Latest news with #BrianBarry-Murphy
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Cardiff City to lose two forwards as Brian Barry-Murphy rips up transfer plan
Cardiff City to lose two forwards as Brian Barry-Murphy rips up transfer plan The Bluebirds are having to let a number of players leave before they start recruiting themselves Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy (Image: Cardiff City FC ) Cardiff City are set to see strikers Roko Simic and Michael Reindorf seal moves away as new head coach Brian Barry-Murphy begins to overhaul the club's summer transfer strategy. Both forwards missed the first week of pre-season training ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with sources indicating that deals for the duo are imminent. Simic and Reindorf are expected to depart in search of regular first-team football. The decision comes amid significant behind-the-scenes changes at the club, with Barry-Murphy beginning to impose his own vision on the squad following his appointment last week. It is understood Cardiff had been advancing with their summer recruitment plans prior to his arrival, but those plans are now being reassessed. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. The new head coach is believed to favour a different approach in terms of player profiles and squad structure, prompting the club to pivot from the strategy previously being pursued by the recruitment team. Simic, who joined from Red Bull Salzburg last year, and Reindorf, a raw talent brought in after leaving Norwich City, had both been seen as part of the club's long-term project, to greater or lesser extents. Article continues below The Croatian former youth international is currently in his homeland while discussions with a number of European clubs continue over a deal. While all options have not been ruled out, a loan seems most likely at time of writing. Reindorf, however, endured a bizarre loan stint at Bristol Rovers at the back end of last season. He played just four times for the Gas, but was frozen out for two-and-a-half months between February and May. After a prolific start to the season for City's under-21s, which earned him a first-team call-up, his move was a real disappointment and he will hope to enjoy a better time away this time around. He has joined Newport County on loan. With Cardiff preparing for their first League One campaign in over two decades, Barry-Murphy is keen to reshape the squad in line with his tactical and developmental philosophy. While Cardiff fans are understandably keen to see players come through the door with key positions still needing to be addressed — centre-back, right back and wing are areas of concern, while the midfielder profiles might be a little samey — the Bluebirds are likely to take on the season with a streamlined squad this year. All nine out-of-contract players leave the club next week, while the two loan players they had last season, Will Alves and Sivert Mannsverk, have returned to their parent clubs. City have seen a few first teamers come back from loan stints away — Eli King (Stevenage), Joel Colwill (Exeter City), Ryan Wintle (Millwall) and Ryotaro Tsunoda (KV Kortrijk) — however there is still a major deficit from the squad which was ultimately relegated. Add Simic and Reindorf to that exodus, too. It leaves Cardiff with two senior strikers in the forms of Yousef Salech and Callum Robinson, while Kion Etete and Isaak Davies are also options. But Barry-Murphy is prepared to slim down the squad and place his faith in the club's youth, it seems, while having a few transfer ideas of his own. "My belief is the smaller the squad, within reason, the more it aligns to having a culture of improvement and players having a strong opportunity to play," he said when asked about the summer window. "It allows the younger players the opportunity to grow and play. If we have too many players and they don't play then it's a contradiction to the way I see it. "So have a strong squad from the players who are here, then complement it with the players coming through from the academy and the younger ones. Then, adding quality then means we can be specific on what it looks like to have an elite team in this division." Article continues below Further ins and outs are expected over the coming weeks as the Bluebirds continue their preparations for the new season, which kicks off with a home clash against Peterborough United on August 2. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Wales Online
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Cardiff City unveil 2025/26 home kit as fans love it but point out one thing
