Brian Barry-Murphy has emerged as the frontrunner to become Cardiff City's new manager after the Welsh club's search has dragged on for over 50 days, causing significant discontent among supporters.
The current Leicester City assistant has reportedly held detailed talks with the "Bluebirds" hierarchy and impressed key decision-makers at the club, who are preparing for life in League One following their relegation from the Championship last season.
"We understand that concerns have been expressed regarding the length of the process," admitted club director Steve Borley in a statement addressing fan frustration. "While initially the plan was to have the manager, and his staff, in place before now, the correct due diligence, however long it took, was essential to the ongoing success of the Club."
The managerial position has been vacant since Omar Riza was sacked with just three matches remaining in Cardiff's failed relegation battle. Wales captain Aaron Ramsey stepped in on an interim basis but his upcoming move to Mexico has ruled him out of consideration for the permanent role.
Barry-Murphy's last management job was at Rochdale, which he left in 2021 before working with Manchester City's academy and then landing his current assistant role at Leicester. Should he get the job, he'd become Cardiff's ninth manager in just four years. Quite the revolving door, isn't it?
Other candidates linked to the position included Charlton boss Nathan Jones, who ultimately signed a new long-term deal with the "Addicks", and former Oxford United manager Des Buckingham, who at one point was the bookmakers' favorite.
The search has been led by a sub-committee featuring Mark Allen and academy manager Gavin Chesterfield, with support from global sports agency Wasserman. Their prolonged deliberations led to the Cardiff City Supporters' Trust accusing owner Vincent Tan of treating fans with "contempt" over the "intolerable" delay.
Chesterfield defended the process in the club's update: "As with any recruitment process, we worked to a clear mandate from the board of directors, which led us to consider three styles - experienced managers, up and coming managers/head coaches and international based options."
The club has promised a "further positive update soon" once negotiations are concluded. After such a lengthy search, can the new appointment restore faith among the frustrated Cardiff faithful?
