Cardiff City have made a statement of intent by extending Cian Ashford’s contract, following his goal against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
Ashford added the Bluebirds’ third goal in South Yorkshire, as they ran out 4-0 winners to maintain their narrow lead at the top of the League One table.
And the 21-year-old has extended his contract until the summer of 2030, underlining the improvements in his performances this campaign.
Hitting New Heights
Cardiff have barely put a foot wrong in the third tier this campaign, with the young forward at the heart of all things positive in South Wales. The Welshman has helped the Bluebirds in an attacking sense in the absence of Yousef Salech, who also signed a deal until the start of the next decade earlier this year.
Ashford has been with Cardiff since the age of six, making his first team bow in a League Cup tie against Colchester United in 2023. His league debut came only two years ago, announcing himself with a strike from distance to defeat eventual play-off winners Southampton with weeks of the regular season remaining. After a more prominent role last season in the Championship, he has impressed on both flanks this term, scoring five times and providing three assists in all competitions.
Bluebirds boss Brian Barry-Murphy was delighted to see Ashford commit himself to his boyhood club.
“We’re really pleased that Cian sees his future here. He’s had a really good season, but I think the most impressive thing about him is that we’re now seeing exceptional improvement and growth, which we think will be even more evident as the season progresses.
“The players who have made so much progress and come through from such a young age at the academy are the heartbeat. When they have so much potential and the mentality to match that, then to keep them at Cardiff City is very important.”
Championship Return
Despite their impressive campaign, Cardiff have only a one-point lead at the top of League One, thanks to the equally exceptional run by second-place Lincoln City. The two sides meet in a blockbuster clash at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, with the winner putting one foot in the second tier next season.
The Bluebirds have been relentless on their own patch this term, with the best home points per game tally in the division. But the Imps were victorious in the reverse encounter and will arrive in South Wales with the best away PPG record. Nevertheless, Cardiff’s only two home league defeats came in consecutive September matches, and they scored at least three times in all four of their February victories.
Beginning March in the same manner would be the biggest possible statement that Barry-Murphy’s side could make.