Cardiff City

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

A friendly with National League side Southend United will conclude Cardiff City's pre-season trip to Spain next month.

The Bluebirds have confirmed new boss Brian Barry-Murphy will take his team to Murcia, in the south-east of Spain, for a week of warm-weather training in early July.

They'll finish off with a friendly against beaten National League play-off finalists Southend on Saturday, 12 July, with fans able to attend the game at the Pinatar Arena.

Cardiff's pre-season campaign then continues at Yeovil Town on 15 July before games against Cambridge United, Queens Park Rangers and Notts County.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City Supporters Trust claim Gareth Bale's reported interest in buying into the League One club amounts to little more than a "fishing trip" - with no formal bid on the table.

The former Wales captain confirmed on Monday he is part of a group that made direct contact with Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan, and is hopeful an attempt to buy Cardiff will succeed.

But the Trust say the group has yet to follow up their initial proposal with a firm bid.

"As a result of a conversation the Trust has had with the club at board level, it seems that no formal bid has been made for the club to consider," said Trust chair Keith Morgan.

"Rather, a notice of intention to make such an offer was delivered direct to owner Vincent Tan who seems to have had little interest in it and, in the absence of an actual bid, the matter was not progressed further.

"The board have confirmed that no bid has been received and that one is not anticipated."

Morgan claims the consortium are merely on a "fishing trip" to test which clubs might be available to buy, citing reports that they had also attempted to take over fellow League One side Plymouth Argyle.

Morgan says guidance he's had from former business colleagues in the accountancy world is it would be "inadvisable" for Tan to sell up at this stage.

"As a consequence of last season's relegation, the club's income from TV/media rights and the solidarity payments through the EFL agreement with the Premier League has dropped by a total of approximately £10m," said Morgan.

"This obviously impacts on the selling value of the club.

"The formal hearing in the ongoing legal claim against FC Nantes is due to be held in just a few months' time in September with a ruling laid down by the end of this calendar year.

"If the claim is successful (and there is great optimism that it will) then the club could benefit by many millions of pounds.

"This would significantly increase the value of the club."

Cardiff are not commenting on reports that Bale and the consortium want to buy the recently-relegated club.

Image source, Cardiff City FC

Just over seven weeks since Cardiff City said goodbye to the Championship with defeat at Norwich City, the Bluebirds' preparations for the 2025-26 League One season are officially under way.

Cardiff's squad reconvened at their Vale Resort training base on Monday, with players undergoing fitness testing following the summer break.

The Bluebirds will go through pre-season with a new man at the helm, after Brian Barry-Murphy was appointed head coach last week.

For the first time since he broke through from the academy in 2011, there will be no Joe Ralls at Cardiff during this pre-season after the club announced his departure.

Andy Rinomhota, last year's players' player of the season, has also gone, as have Aaron Ramsey, Anwar El Ghazi, Yakou Meite, Dimitrios Goutas, Jamilu Collins, Raheem Conte and Kieron Evans, while loan signings Sivert Mannsverk and Will Alves have returned to their parent clubs.

While there are players returning to the fold after loan spells elsewhere - such as Kion Etete, Ryan Wintle and youngster Joel Colwill - Cardiff's squad looks a little depleted given that they are yet to sign a player this summer.

For Barry-Murphy, there is work to do in the transfer market as well as on the training ground.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Andy Rinomhota says he leaves Cardiff City with "nothing but respect" after the club announced his departure.

Rinomhota was Cardiff's players' player of the season as they were relegated from the Championship in 2024-25.

It was Rinomhota's best campaign since he joined Cardiff from Reading in 2022 but, with his contract up this summer, the 28-year-old is on the hunt for a new club.

Cardiff said his exit follows "talks with the first-team management".

"My time at Cardiff City comes to an end after three years full of ups, downs and lessons I'll carry with me," Rinomhota wrote on social media., external

"It wasn't always perfect and there were challenges, but I'll always be grateful for the journey.

"I leave with nothing but respect and gratitude towards the club and fans.

"Wishing the club all the best for the future and hoping they get back to where they belong."

Rinomhota is primarily a midfielder, but impressed after being asked to play at right-back at times last season.

He was one of the few success stories in a miserable season for Cardiff, but his departure leaves new boss Brian Barry-Murphy with another vacancy to fill as the Bluebirds prepare for life in League One.

