Neil Warnock’s Premier League Bluebirds will again start their pre-season match programme against Welsh League Taffs Well.
Newly-promoted Cardiff City will then be heading off to Cornwall and Devon on tour with Craig Bellamy’s under-23 team joining the senior squad.
There was strong talk of a pre-season trip to North America, but Warnock is keen on a laid-back approach to pre-season.
He is preparing to face Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and more head on in 2018-19, but Warnock’s warriors will prepare near his home in Cornwall.
The Bluebirds will face non-League opposition on tour including National League Torquay United, where City striker Rhys Healey and ex-Cardiff players Jazzi Barnum-Bobb and Tommy O’Sullivan played on loan last season.
Healey underlined his instinct for goals by scoring six times in seven matches for Torquay.
For the second year running Warnock and his men will kick-off their preparations against Taff’s Well FC at their Rhiw’r Ddar home ground on Friday, July 13 (7pm).
The Bluebirds will then head down to Cornwall and Devon and have a total of seven fixtures to be played during the trip – three for the first team plus four under-23.
Warnock is also likely to include some first team players in under-23 fixtures when needed.
There are more pre-season matches to be confirmed including a home fixture at Cardiff City Stadium.
“I’m expecting even more of our fans to come down and join us than made the trip a year ago,” says Warnock.
“After last summer, we decided to continue my lovely relationship with Cornwall for a week.
“The under-23s will be playing every other night along with the first-team, so that everyone in the squad can get enough minutes under their belt that week.
“It was a success in Cornwall and Devon a year ago and I’m expecting even more of our fans to come down for a holiday and what will be a great, family-oriented week.”
Premier League fixtures for 2018-19 will be announced on Thursday, June 14 (9am) and the season starts over the weekend of August 11 and 12.
The final day of the season is Sunday, May 19, 2019.
Cornwall & Devon tour
(All matches kick off at 7pm, unless otherwise stated)
July
Sunday 15: Truro City v Cardiff City under-23 (Treyew Road, 2pm)
Monday 16: Tavistock AFC v Cardiff City first team (Langsford Park)
Tuesday 17: AFC St. Austell v Cardiff City under-23 (Poltair Park)
Wednesday 18: Bodmin Town v Cardiff City first team (Priory Park)
Thursday 19: Porthleven FC v Cardiff City under-23 (Gala Parc)
Friday 20: Torquay United v Cardiff City first team (Plainmoor)
Saturday 21 Liskeard Athletic v Cardiff City under-23 (Lux Park, 2pm)
