Cardiff City have announced professional contracts for five academy players: goalkeeper Danny Higgs, defenders T-Jay Parfitt and Noah Williams, and attackers Hayden Allmark and Riley Hilaire-Clarke. The quintet completed their scholarship programmes before signing.
Academy Pathway Strengthened
Parfitt made his first-team debut in a Vertu Trophy match against Newport County last October. Williams, a lifelong Bluebirds fan representing Wales at the under-19s Euros, debuted in League One as a substitute against Mansfield Town on the final day of last season's title-winning campaign. "I'm over the moon to sign for my boyhood club," Williams said. "That game against Mansfield Town was one of the best moments of my life."
Higgs has been with Cardiff since under-eight level and gained experience on loan at Penybont. Hilaire-Clarke, who joined in 2024, said: "I know the opportunities that you can get in the U21s. If you do well, Brian will call you up."
Former Defender Greg Cunningham Takes First Managerial Role
Greg Cunningham, 35, has been appointed manager of Irish club Salthill Devon, who will compete in the new FAI National League third tier. The former Cardiff City defender made 14 appearances for the Bluebirds during an injury-hit spell before retiring in January. "It's an exciting time for me to take this step into management," Cunningham said. "This new chapter in the League of Ireland set-up has created a pathway for the underage teams to progress."
Ex-First-Team Coach Nadir Sönmez Appointed in Germany
Former Cardiff City first-team coach Nadir Sönmez has become head coach of German Regionalliga West side Sportfreunde Lotte. Sönmez was part of Erol Bulut's backroom staff during the 2023/24 Championship season, leaving in summer 2024. Since then, he spent four months as assistant coach of Turkey's under-21 side. "This marks his first senior head coach role," the club confirmed.