Rinomhota made 84 appearances for Cardiff, 36 of which were during their relegation year.

He had been a fringe figure in the previous campaign, when he had a spell on loan at Rotherham United.

Image source, Huw Evans agency

New Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy has pledged to settle the futures of midfielders Joe Ralls and Andy Rinomhota "quickly and promptly".

Having joined the Bluebirds in 2011, Ralls, 31, is part of the furniture in the Welsh capital.

Barry-Murphy was aware of Rinomhota when he was rising through the ranks of Reading academy, the club he left for Cardiff in 2022.

Ralls was injured in March, prompting fears he had played his last game for Cardiff.

His contract expired at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Like Ralls, Rinomhota has been in talks with the Cardiff hierarchy over his future since their relegation from the Championship to League one.

Barry-Murphy said: "I know Andy from when he was at Reading as a young player and watched his career grow.

"And obviously Joe Ralls has a deep relationship with this club, and has been so good for everybody here. So I think all the respect for those guys, we have an obligation to deal with this situation really quickly and promptly.

"So I'll be having those discussions over the next two days, and as a process then to communicate that clearly with our supporters after we communicate with the players, will be the best way to move that forward."

Barry-Murphy also pledged to bring in the sort of player-management principles he experienced at Manchester City.

"The idea is that we want to do things on our terms," he said.

"It's a really simple process that all of the players who play for us have been really privileged to pay for the club, and they leave on our terms if the club receives an offer that works for them, not the other way around.

"You know, we're not forced to do anything that we don't want to do. And I think that leads to a very simple process of working and it makes the players really clear on what is best practice."

Image source, FAW

With no south Wales derby to look forward to after their relegation to League One, Bluebirds fans can instead look forward to a potential encounter against Swansea City Under-21s.

Cardiff and Swansea's junior teams have won wildcard entries to Welsh domestic football's 2025-26 Nathaniel MG Cup for a third successive season.

The Cymru Premier's dominant force, The New Saints, are reigning holders of the Welsh League Cup.

Cardiff''s youngsters reached the semi-finals last season, losing 4-1 in a penalty shootout at Aberystwyth Town.

The draw for the 2025-26 first round takes places on Wednesday, 25 June and Cardiff will be hoping to go at least one step further this time around.

Image source, Getty Images

He is the seventh manager Cardiff City have turned to in the past five years, but just who is Brian Barry-Murphy?

The 46-year-old will face the cameras later this week after signing a three-year deal to become the Bluebirds' head coach, leaving his coaching role at Leicester City.

Cardiff fans will be keen to get to know the person charged with leading the club in League One following their recent relegation from the Championship.

Here, BBC Sport Wales, picks out some of the more interesting trivia around the new man at Cardiff City Stadium.

• He is the son of Gaelic sport icon Jimmy Barry-Murphy, who won All-Ireland titles in football and hurling as well as titles as a coach. Roy Keane has previously described him as one of his sporting idols.

• From Cork, he broke through at Cork City as a teenager, with Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney a former team-mate.

• He won caps at Under-21 level for the Republic of Ireland, lining up alongside future Cardiff City midfielder Stephen McPhail.

• David Moyes brought the defensive midfielder over from Ireland when he signed the then 20-year-old for Preston North End in 1999, Barry-Murphy playing once as the Deepdale side won promotion to the second tier.

• He made his English football debut against Wrexham in the EFL Cup – and was sent off against Wrexham later than season in the EFL Trophy.

• After loan spells at Southend and Hartlepool United, Chris Turner signed him for Sheffield Wednesday as they were relegated from the Championship.

• He played under future Wrexham boss Graham Barrow and Wales and Sheffield United assistant Alan Knill at Bury before joining final club Rochdale in 2010.

Image source, Getty Images

• He became a player-coach at Rochdale (above) under Keith Hill – winning promotion to League One in 2014 – before taking charge as manager in 2019. He won six of the final 11 games to keep the side in the third tier.

• His Rochdale side took Manchester United to penalties at Old Trafford in the 2019/20 EFL Cup, 16-year-old Luke Matheson grabbing Dale's equaliser 14 minutes from time.

• A young Rochdale side – including would-be Wrexham midfielder Ollie Rathbone – also took Newcastle United to an FA Cup replay that same season.