Cardiff City unveil 2025/26 home kit as fans love it but point out one thing The Bluebirds have released their new home kit for the 2025/26 League One campaign Cardiff City's 2025/26 home kit has been unveiled (Image: Cardiff City FC ) Cardiff City have unveiled their home kit for the 2025/26 campaign as they embark on a new era under Brian Barry-Murphy. The Bluebirds will play in League One this season following their relegation from the Championship last term. And New Balance have released the strip in which Cardiff will play their football next season. The blue shirt has white stripes running throughout, with white cuffed collar and and sleeves. The shorts will be white and the socks will be blue. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community Kit release day is always eagerly anticipated by supporters, who will be able to purchase the new home strip on July 1, and it has certainly stirred up some reaction. Article continues below "Love this, a nod to 1983," said Pete Bradbury. "Yes, just yes," said @CcfcOK1. Josh Embling posted: "That's actually pretty smart lads Imagine the away was the same but black with yellow pinstripes." "That is stunning," wrote @ccfcsm. "Good looking home kit that," said @evobluebird. "Wait that's actually nice," posted ODB, while Rhys, another Cardiff fan, added: "That's banging. Got a good retro look to it." Calum Chambers and Callum O'Dowda in Cardiff City's new shirt Joel Bagan and Rubin Colwill of Cardiff City (Image: Cardiff City FC ) The one disappointment from supporters is that the club have reverted back to their usual club badge, after last year's one for the 125th anniversary was universally popular among fans. "If you had last year's badge this would smack!" said Welsh Packer. "Really nice, shame about the badge," said James CCFC. Article continues below Liam weighed in with: "Incredible. Shame about the badge." Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Transfer ploy Cardiff City would be 'daft' not to use as Brian Barry-Murphy's major skill emerges
Transfer ploy Cardiff City would be 'daft' not to use as Brian Barry-Murphy's major skill emerges We spoke to the Manchester Evening News' Manchester City correspondent for insight into the new Cardiff City boss New Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy (Image: Cardiff City FC ) We are now just over a week into Brian Barry-Murphy's Cardiff City tenure, however Bluebirds fans could still be forgiven for not knowing a huge deal about what to expect from the Irishman over the coming season - or three, for that matter. The 46-year-old penned a three-year contract in the Welsh capital, a sizeable commitment from the club and the first three-year managerial contract they've handed out in a decade since the days of Malky Mackay. Some might believe it to be something of a gamble and, of course, the appointment comes with risk, but the Cardiff board believed he was the right man to start this new project. After two years at Rochdale, three years heading up Manchester City's academy coaching team and a brief spell on Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester City coaching staff, Barry-Murphy starts this new challenge with the immediate task of getting back into the Championship at the first time of asking very much top of the agenda. We spoke to the Manchester Evening News' Manchester City correspondent, Simon Bajkowski, for insight into the new Cardiff boss, having covered his three-year stint with the Premier League giants' youth sides. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. Bajkowski believes Barry-Murphy would be "daft" not to tap into his Man City connections this summer, with Cardiff doubtless having to bring in a few new bodies to address key weaknesses in the side over the coming months. They will likely seek some loan additions to bolster the squad. However, Bajkowski is a firm believer that Cardiff fans are likely to see the biggest positive coming from Barry-Murphy working on the players already in situ, believing the Bluebirds head coach has a real skill in making players better - a criticism which has been levelled at the Cardiff coaching teams of recent years. Article continues below Here is what Cardiff fans can expect from Brian Barry-Murphy.... 1) What can Cardiff City fans expect from a Brian Barry-Murphy side? Hopefully, a team that plays good football and plays for each other. Part of his attraction to City when he was at Rochdale was his total commitment to positive football, and his young City teams scored plenty of goals and always looked to play on the front foot. Obviously blind copies don't work but you'd expect Cardiff to look more like Pep Guardiola's City do with passing out from the back and looking to dominate possession in order to create chances and score goals. 2) How did he evolve during his time at Manchester City? I think Brian arrived at City as an idealist and left as a pragmatist. Something that is often forgotten about City's football is that it is fundamentally about winning rather than pretty football. Having won praise for his work at Rochdale despite them being relegated and then taking the Under-21s job at City, he better came to appreciate the balance between development and winning - and how important the latter is for the former. He also grew to learn what it takes to succeed as a Guardiola player, which is actually more about attitude and application than footballing ability. All of this brought the tactical and man-management aspects of his coaching on. 3) What can we expect from him in the press? Is he outspoken and honest or more reserved? Cardiff fans should enjoy listening to his press conference answers, with his answers open, honest, and informative. He was a sponge at City soaking up every single thing that Guardiola did as much in the press conference room as on the training pitch, so there may be the odd mind game in there but generally