The Cardiff fan who went viral - and became manager

Noah Bushby celebrated Sol Bamba's goal at Southampton in 2019 by hugging the then Cardiff captain [Huw Evans Picture Agency] It is one of the abiding images of the late Sol Bamba's time at Cardiff City - the charismatic captain with his arms aloft, mobbed by fans after jumping into the away end at Southampton to celebrate his goal in a Premier League win. Among the scrum of supporters at St Mary's seven years ago was an 18-year-old student called Noah Bushby, the first to get hold of Bamba with a huge bear hug. Amid the chaos, Bushby broke his glasses.

When he posted on social media about the incident after the match, it went viral, prompting responses from Bamba himself and Cardiff chief executive Ken Choo, who offered to pay for a new pair. Now, Bushby is preparing to lead the Bluebirds in a cup final. The teenage season ticket holder who became manager of his boyhood club.

He took charge of Cardiff's women's team earlier this month, succeeding Iain Darbyshire having previously served as his assistant coach. There will be no chance to ease himself in gently, though. Bushby's first game is Sunday's Welsh Cup final against arch rivals Swansea City.

"It's been an interesting first couple of weeks! It's really exciting," he tells BBC Sport Wales with a huge grin. "The players have responded so well to me taking over.