Following Wales’ failure to qualify for Euro 2024, Cardiff City has seen the return of midfielder Aaron Ramsey for pre-season training. As the Wales captain, Ramsey was among the players who officially reported back to duty at Hensol to begin preparations for the upcoming season. Although Ramsey and fans would have preferred to be competing in the Euros, a former teammate of his from Ninian Park is still heavily involved in the tournament, but with the England team.
Many Cardiff supporters were surprised to see former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink celebrating on the England bench as they advanced past Slovakia in the last-16 match. Hasselbaink has been a part of Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff since March of last year, forming a connection with Southgate during their time at Middlesbrough. Despite his current role with the England team, Hasselbaink previously played for Cardiff and scored memorable goals for them in the FA Cup.
Hasselbaink’s impressive performances for Cardiff in the cup competitions included scoring against Wolves and making appearances in the final. He spent one season with the Bluebirds, where he scored nine goals in 44 games before moving on. Additionally, former Cardiff goalkeeper Martyn Margetson, who served as the goalkeeper coach during Hasselbaink’s time at the club, recently marked his 100th game as England’s goalkeeping coach. Margetson has had two coaching spells with Swansea City and has a long history of experience in Welsh football.