• Barry-Murphy quit Rochdale after they were unable to avoid relegation in his third season, promptly joining Manchester City to replace Enzo Maresca in charge of the side's Under-21/23 sides and winning back-to-back Premier League youth titles.

• Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb, Romeo Lavia, Liam Delap, Nico O'Reilly and James McAtee are among those who played under Barry-Murphy at City, as did current Cardiff midfielder Alex Robertson.

• Barry-Murphy has two children with TV and radio presenter partner Sarah-Jane Crawford.

Image source, Cardiff City

Former Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra has given the appointment of Brian Barry-Murphy hjs blessing – but warned the Bluebirds will be under pressure to from the off in League One.

Barry-Murphy - pictured above with chief executive Ken Choo - was named new head coach on Monday and will lead the club in their first season back in the third tier since 2003.

Chopra, speaking on Radio Wales Breakfast, says he thinks the former Manchester City academy coach is the right man to take on the challenge.

But he did warn that expectations will be high for the 46-year-old who was appointed after a lengthy process.

"I think it's a good appointment," ex-forward Chopra said.

"Whether he was the first choice, I'm not too sure. Some people thought it would be Aaron Ramsey but it wasn't to be.

"But from what I've heard and the people I've spoken to, he seems like he will be a good manager. The type of person he is, the way he plays his football it could be great for Cardiff City.

"It's his first senior role for a while but he's been at Man City, the top club and learned his trade from Guardiola and you don't get better than that."

However, on the challenge ahead, Chopra said: "They need a good start because if they don't there will be a lot of pressure on the club.

"People are expecting to bounce back but it's harder than you think."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Anwar El Ghazi and Kieron Evans have issued farewell messages on social media, as they prepare to leave Cardiff City.

They are two of seven players who will leave the Welsh side after the club's decision not to renew their contracts before the new League One season.

Dutch international El Ghazi, 30, leaves after less than a year at Cardiff, while 23-year-old City youth product Evans departs having spent last season on loan at Newport County.

El Ghazi said on Instagram: "Thank you Cardiff City for giving me the opportunity to play football again. I wish the club and the fans nothing but the best."

Evans, also on Instagram posted: "After 13 years at Cardiff City my time here is up, from a young boy I never would've believed to make it through to the first team and make my professional debut here which is still one of the best moments in my career so far.

"I thank everyone at the club over the years who's helped me get to where I am today. I'll forever be grateful for what this club has given me and I wish the club the very best in the future! Now I'm excited for the change and challenge ahead."

Image source, Getty Images

Cardiff City are working on a deal to make Brian Barry-Murphy their new manager.

The Bluebirds are in negotiations with Leicester City over the 46-year-old, who is currently part of Ruud van Nistelrooy's backroom staff at the Foxes.

Talks are said to be progressing and should pave the way for the former Manchester City academy coach to take charge at the Bluebirds.

Cardiff entered into advanced discussions with Barry-Murphy over the role after he emerged as the leading choice to succeed Omer Riza, who was sacked in April.

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey had taken temporary charge but was unable to prevent the club's relegation to the Championship, before then ruling himself out of contention.

Barry-Murphy – who has previously been linked with the Cardiff job – was among the names recommended to the club's board by a panel, with former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham also a contender after efforts to snatch Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones hit a wall.

The Irishman has not managed at senior level since a two-year spell at Rochdale where he earned praise for his style of play and working with homegrown talent.

Personal terms would still have to be formally agreed with Barry-Murphy, as well as arrangements over backroom staff.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Striker Yakou Meite has thanked Cardiff City for his two years at the club and says fans "deserve" to see them go straight back up to the Championship.

The 29-year-old forward is one of seven players who are on the Bluebirds' released list after their relegation to League One, including Wales captain Aaron Ramsey and defender Dimitrios Goutas.

Meite leaves Cardiff City Stadium after scoring five goals in 72 appearances since joining from Reading in 2023.

Writing on X, Meite said: "Thanks Cardiff City for these two years.

"Really wanted to do well for this club but unfortunately it's been a difficult season. Always tried to do my best and I will still leave with some good memories.

"I've met some incredible people who deserve to be happy again and watch this club going straight back to the Championship.

