Barry-Murphy not worried by Cardiff City inexperience

Brian Barry-Murphy watches a Cardiff City games, with one hand to his mouth and the other across his bodyImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Cardiff City have picked up four points from their opening two League One fixtures under Brian Barry-Murphy

  • Published

Brian Barry-Murphy says he is not worried about a perceived lack of experience in his Cardiff City squad.

The head coach has played down suggestions that he is not being backed by the League One club's board in the transfer market.

The Bluebirds have added only one player to the squad that was relegated from the Championship last season.

But Barry-Murphy denied he has missed out on targets, saying: "The support from the board has been constant. At this moment, we feel very aligned on what we ought to bring in - it's very clear and I'd be very happy with it."

Goalkeeper Nathan Trott - on a season-long loan from Copenhagen - is the only new face added since Barry-Murphy arrived in south Wales last month.

Several senior players left over the summer – with defender Jesper Daland another possible exit – so Barry-Murphy is placing faith in a number of young talents.

With the average age of the side on the opening day of the season just 22, it has led some fans and pundits to suggest Cardiff need to add experience.

But the former Manchester City academy coach said: "It doesn't worry me. I think experience can manifest itself in a lot of different ways.

"And the more that our players are exposed to these challenges, the more they grow.

"I'm not trying to play it on expectations, but I think that there has to be an understanding that these guys will go through different ups and downs during the season.

"But I'm very pleased with the squad. Players that we add to the squad would be to bring in particular qualities that we feel are important, but the age of those players will not be part of the key decision-making process."

Barry-Murphy, yet to be beaten since arriving at Cardiff City Stadium, again called for patience over signings, although accepted "waiting for the right moment" could be "frustrating for people on the outside".

There has been no further movement on Daland's situation, the Denmark Under-21 centre-back having been unavailable from the midweek EFL Cup win over Swindon Town as he held talks over a move.

Barry-Murphy said he was unaware of any further interest in key players, saying such speculation had not affected his ongoing plans as well as preparation for Saturday's home game with Rotherham United.