Bluebirds Bluebirds’ loan watch. Dai Sport’s Terry Phillips takes an in-depth look at the 12 Cardiff City players currently out on loan – 10 of those are from the Academy
Cardiff City’s scheduled under-23 fixture at Coventry City this week was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
The Professional Under-23 Development South clash will now be rearranged.
Cardiff’s next two matches at PDL under-23 level is are at home. The young Bluebirds play Millwall at Cardiff International Sports Arena on Monday, October 7 and then Ipswich Town at the same venue a week later (both 1pm).
Bluebirds’ Loan Arrangers
Blackburn Rovers: Gregg Cunningham. Left-back who failed to earn a regular first team slot with Cardiff City – and won’t play a part in Neil Warnock’s future plans.
Republic of Ireland international who signed for Cardiff on a three year contract in 2018. That deal ends during the summer of 2021.
The Bluebirds paid a reported £4m to Preston for Cunningham, but he has made only eight appearances.
Left-back Cunningham switched to Blackburn on a season-long loan last month and has played seven first team matches for Rovers.
Fulham: Bobby Decordova-Reid. Bright and lively offensive player who is under contract with the Bluebirds until 2022.
The Bluebirds paid a reported £10m to Bristol City for the attacking player. Made 17 starts with 11 appearances from the subs bench for City, but left South Wales four a season-long loan with Fulham last month.
Has played six league matches for Fulham, who have an option to but Decordova-Reid at the end of this season. He is under with Cardiff until the summer of 2022.
Hereford FC: Jack Bodenham and goalkeeper Warren Burwood.
National League North club Hereford are managed by former Cardiff City team boss Russell Slade and their team includes ex-Bluebirds midfield player Tommy O’Sullivan. Tim Harris, who has been in charge at Newport County and Merthyr Tydfil FC, is head of football at Hereford.
Jack Bodenham (Central defender)
Newport-born and Cwmbran-raised teenager and former Croesyceiliog Comprehensive School pupil. Signed for Cardiff City at the age of 14.
Wales under-19 international who played youth football for Cwmbran Town and Newport County before joining Bluebirds.
“My life revolves around football – watching football and playing football,” says Bodenham. “I’m a Cardiff City fan and signing for the club was massive, a childhood dream.
Bodenham signed for The New Saints on loan last season and is now playing for Hereford, producing an outstanding personal performance at left-back in a 2-1 victory against Gateshead.
He impressed again against Truro City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Determined defender who bounced back in style after being released from Cardiff’s Academy when one was young. Highly rated by club coaches, who are following his progress with Hereford.
Goalkeeper Warren Burwood. Cardiff have four senior goalkeepers – Etheridge, Smithies, Day, Murphy – and that’s why youngsters Burwood and Ratcliffe have been sent out on loan to gain experience.
Joined Hereford on a one-month loan, providing back-up for in-form goalkeeper Brandon Hall following an injury sustained by James Carey. An unused substitute in 5-2 FA Cup victory on the weekend against Truro City.
Aged 19, Burwood is in the second year of his apprenticeship with Cardiff City.
He is from Gorleston, Norfolk and came through the schoolboy ranks at Norwich City.
Burwood had experience of non-League with Beccles and Wroxham when he was in Norfolk.
Weston-super-Mare FC: Daniel Martin and Connor Davies were both in the Seagulls’ squad for their 2-1 win against Merthyr Town in the Emirates FA Cup. Weston play in the BetVictor Southern Premier.
Daniel Martin. Has plenty of ability and potential, Weston have given him the chance to show he is ready to play men’s football.
Skilled, forward thinking left-back who can also operate effectively on the left-wing.
The 20-year-old, who is from Maidstone in Kent, signed for Cardiff City after 10 years in Fulham’s youth programme.
Made 18 Professional Development League appearances for the Bluebirds in 2018-19.
Connor Davies
The winger has an abundance of talent and must show that with Weston.
Aged 17, from Cwmbach in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Former Cwmbach Royal Stars and AFC Llwydcoed player.
Former St John Baptist Church in Wales High School pupil.
Davies joined Cardiff City’s Academy at the U14 age group level. A hard working, athletic wide player.
Penybont FC: Dan Griffiths, Keenan Patten and Ryan Reynolds are on loan with JD Sports Cymru Premier club Penybont where Rhys Griffiths is manager. Penybont have a League fixture at Connah’s Quay Nomads this Sunday (September 29).
Dan Griffiths. Natural goalscorer from Wrexham who was close to making the grade at Liverpool.
An 18-year-old forward who joined Cardiff City from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool during the summer of 2018.
Welsh youth international who impressed during a trial with the Bluebirds. Griffiths opened the 2018-19 campaign with two goals on his debut for the under-18 side in a 5-0 victory over Colchester United.
Made 27 competitive under-18 appearances during 2018-19 and scored 27 goals.
Scored his second goal for Penybont in a 3-1 win against Airbus UK, while he was sent on with half an hour left in their 1-0 Nathaniel MG Cup defeat against Newtown during midweek.
Click here to view Dan’s goal!
Keenan Patten. Gaining experience in the JD Cymru Premier
Aged 18, Keenan is the younger brother of Barry Town United midfield player Robbie. Wales youth international who has been with the Bluebirds Academy for nine years. Dynamic, ball playing midfield player.
Made 20 appearances for Cardiff’s under-18 team in 2018-19, while Keenan played for Penybont in their 3-1 win against Airbus UK. Also started for Penybont during a 1-0 Nathaniel MG Cup defeat against Newtown in midweek.
Ryan Reynolds. Making the step up to senior football
Celebrated his 19th birthday earlier this month. Welsh youth international midfield player who joined Cardiff from Everton.
Tenacious and confident with an excellent work ethic and strong leadership qualities. Began Bluebirds’ apprenticeship on July 1, 2017.
Made 23 under-18 appearances City in 2018-19.
Has suffered an injury and is in rehab.
Barry Town United: Goalkeeper George Ratcliffe and Sion Spence. Both played in Barry’s 1-0 win at Cefn Druids, which took them top of the JD Cymru Premier table, along with former Bluebirds teenager Rhys Abbruzzese.
Barry travel to play reigning champions TNS on Saturday (2.30pm).
George Ratcliffe
Selected for Cardiff City’s pre-season tour to America along with Neil Etheridge and Joe Day. Alex Smithies, currently City’s first choice, played for the under-23 team on their Cornish trip.
Has kept two clean sheets for Barry Town United, the latest during a 1-0 win against Cefn Druids at Jenner Park.
Celebrated his 19th birthday earlier this month. Commanding, reliable, composed goalkeeper, who has played for Cardiff at under-16, under-18 and under-23 teams.
Wales youth international from Newport and a former St Julian’s High pupil, the school where former Cardiff full-back Chris Gunter attended.
Made 26 under-18 appearances during 2018-19
Sion Spence.
Highly rated, clever, effective, goalscoring midfield player.
Celebrates his 19th birthday on October 2. Joined Cardiff City’s Academy at the age of seven and made his under-23 debut at 16.
Hails from Barry and played at Wembley when he captained Romilly Primary School in a national cup final.
Made his debut for Barry Town United in a goalless draw at Caernarfon Town, while he also played in their 1-0 win at home against Cefn Druids.
Wrexham: Mark Harris.
Has had loan spells from Cardiff City at Newport County, Port Vale and now Wrexham, who play in the National League.
A 20-year-old who came through City’s Academy and was given his first team debut by Neil Warnock in a 2017 FA Cup clash with Fulham. Also played in two Championship fixtures in the same season, 2016-17.
Wales under-19 international who has scored three goals in 10 starts for Wrexham.