Under new manager Malky Mackay, Hudson regained the captaincy for the 2011–12 season following the end of Bellamy's loam deal and led the team to a 1–0 win over West Ham United in the opening match. His first goal of the season came in a Severnside derby on 14 August 2011 against Bristol City. Hudson made his 250th league appearance on 27 August against Portsmouth. A small hamstring injury meant he missed two matches, but he returned on 4 December coming on for Gerrard against Birmingham City. His 100th appearance for Cardiff came on 2 January 2012 against Reading, whilst also making his three-hundredth club appearance. On 13 January 2012, Hudson signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him in the Welsh capital until 2014. He suffered an ankle injury in January 2012, but returned to captain the side in its first ever League Cup final against Liverpool, in which the Bluebirds were beaten 3–2 on penalties. On 17 April 2012, he scored his fifth goal of the season from 68 yards out against Derby County, a goal which was later voted the club's Goal of the Season. After helping the side qualify for the play–offs, Hudson played both legs against West Ham United, which saw Cardiff City lose 5–0 on aggregate, ending their season and their hopes of reaching to the Premier League. As a result, Hudson was rated one of the most consistent Bluebirds players in the 2011–12 season.