Cardiff City announce Brian Barry-Murphy as manager as Man City coach joins him

Cardiff City announce Brian Barry-Murphy as manager as Man City coach joins him

The Bluebirds have announced their new manager, with the Irishman taking charge with immediate effect

Brian Barry-Murphy is the new Cardiff City manager (Image: Getty Images )

Cardiff City have appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as manager on a three-year deal.

The search for the Bluebirds' new head coach has taken more than seven weeks, following the sacking of Omer Riza, but the club have finally announced who the man will be to lead them on this League One campaign.

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It will be the 46-year-old's second job in senior management following a two-year spell at Rochdale. However, he has gained a reputation as one of the country's top coaches following his time working in Manchester City's academy and most recently at Leicester City. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community

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Barry-Murphy was one of a handful of candidates on the final shortlist, but his interview with the club's top brass is said to have blown them away, with his vision for the future, commitment to his footballing philosophy and his plan to bring through Cardiff's top young talent ticking all the right boxes with the decision-makers.

It clearly marks a line in the sand for Cardiff, who want to take their football in a new direction, with sources hopeful Barry-Murphy can set the course for how the club will play over the next decade or more.

Rewarding him with a three-year deal is testament to the club's long-term commitment to change on the pitch, too.

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Cardiff have also confirmed that Manchester City academy coach Lee Riley will join as Barry-Murphy's assistant head coach.

Riley joins from his position as both academy coach and European emerging talent scout, which will no doubt have its uses in what will be a crucial summer transfer window.

He previously worked with Barry-Murphy at Rochdale, too.

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Speaking about the appointment, Bluebirds owner 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.

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“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.” Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

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