he says it as it is. At City, he was honest enough to admit when players were challenging his ability to coach and openly called out changes to the Under-21 format that he didn't like. 4) Presumably he would have had a hand in transfers for the academy while at City. Can you give us some insight into his transfer strategy and/or ability to improve players? He was obviously involved in transfers at City but there was also a big recruitment team that covered the academy so his remit was more coaching. Each season and also within them, there would be first-team needs that had to be prioritised in terms of developing individual players. That meant that as well as preparing his teams for matches, there would be specific work with individuals on certain skills - such as pressing off the ball - that would be incorporated into the games. Often, that individual work would be more important in terms of improving players for the first team. 5) Do you expect him to lean on his City connections in the transfer window? He would be daft not to. City obviously have a network of their own clubs that they like to send on loan to but the chance to have a club in a competitive league where the manager knows their football intrinsically is definitely appealing. There have been a few loans in recent years down the leagues in England that really haven't worked out, so it could be mutually beneficial if Barry-Murphy can get some of City's youngsters to shine in senior football. 6) Finally, Lee Riley has been appointed his assistant. He is a bit of an unknown quantity. Could you give us some information on him and what he is likely to bring to the setup and project? Article continues below Lee moved across from Rochdale as Brian's trusted lieutenant and continued in that role before staying at the club last year when Brian left. Every coach needs a No.2 they can trust and bounce ideas off in order to work better and Lee should make Brian a better coach. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Cardiff City players put through gruelling tests on day one of pre-season as stars report for duty
The Brian Barry-Murphy era begins proper today, with Cardiff City's players having reported to pre-season duties at the club's Vale of Glamorgan training HQ. Today marks exactly a week since the Irishman was appointed as the man to take charge of the Bluebirds, tasked with the responsibility of getting the club back to the Championship at the first time of asking following the disappointment of relegation last year. And now he will get a chance to run his eyes over the players he has at his disposal. Among the gathering cohort at the Vale are academy kids pushing for first-team places this year, players who have returned from loan spells away and many of those who were part of the relegation campaign last year, too. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community It will be an unfamiliar feeling in many ways, this pre-season, as it will be the first time in a decade and a half Joe Ralls will not be part of summer training. It was announced at the weekend that, following conversations with Barry-Murphy, the 31-year-old would leave and seek pastures new. Ralls joins the mass exodus, which includes the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Andy Rinomhota, Yakou Meite, Dimitrios Goutas, Jamilu Collins and Anwar El Ghazi, out the door, with this summer suddenly feeling like a reset and fresh start for the club. Among those pictured at the club were returning loan players Kion Etete (Bolton), Ryan Wintle (Millwall) and Joel Colwill (Exeter City), while academy graduates Ronan Kpakio, Dylan Lawlor, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and Cian Ashford were all present. "The squad has been split into two groups on the opening day, to allow time for the necessary testing to take place with medical and performance coaches," the club said of the structure of the day. Here's some of the best pictures from day one. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Brian Barry-Murphy's famous dad issued five-word response when asked about Cardiff City job
Brian Barry-Murphy's famous dad issued five-word response when asked about Cardiff City job The Irishman is completing his first week in the job after being unveiled as Cardiff City boss Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy (Image: Cardiff City FC ) When Brian Barry-Murphy sought counsel from his father, the legendary Irish sportsman Jimmy, about the Cardiff City job, the answer he received was about as convincing as you can get: "Don't think twice about it". Barry-Murphy Snr. is a sporting icon on the Emerald Isle, having helped to deliver six All-Ireland titles as a player across both Gaelic football and hurling. A remarkable seven-time All-Star—five in hurling and two in football—his influence on the game extended well beyond his playing days. In 1995, he managed Cork's hurlers to Liam MacCarthy Cup success, returning for a second spell in charge from 2011 to 2015. