpose as it has for some time. Hughes joined the club from Southampton in November 2020, initially as head of academy coaching, and was excited about unlocking the clear potential that lay within the Bluebirds' youth setup.

"I've lived in Cardiff for more than 20 years," he tells WalesOnline. "From my time with the FAW, we always felt there was potential in the pathway in the academy at Cardiff.

"I was clearly biased towards my perception that there were some really high-potential individuals here. I think Steve Morison and Tom Ramasut six months before had started working with the under-23s and it's great credit to them for promoting and driving standards and professionalism among the boys. They brought a different and unique skillset to that, which promoted and increased the expectations of what was achievable.

"It was clear there was some potential, but how do we make sure we do everything we can to maximise it? How do we provide accountability to ensure these players get there? It can't be down to luck, it has to be down to judgment, good planning and keeping the door open to provide the greatest opportunity.

"There was talent in the programme and that was the staff. Equally, there were young boys with some outstanding potential for us as staff to try and