soccer

Darbyshire not thinking of Cardiff treble farewell

Iain Darbyshire took over at Cardiff City in July 2020 [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Outgoing boss Iain Darbyshire insists he is not thinking about a treble-winning farewell at Cardiff City Women just yet.

His side have the chance to win the first of three potential trophies when they take on Wrexham in the Adran Trophy final on Sunday, 22 February (17:00 GMT).

The two teams are enjoying an intense rivalry this season with Wrexham sitting a place beneath top of the table Bluebirds in the Adran Premier.

They are also due to meet in the semi-final of the FAW Cup next month.

Darbyshire will leave Cardiff at the end of the campaign after six seasons and eight trophies - including a treble success in 2024 and a league and Welsh cup double last term.

Asked if another treble would be a fitting send-off, Darbyshire said: "It would be nice, but I'm not quite thinking about the end yet."

"It's my last season, but the objectives were set at the start of the year. It doesn't have any extra for me or the players because that's our goal and that's our goal every season. That's the standard that we've set at this football club," he said.

"This is just another step in that process and we're not looking past this yet. We're just looking at this game individually and hoping to have a positive result and win some silverware."

Sunday's final in Bangor will be the first of two encounters in six days between Cardiff and Wrexham, with the two teams playing each other in the league in the Welsh capital on 28 February (15:00 GMT)

The Bluebirds have won and drawn in the two previous league encounters with Wrexham this season.

"Last year, we were in a similar situation where we played the New Saints three games in a row and it does help to decide your season. But ultimately, as far as we're concerned, it's this weekend first.

"Let's get this out of the way and hopefully have a positive result and then move on and focus on the league game next Saturday."

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