Cardiff City have officially announced the appointment of Brian Barry-Murphy as their new First Team Head Coach. The 46-year-old has signed a three-year deal that will keep him with the Bluebirds until the summer of 2028. This move marks a significant step for the club as they look to rebuild and return to the Championship following their recent relegation to League One.
Barry-Murphy brings a wealth of experience to Cardiff City, both as a player and a coach. His playing career spanned 23 years, starting with his hometown club, Cork City, before moving to England to play for Preston North End. He also had loan spells at Southend United and Hartlepool United, and later played for Sheffield Wednesday. He is perhaps best known for his time in Greater Manchester, where he spent six years with Bury and eight years with Rochdale, beginning his coaching journey at the latter.
Prior to joining Cardiff, Barry-Murphy served as a First Team Coach at Leicester City. He also managed Rochdale from 2019 to 2021, and then took charge of Manchester City's Elite Development Squad (EDS) for three years.
Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, "Throughout the interview process, Brian showed a huge passion for our Club because he believes in what we're trying to do. He knows this level having played and managed at this standard before, where he was noted for his style of play. Since then, he has only gone from strength-to-strength as a leader."
Tan also highlighted Barry-Murphy's track record in youth development, noting that he has coached some of the brightest young prospects in the UK, many of whom are now playing at the highest levels of the game. He added that Barry-Murphy brings "enthusiasm, vibrancy and an exciting outlook on what today's football is, while looking to play an attacking style that our fans are sure to enjoy."
Barry-Murphy will be joined at Cardiff City by Lee Riley, who will serve as Assistant Head Coach. Riley previously worked alongside Barry-Murphy at Manchester City and Rochdale, most recently holding an Academy Coach position with the Citizens.
The appointment of Barry-Murphy comes after a turbulent period for Cardiff City, with eight managers coming and going over the past four years. Relegation to League One has prompted a strategic rethink, with the club expected to prioritize youth development alongside experienced professionals. Several senior players have departed since the drop from the Championship, including Aaron Ramsey, Anwar El Ghazi, Yakou Meite, and Dimitrios Goutas. Irish players Callum Robinson and Callum O'Dowda are also likely to leave, with interest from Preston North End and Oxford United, respectively.
One of the immediate challenges for Barry-Murphy will be rebuilding the squad. He will be starting with something of a blank canvas, tasked with creating a team capable of competing in the challenging environment of League One. The third tier of English football is known for its competitiveness, but the expectation is that Barry-Murphy will focus on integrating young talent into the team.
Barry-Murphy's record of developing young players was a key factor in Cardiff's decision to hire him. During his time with Manchester City's EDS, he helped nurture several players who have since gone on to play at the highest levels. This emphasis on youth development aligns with Cardiff City's long-term vision for the club.
As Cardiff City prepares for the 2025/26 season, the focus will be on Barry-Murphy and his ability to implement his vision for the team. His appointment represents a fresh start for the club, with the hope that he can bring stability, an attractive style of play, and success on the pitch.
