**Cardiff City News Round-Up: Nathan Jones Addresses Manager Rumours and Evans Joins Eastleigh**
As preparations for the new football season ramp up, Thursday brought a flurry of headline news from Cardiff City Stadium, touching on managerial speculation, player moves, tournament draws and fixture announcements for the Bluebirds. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key stories shaping the future of the club.
In recent weeks, Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has been the subject of intense media interest, with speculation swirling around his potential link to the Cardiff City manager’s job. For the first time, the Welshman publicly addressed these rumours. Speaking in a broadcast interview with Sky Sports News, Jones expressed his deep-rooted connection to Cardiff, referencing his affinity for the city. However, Jones made it unequivocally clear that his immediate future lies with Charlton Athletic, a club that earned their promotion to the Championship under his stewardship just last month.
“Cardiff is close to my heart,” Jones stated, acknowledging the long-standing ties he feels. Nevertheless, he emphasised his commitment to his current post, underscoring that his focus remains firmly fixed on Charlton’s progress. Cardiff, after an exhaustive search following the departure of Omer Riza, opted to appoint Brian Barry-Murphy, a figure known for his previous managerial stints at Rochdale and as head of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad.
Meanwhile, a familiar face from the Cardiff youth system has embarked on a fresh start. Kieron Evans, who made his first team debut for Cardiff in 2021 and who has subsequently featured in over 100 senior matches through various loan spells, has joined National League side Eastleigh. The 23-year-old winger, a product of Cardiff’s academy, was courted by clubs from higher up the football pyramid, but chose Eastleigh after significant dialogue with the club’s management about their vision and ambitions.
Speaking just after signing, Evans expressed enthusiasm about his new surroundings. “Everything feels and sounds amazing here. The club’s two-year plan and their ambitions for promotion were key factors in my decision,” he shared. Evans’s recent loan experiences at clubs including Newport County and Gateshead have shaped his career, with the highlight being an FA Trophy victory while at Gateshead. In his own words, “Winning the FA Trophy is the best moment of my career so far—winning on penalties is a feeling I won’t forget.”
Eastleigh are optimistic that Evans’s energy and attacking prowess will help them pursue their stated aim of pushing into the play-offs and eventually gaining a foothold in the EFL. Evans described himself as “hardworking and attack-minded”, promising to bring both skill and determination to the pitch.
In cup competition news, Cardiff City’s Under-21 side will be facing some stern tests in this season’s Vertu Trophy. Arsenal’s U21s have joined the Bluebirds, Newport County and Exeter City in Southern Group A, creating a group that balances youthful promise with senior experience. This tournament, previously known as the EFL Trophy, features 16 top academy sides from Premier League clubs and 48 senior League One and Two teams, promising a dynamic mix of fixtures.
Notably, the group includes local derbies and the glamour of facing an elite youth side from Arsenal’s renowned academy. Cardiff’s youthful team, now under the leadership of Brian Barry-Murphy, will be aiming to make their mark, while the draw reinstates competitive ties with Newport County—a rivalry with deep historical roots, stretching back to memorable encounters in previous decades.
The full list of Cardiff’s fixtures for the 2025/26 League One campaign has also been confirmed, marking the club’s return to the third tier after over 20 years. The opening match is set for a high-profile showdown at home against Peterborough United on 2 August. The Bluebirds’ opening month features further challenging clashes, including trips to Port Vale and Luton Town, alongside home matches against Rotherham United and Plymouth Argyle.
Supporters can look forward to a packed festive period, highlighted by a visit to Lincoln City just before Christmas, a Boxing Day home game against Exeter City, and a year-end fixture against Stevenage. Cardiff’s New Year commences with an away trip to Wycombe Wanderers, as attention ultimately turns to a tricky April leading into a season finale away at Mansfield Town on 2 May.
As fans digest these developments, optimism and anticipation are tangible across South Wales. With new players on board, a reshaped coaching team, and the chance to test themselves in new competitions, the stage is set for an eventful season ahead.