Training ground upgrade / players very pleased

Players very pleased with the training ground upgrade at the existing Vale of Glamorgan base

Vale paid for the refreshment:





Cardiff City have unveiled the major refurbishment of their Vale of Glamorgan training complex, with the Bluebirds now boasting a significantly upgraded gym, new sauna and dedicated analysis theatre.

The transformation of the club's Hensol base has been revealed by CMB Engineering, whose managing director Steve Borley is also a director at Cardiff City, the company appointed to carry out the refurbishment earlier this year.

The entire project was completed in just six weeks, with the work taking place ahead of Cardiff's players returning for pre-season as Brian Barry-Murphy's side prepared for their return to the Championship.

The overhaul has created a considerably brighter and more modern environment for players and staff, with the building redecorated and rebranded throughout.

Perhaps the most striking change has been made to the gym, where multiple internal walls were removed to double its size.

A new anti-slip cushioned floor has also been installed, while the complex now features a new sauna and player lounge.

Cardiff have also been given a dedicated team analysis theatre, while the medical facilities have been significantly expanded.

The analysis theatre contains a series of messages emblazoned across the walls which appear closely aligned with the principles Barry-Murphy has sought to instil since taking charge.

Among the phrases displayed are: "We press... we sprint back", "Stay on your feet", "Heads up", "We never stop" and "Maximum intent".

They offer an insight into the mentality Cardiff's head coach wants his players to adopt as they embark on their first season back in the Championship.

CMB said the players were "genuinely impressed" when they returned and saw the scale of the transformation.

The engineering company said: "Earlier this year, CMB was appointed to transform the ageing training facility at the Vale Resort, with the entire refurbishment to be completed in just six weeks – a quick turnaround so that it was ready for the Cardiff City Football Club players on their pre-season return.

"The project centred on creating a brighter, more open and modern environment for the players and staff to benefit from.

"The entire building was redecorated and rebranded throughout, giving the training complex a fresh, vibrant and contemporary feel.

"Multiple internal walls were removed to double the size of the gym, while a new anti-slip cushioned floor was installed alongside a new sauna and a comfortable player lounge.

"We also created a dedicated team analysis theatre and significantly expanded the medical facilities."

CMB added that there was a particular sense of pride attached to the project because of its longstanding relationship with Cardiff.

"When the players returned, they were genuinely impressed by the scale of the transformation and the amount that had been achieved within such a short timeframe," the company said.

"With our long-standing ties to Cardiff City FC, this project was about far more than delivering another successful refurbishment – it was one that carried real pride for everyone involved."

The refurbishment comes after Cardiff were forced to rethink their plans for a new purpose-built training ground of their own.

The Vale of Glamorgan complex is owned by the Football Association of Wales, meaning Cardiff have historically had limited scope to make major structural changes to the facility.

The club had been working towards moving into a new training base close to their existing headquarters, with the original ambition being to relocate ahead of the 2026/27 season.

However, those plans were put on hold following relegation to League One, with the resulting reduction in revenue forcing Cardiff to prioritise financial stability.

Promotion back to the Championship has revived the prospect of the project eventually moving forward, although the club are understood to want to see their finances strengthen before construction resumes.

In the meantime, the six-week refurbishment represents a significant upgrade to the facilities available to Barry-Murphy and his squad.

And with Cardiff now back in the Championship, the club will hope the revamped base can provide the environment needed to help them establish themselves at the second tier.

CMB also paid tribute to its site team and subcontractors, led by Jimmy Borley, while Morgans Consult was recognised for overseeing the branding throughout the facility.

The transformation means Cardiff's players now have a much larger gym, new recovery facilities, an improved medical area and a dedicated space for tactical and video analysis – all within the existing Vale of Glamorgan base.

Brilliant News. I know we need our own dedicated facilities in the future but I bet the players love it up the Vale! Good to see the club backing the manager and improving things! Now for the signings!!

Things have certainly improved greatly since Dave Jones said the players used to train at "Dogshit Park".

Not surprised they had to expand the medical facilities

Analysis Theatre is a good idea.

But as of today, we have no First Team Analysts, according to the website.

Not in the building, not on the grass, not at the club

Fair play the Vale paid CMB to renovate as we do pay a lot of rent .

Analysis Theatre is a good idea.

But as of today, we have no First Team Analysts, according to the website.

Not in the building, not on the grass, not at the club

I'm sure there was someone brought in as an anylist but may come under different title?

Analysis Theatre is a good idea.

But as of today, we have no First Team Analysts, according to the website.

Not in the building, not on the grass, not at the club

I'm sure there was someone brought in as an anylist but may come under different title?

Maybe, but First Team Analyst usually gets a credit on the website and there is no-one in that role.

Glad to see money well spent ...