Brian Barry-Murphy has signed a new contract that will keep him at Cardiff City until the summer of 2029. The Bluebirds confirmed the fresh three-year deal, adding one season to his existing contract, with assistant head coach Lee Riley and head of performance Kevin Gibbins also extending their stays.
Remarkable first season
The announcement comes just over a year after Barry-Murphy arrived at Cardiff. The former Manchester City Elite Development Squad boss guided the Bluebirds straight back to the Championship at the first attempt, securing automatic promotion from League One with a club-record 91 points. Cardiff also reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Barry-Murphy has been praised for developing young talent, with Cardiff's academy graduates clocking up a combined 15,280 first-team minutes in the 2025/26 campaign – the highest total of any club in the English Football League.
Manager's gratitude
Speaking after signing, Barry-Murphy said: "It's an amazing honour for me, and I'm really grateful to everybody involved. When I first came here, I had an idea of how big the club was, but over the course of the last 12 months I think I've probably seen it in all its splendour, so I'm really pleased."
He added: "I feel nothing but gratitude for the opportunity Tan Sri Vincent Tan has provided, and over the course of the last 12 months, he, Mehmet Dalman, Ken Choo and Steve Borley have been there every step of the way."
"When I first came here, Lee Riley and Kevin Gibbins came with me. It would be impossible for me to do the job I do without those guys providing me with such support and expertise in their chosen roles."
"The energy that we've had from the supporters from the very first day has propelled us forward, at a speed that may have not seemed possible. Like anything, once you get things going, moving forward with positivity and with a real togetherness, great things can be achieved."
Owner's praise
Club owner Vincent Tan hailed Barry-Murphy's impact, saying: "Brian proved last season what was possible with hard work and talented young players all pulling in the same way. He is considered as one of the best young coaches in British football and we are very pleased to have him leading our team here at Cardiff City Football Club for the longer term. I wish him the greatest of success and look forward to our future."
The new contracts provide stability ahead of the new Championship campaign. It is understood Imanol Etxeberria will add to the coaching team. The move is another significant show of backing from Cardiff's hierarchy. WalesOnline understands that three transfer deals are in the pipeline.
