Cardiff earn Chelsea respect, Welsh derby preview & Newport's cash concern

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes reflect on a good week for Cardiff City, despite a League Cup defeat to Chelsea. Swansea City and Wrexham prepare for a first league meeting for 22 years, and Newport's financial reality is laid bare as chairman Huw Jenkins faces the disgruntled fans.

In a rare and fascinating insight, head coach Craig Bellamy gives a glimpse into the tactics and fundamental principles used by Wales in the recent World Cup qualifying campaign. Using a tactics board in the dressing room at the Wales training base near Cardiff, Bellamy reveals the flexibility of his approach and what he demands from each member of the squad. Carl, Iwan and Sam are engrossed... and barely manage to get a word in.Bellamy, who has won half of his 16 games in charge of Wales, also names his biggest coaching influences and explains the debt of gratitude he owes to Iwan for protecting him during their time together playing for Norwich City.

A big statement of intent - that's what Carl, Iwan and Sam made of the three late attacking substitutions made Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy that turned an acceptable away draw into a huge win at title rivals Stevenage. It increased their lead at the top of League One to four points, but also sent a clear message to their rivals on the manager's winning mentality.Swansea City had a super sub of their own as Liam Cullen struck to ensure a second successive home win that silenced talk of a relegation battle... for now. Newport County put a shocking FA Cup display behind them to earn a point at Crewe, giving Iwan new hope they can climb off the bottom of League Two as the hectic Christmas schedule arrives.And after Mo Salah's remarkable outburst against his treatment at Liverpool, Sam recalls his attempts to persuade Sean Dyche he was wrong to drop him to the Burnley bench.

It may only be early December, but the message is clear for Swansea City - this is now a relegation fight. And the next two games - at home to fellow strugglers Oxford United and Portsmouth - could define the whole season.Wrexham, meanwhile, are looking upwards after extending their unbeaten run to eight games. Manager Phil Parkinson has now reached 200 league games with The Reds, with a hugely impressive 59.5% win rate. With so many clubs now opting for a head coach rather than a more traditional manager, are the likes of Parkinson becoming a rare breed? Iwan and Sam share their experiences of working under some of the best in the business.Premier League scouts are flocking to Cardiff City to watch Dylan Lawlor, and Rhian Wilkinson can breathe a sigh of relief after claiming a first win for Wales in a tough, yet historically significant, 2025.

Special guest Dave Hughes joins Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes to share his thoughts on his brief spell as Newport County manager, which ended with the sack after just 22 games in charge. The 37-year-old recalls his early days at Aston Villa that saw him break into the first team as a 19-year-old, and takes pride in the development of some of the rising stars he helped develop at Cardiff City. And how he's eager to put down the paint brush and get back on the training ground as soon as possible.

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes discuss Wales' World Cup play-off draw, that will potentially bring two home games in March, and the magnificent 7-1 win over North Macedonia that wrapped up second place in the group in style.Newport County's search for a new manager ended with the much-anticipated appointment of Christian Fuchs, but Swansea City's hopes of securing Vitor Matos has hit a potential stumbling block.

Carl Roberts is joined by Tom Lockyer, Joe Ledley and Rob Earnshaw to preview the crucial World Cup qualifier with North Macedonia, which will determine Wales' path in the play-offs.

Carl Roberts, Nia Jones and Joe Ledley visit Wales' training camp to speak to the players before the final two World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia.

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes discuss Swansea City's dip in form and Craig Bellamy's pledge to stay with Wales.

Life with Cardiff City has started well for Brian Barry-Murphy. The Irishman has a 65% win ratio from his first 20 games. The Bluebirds have spent the majority of the season at the top of League One. A standout win over Wrexham has secured a place in the last eight of the EFL Cup against Chelsea. And host of talented youngsters are starting show their true potential. No wonder he's in relaxed mood as he discusses his first four months in charge, and how he relishes the "refreshingly honest" demands given to him by the owner Vincent Tan.