Brian Barry-Murphy has emerged as the leading candidate to become the new manager of "Cardiff City" following a protracted search that has frustrated supporters. The Leicester City assistant has reportedly held detailed talks with the Welsh club as they prepare for life in League One next season.
The Bluebirds have been without a permanent manager for over 50 days since sacking Omar Riza with just three matches remaining in their ultimately unsuccessful Championship relegation battle.
"We understand that concerns have been expressed regarding the length of the process, and 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," – explained club director Steve Borley in a statement addressing fan concerns.
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey stepped in as interim boss following Riza's departure, but his upcoming move to Mexico has ruled him out of taking charge permanently. Other candidates linked with the position included Nathan Jones, who subsequently signed a new deal with "Charlton", and former Oxford United manager Des Buckingham.
Interestingly, should Barry-Murphy get the job, he would become Cardiff's ninth manager in just four years. Not exactly a picture of stability, is it?
The 45-year-old Irishman's last management role was at "Rochdale", which he left in 2021 before working with Manchester City's academy and then landing his current assistant role at Leicester.
The lengthy recruitment process has been handled by a sub-committee led by Mark Allen and academy manager Gavin Chesterfield, with support from global sports agency Wasserman. The delay prompted the supporters' trust to accuse owner Vincent Tan of treating fans with "contempt" over what they described as an "intolerable" wait.
Chesterfield defended the thorough approach in the club's update: "Having started with a blank canvas, we are proud of the final options presented to the board for consideration. This is an appointment that everyone wants to get right for the future of Cardiff City."
The club has promised to share a "further positive update soon" once negotiations have concluded. Will Barry-Murphy be the man to lead "Cardiff" back to the Championship at the first attempt? Fans are simply hoping for an announcement – any announcement – at this point.
