Cardiff City have announced the appointment of Brian Barry-Murphy as their new head coach.

Over a month since their relegation to League One was confirmed, Cardiff City have finally confirmed that the former Manchester City and Leicester City coach will lead them to a first third tier campaign in over 20 years.

Barry-Murphy, 46, has penned a three-year deal at the Cardiff City Stadium, ending a seven-week search for a new manager.

He will be joined at the club by Lee Riley, who fills the role of Assistant Head Coach. Lee departs his Academy Coach position at Manchester City to take up this post, having previously worked alongside Barry-Murphy with the Citizens and Rochdale.

What have they said?

Speaking about the appointment, Vincent Tan said: “I’d like to welcome Brian to Cardiff City Football Club. We are delighted that he has agreed to become Head Coach.

“Throughout the interview process, Brian showed a huge passion for our Club because he believes in what we’re trying to do. He knows this level having played and managed at this standard before, where he was noted for his style of play. Since then, he has only gone from strength-to-strength as a leader.

“He’s got a proven track record in youth development having coached some of the brightest young prospects in the UK, many of whom are now playing at the very top of the game.

“He brings enthusiasm, vibrancy and an exciting outlook on what today’s football is, while looking to play an attacking style that our fans are sure to enjoy.

“It’s a combination of all of Brian’s great talents that make him the right man to take us forward into this next chapter.”

Who is Brian Barry-Murphy?

Barry-Murphy is a former midfielder with Cork City, Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday, Bury and Rochdale, becoming player-coach at the latter in 2014 at the age of 35.

He succeeded Keith Hill as manager in 2019, winning praise for the side’s style of play and work with homegrown talent despite the team’s relegation to League Two in 2021.

After over 100 games in charge at The Dale, Barry-Murphy resigned from the job to take to take up the role at Manchester City’s academy, succeeding now Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and winning two youth titles, coaching the likes of Cole Palmer, Oscar Bobb and Romeo Lavia while working under Pep Guardiola.

After quitting the Etihad three years later, Barry-Murphy went on to be named as part of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s backroom staff at Leicester in December 2024.

But Barry-Murphy had been keen for a frontline role of his own and will now be handed the challenge of returning Cardiff to the Championship.

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