Barry-Murphy sends Cardiff City back to EFL’s 2nd tier
Rising Cork manager Brian Barry-Murphy has led Cardiff City FC to promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in the English Football League (EFL) in his first season at the club.
The former Cork City FC and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder secured automatic promotion with his team on Saturday afternoon with a 3-1 win over Reading.
Barry-Murphy, son of famous Cork hurler and Gaelic footballer Jimmy Barry-Murphy, took charge of Cardiff last year following a coaching stint at Leicester City.
He has previously worked with Rochdale as a caretaker manager followed by a three year spell as manager of the Manchester City Elite Development Squad.
Speaking after the game, Barry-Murphy said: “It’s an incredible feeling to finally do it. The magnitude of the day is only just beginning to really realise itself and to be understood by so many people.”
Cardiff City’s promotion on Saturday was helped along by results elsewhere, something the away fans at Reading’s Madejski Stadium couldn’t keep to themselves.
Barry-Murphy said: “Calum Chambers was slightly agitated, and then the noise behind the goal made us know something had happened. It’s nice to achieve this and have the chance to return home on Wednesday and Saturday, to what should be a brilliant occasion,” he added.
With three games to go and 12 points between Cardiff and League One leaders Lincoln City, the League One top spot is impossible for Barry-Murphy’s Bluebirds, however Saturday’s win guarantees their promotion.
Potential
With a return to the Sky Bet Championship secured, Barry-Murphy appeared invigorated by the wealth of potential possessed by his young side.
“The most exciting part for me about being part of this team is the team's potential. There are a lot of young lads. The experience this team has had this season will hopefully fuel their hunger for more next season.
“The mentality of the team all season has been fantastic. I’ve worked at several clubs and seen how difficult it can be for players transitioning into a different league. The players have always been ambitious. If you get that, then you can create something special like we have today.”