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  1. Cardiff beginning to see real Willock after 'difficult' first seasonpublished at 16:03 BST

    Dafydd Pritchard
    BBC Sport Wales

    Chris Willock celebrates scoring for Cardiff at Luton TownImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

    Chris Willock is finally beginning to enjoy life at Cardiff City – and show what he is capable of – after a miserable first season for the winger.

    There were high hopes for the Arsenal academy graduate when he joined Cardiff from then-Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers in the summer of 2024.

    But the Bluebirds endured a torrid campaign in which they finished bottom of the table and were relegated to League One.

    Cardiff have made a good start to their first season in the third tier for more than two decades, sitting in third place, two points off leaders Stevenage.

    In 10 league appearances, Willock has already scored as many goals as he did last season – two – while he has provided more assists, with three so far.

    "It was difficult," he said about the previous campaign. "I don't want to point fingers at anyone. I had to look at myself and I don't think I was good enough.

    "These things in football happen. For any player in the world, it's not a smooth sailing career and it's about just keep going and keep believing in yourself.

    "I know my qualities, I know what I could bring to any team, so I think this season has been a bit better. I've still got a lot more to show and improve.

    "I think as a collective, as a team, we've done really well this season and I'm looking forward to the future here."

    Cardiff appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as head coach following their relegation to League One, and the former Manchester City Under-21s boss has enjoyed a promising start to his tenure.

    As well as turning results around, the Irishman has given young players a chance and transformed the team's playing style into something far more ambitious and attack-minded.

    Barry-Murphy has been impressed by Willock's performances, and has told the 27-year-old he wants to see him provide more match-winning moments.

    "I've enjoyed my time under Brian so far. I think he sees the game how I want to play, so it's been easy to play under him really," said Willock.

    "He demands a lot, as he's said, and I think that's good from any manager in order to get the best out of players.

    "He shows that he cares, his passion, his mentality to win, and I think that's always crucial in any good side.

    "He shows his belief in you, that obviously fills you with confidence as well, to unlock a defence or create something for the team."