Who is Brian Barry-Murphy? Profiling Cardiff’s Hopeful Saviour
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Who is Brian Barry-Murphy? Profiling Cardiff’s Hopeful Saviour

Who is Brian Barry-Murphy? Profiling Cardiff’s Hopeful Saviour

The name Brian Barry-Murphy might have been unfamiliar amongst the wider footballing world in the British Isles when he was elected as Cardiff City’s new head coach last week. Born in Cork in 1978, his dad, Jimmy Barry-Murphy, is a Gaelic football legend for Cork, and his wife, Sarah-Jane Crawford, is a TV presenter and personality.

The former defensive midfielder had lengthy spells at Bury, Rochdale, and Cork City before heading into management in 2019. The Irishman will have unfinished business in League One after his previous spell in the third tier ended in relegation…

Rochdale Roots and Academy Football

Barry-Murphy might have retired in 2018, but his final full 90 was in 2014. Already in his mid-30s by then, he began to take on more of a coaching role at Rochdale upon their promotion to League One in 2013/14, while still registered as a player. As part of Keith Hill’s coaching team at Rochdale, Barry-Murphy helped contribute to three straight top ten finishes in the third tier, eventually taking over as caretaker manager when Hill was sacked in 2019.

Barry-Murphy’s only two seasons managing in senior football would come between 2019 and 2021, unfortunately, overseeing Rochdale’s relegation in his second season. He then landed the job as manager of Manchester City’s Elite Development squad, taking over from Enzo Maresca, who previously held the role.

His job consisted of coaching young City prospects between the ages of 17 and 23 in competitions such as the Premier League 2, which he won in 2021/22 and 2022/23. In this job, Barry-Murphy had the chance to work with and develop players such as Oscar Bobb, James McAtee, Romeo Lavia, CJ Egan-Riley, Nico O’Reilly, Liam Delap, Rico Lewis, and Cole Palmer. Contributing to their growth as players.

“I feel I have taken the role as far as possible and feel ready for a new challenge” were Barry-Murphy’s leaving words as he left Manchester City a year ago. After a short break, he received the chance to work in the top flight for the first time, becoming Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s technical coach at Leicester City. Whilst it didn’t go to plan at the Foxes, Barry-Murphy revealed he had been linked with jobs in the EFL for years. His new career at Cardiff presents him with the chance to step away from the shadows for the first time in years, putting his name out there for all to see.

Tactical Approach

In 2019, a clip of Rochdale’s opening goal in a League One clash against Southend went viral on social media. It gained attention due to its 16-pass build-up and Guardiola-like pattern of play. Who was Rochdale’s head coach at the time? No other than Barry-Murphy. Despite missing the exotic Mediterranean name, Barry-Murphy is a part of the same generation of coaches that have been trained under the influence of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Barry-Murphy ball is all about buying into his beliefs, and having the courage to play his style, whether it is a success or not. His possession-based style is a key part of his identity, as well as his youth focus. Because of his work with academies, Barry-Murphy does not require a large budget either, happy to utilise loan signings and promotions from the youth ranks.

Cardiff fans should expect to see a new-look team that is disciplined with a strong team ethos. The Bluebirds should dominate possession of the ball in games with an aggressive and progressive style. If a top striker can be found to put away chances, they will be back in the Championship before they know it.

What will he bring to Cardiff?

The Barry-Murphy era is a chance to bring a brand of football that Cardiff City have been crying out for for seasons. Major changes were needed after the club dropped into the third tier for the first time in 22 years, and League One football will mean a smaller budget, and many players will leave the club to pursue ventures elsewhere.

Barry-Murphy is not only familiar with the level but reportedly ‘blew away’ the board with his vision for the club when he was interviewed for the job. The manager will be able to develop relationships with young attacking players like Rubin Colwill and Yousef Salech, as well as a plethora of options from the academy, many of whom play in Wales’ U21 youth set-up.

His strong connections with Manchester City opens up the possibility of loan players being sent to the Cardiff City Stadium for a temporary spell. Last season, we saw Mahamadou Susoho, Luke Mbete, and Jadel Katongo all head to the third tier on loan from the City academy, proving it to be a popular destination. The Citizens' Academy is one of the best in the country, and many will be wanting a chance to work with their former coach once again.

The Bluebirds will want to follow in the footsteps of Birmingham and Hull City in recent years, who bounced back from the third tier at first attempt after years away from that level. Barry-Murphy is a sensible and exciting option, as part of the modern generation of coaches we have been seeing more frequently in recent years. Cardiff however, might be his biggest spotlight to date.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
James McLeish

Writer

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