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. His legacy was brought back into the spotlight in 2022 when Roy Keane, appearing on Monday Night Football, named Barry-Murphy Snr. as his greatest sporting hero—leaving the Sky Sports panel momentarily lost for words. "Growing up in Ireland, the GAA was a big part of my life," said Keane. "Hurling—watching Jimmy Barry-Murphy playing for Cork—you know, brilliant sportsman." So it's fair to say, he is qualified to offer his opinion when his son needs advice in the sporting arena. And his response was unequivocally in the affirmative. Article continues below "I got advice [from his father] in the sense that he just told me to take the job," Barry-Murphy said. "He said: 'don't think twice about it'. "He was speaking about the stature of this club and where it is and what an opportunity it is to put the supporters and the club on a path to something completely different and that is why have come here. "A lot of how I work and how I try to bring people on this journey is down to what I witnessed from him growing up. I thought we could get away without mentioning him, but now that we have there was always an expectation based on my father's exploits, there was always an expectation in our household that we had to win and he had to win and had to be winning trophies. "That kind of stuff you become aware of it from a very young age so I have lived with that my whole life and get out of the spotlight of that." That winning mentality of which Barry-Murphy speaks has been sorely lacking in the Welsh capital for some years now. Indeed it's been a steady slide downwards since the relegation from the Premier League and the club's board hope that the Irishman's appointment signifies a meaningful directional shift in more ways than one. During the head coach's first press conference this week, he outlined with a real clarity how he wants to play and seemed extraordinarily confident that he would be able to deliver it. Admirable, but of course he will have to walk the walk after talking the talk. He does, however, have excellent schooling under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, where he spent three years as the head academy coach. Going there from Rochdale, where he was lauded for his style of play, but ultimately saw them relegated out of League One, taught him how to turn his philosophy into winning football – which Cardiff fans will hope to see at Cardiff City Stadium over the course of his three-year contract and beyond. "When you go somewhere like Man City you see how to turn that possession-based football into effective football where you have to serve the ball to a certain calibre of footballer who wanted it quicker," he said. "I always knew what I wanted to do, I didn't always know how to do it and that is what I got from Guardiola in terms of that training programme where you keep that ball for long periods, but for what reason? The longer you keep that ball the less effective you are at arriving at the last line of the opponents effectively. "We have the calibre of player here who can attack quickly and if you link it back to a Cole Palmer or an Oscar Bobb, if you spend loads of time keeping the ball at the back with those players by the time if comes to the last line, the opponents are really well structured and organised and it becomes quite a sterile, negative experience. "The way I have arrived as a coach and the way I want to see my teams play is to arrive much quicker and once we have arrived to finish attacks in a much more effective way. "That's something that has evolved over time and leaves me where I am today, it leaves me in a much more progressive way where a team can be more aggressive and it gives the supporters something that I know works and I know how it works based on where I have been and hopefully it will invigorate the Cardiff supporters. "It allows you to win. You can dodge that question as much as you want but really We are here to win and win often enough to achieve the objectives that we want." Barry-Murphy's most recent job was at Leicester City, an experience he says he "got a lot out of" even if Ruud van Nistelrooy's side did suffer Premier League relegation. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. But it was his first step out into elite, senior football after leaving Man City — he also cites now-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as a huge help to him there — and now this will be his first head coach job since departing Rochdale in 2022. There is a risk, of course, but all appointments at this level, where these sorts of clubs find themselves, have risks attached. Some will take convincing, but Barry-Murphy wouldn't have it any other way. When asked if he felt he had something to prove as a head coach of a club the size of Cardiff, he replied: "That is the way you want it. "If you were in the background and not being judged and nobody had an opinion on you, that is fine for some people but not for me. I am fine about whatever opinion people have of me. Article continues below "My dedication is to the club and to the players so that they can train every day to win on a Saturday. I am fine about being judged on that. When I was a younger coach or manager I was quite protective about being judged on the result based on trying to justify what we do, nowadays it is fine because I have that experience: win, lose or draw you can say whatever you want, it is fine because I will have done everything I can during the week to give us the best chance to win."
