Brian Barry-Murphy has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next manager of "Cardiff City" after the Welsh club's protracted 50-day search for a new boss. The Leicester City assistant has reportedly held detailed talks with the Bluebirds' hierarchy as they prepare for life in League One following their relegation from the Championship.
Cardiff officials have finally broken their silence on the lengthy recruitment process, which has drawn significant criticism from supporters. > "This is one of the most important appointments in Cardiff City's recent history," – explained club director Steve Borley, defending the thorough approach.
The managerial position has been vacant since Omar Riza was dismissed with just three matches remaining in their ill-fated Championship campaign. Wales captain Aaron Ramsey stepped in on an interim basis but is now heading to Mexico, ruling him out of consideration for the permanent role.
Barry-Murphy, whose last managerial experience came at Rochdale before spells with Manchester City's academy and as assistant at Leicester, would become Cardiff's ninth manager in just four years if appointed. Quite the turnover, isn't it?
Interestingly, a specialized sub-committee led by Mark Allen and academy manager Gavin Chesterfield, with support from global sports agency Wasserman, has been conducting the search. Chesterfield emphasized the importance of finding the right fit: > "It has taken longer than initially expected, but this is a crucial decision at a key time for our football club. Having started with a blank canvas, we are proud of the final options presented to the board for consideration."
The prolonged process hasn't gone down well with the fanbase, though. The supporter's trust recently accused owner Vincent Tan of treating fans with "contempt" over what they described as an "intolerable" delay and lack of communication.
Charlton boss Nathan Jones was previously linked before signing a new deal with the Addicks, while ex-Oxford United manager Des Buckingham has also featured prominently in bookmakers' odds.
For a club facing the reality of third-tier football next season, the stakes couldn't be higher. Will Barry-Murphy be the man to lead the Bluebirds back to the Championship at the first attempt?