"Wish you all the best for the future Bluebirds."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City say the delay in naming a new manager has been down to "essential" checks to make sure they get right "one of the most important appointments" in their history.

The Bluebirds have held advanced talks with Leicester City assistant manager Brian Barry-Murphy as they close in on finally appointing a new permanent boss.

Former Oxford United manager Des Buckingham has also been in the frame following a lengthy process overseen by a specially-formed sub-committee.

The panel included former Rangers and Swansea director of football Mark Allen, a representative from agents Wasserman and academy manager Gavin Chesterfield, with owner Vincent Tan having the final say.

Of the process, Chesterfield said: "We worked to a clear mandate from the board of directors, which led us to consider three styles - experienced managers, up and coming managers/head coaches and international based options.

"We worked through a long list of talented options according to a clear criterion to ensure consistency of process.

"It has taken longer than initially expected, but this is a crucial decision at a key time for our football club.

"Having started with a blank canvas, we are proud of the final options presented to the board for consideration. This is an appointment that everyone wants to get right for the future of Cardiff City."

It is more than a month since Cardiff's relegation from the Championship – with Aaron Ramsey in temporary charge after Omer Riza was sacked with three games of the season remaining – leading to criticism from supporters.

But director Steve Borley said: "We understand that concerns have been expressed regarding the length of the process, and while initially the plan was to have the manager, and his staff, in place before now, the correct due diligence, however long it took, was essential to the ongoing success of the club.

"This is one of the most important appointments in Cardiff City's recent history.

"We've been immensely impressed by the standard of those who wish to lead our football club. We are excited to share a further positive update soon regarding the appointment of a new management team once the necessary negotiations have been concluded."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City Supporters' Trust (CCST) has accused owner Vincent Tan of treating the club's fanbase with "contempt" over what the fans' body says is an "intolerable" delay and lack of communication over the appointment of a new manager.

Cardiff had three different managers as they were relegated from the Championship this season and are now looking for a ninth boss in four years.

Erol Bulut was fired in September and his successor Omar Riza received his marching orders in April. Aaron Ramsey was appointed Cardiff interim manager for the final three games of the 2024-25 Championship season but was unable to keep them from relegation.

The club said in May that it would trial a new process to appoint the next manager, by assembling a sub-committee, and were hopeful of appointing a new boss by the end of that month.

But with the process now dragging on towards the middle of June, CCST issued a statement expressing its concern.

"Time is moving on, critical pre-season decisions need to be made in terms of the squad which cannot happen without a manager," read the statement.

"It is as long ago as 19 April that Omer Riza was relieved of his duties and 3 May was the final game of the season and it is 10 June that this communication is being written with still no sign of an appointment.

"As the ultimate power within the club does Vincent Tan have a sense of urgency?

"The club may say that there is no reason to panic but it is fair to say that the fanbase view the situation with some concern and anger.

"That fact that there has been a deafening silence from the club has not been helpful... we are led to believe that the current state of inertia/indecision is purely down to the owner [Tan] and... [chief executive] Ken Choo."

The statement continued: "This situation is intolerable and only serves to demonstrate the contempt the owner holds the fanbase in.

"We have no idea where we are in the process. Are the experts employed to assist in the job of finding a new manager still in the building? Are they continuing to advise? We hope they are but we just don't know.

"We will continue to liaise with the club to try and urge them to improve communication as fans deserve to be treated better."

Ben Ashton
BBC Sport England

Image source, Getty Images

Watford are getting relegated, Plymouth are staying up, Millwall are in the play-offs and Portsmouth are also battling for a top-six spot.

Does something sound a bit off? Well, that's what would have happened if the Championship season started on 1 January.

Here's a look at the 2025 calendar year table, showing who the form sides were in the second half of the season and who went into freefall.

Perhaps the most notable difference between the actual final top six and the 2025 version is that Millwall would be in the play-offs and Premier League-bound Sunderland would not.

Burnley and Leeds still comfortably occupy the automatic promotion spots, albeit the Clarets would be unbeaten at the top of the pile with the Whites in second.

Coventry improved significantly after Frank Lampard replaced Mark Robins and are third over the course of the year.

The Sky Blues would instead be pitted against Bristol City in the play-off semi-final as opposed to Sunderland. Who knows what difference that would have made to their promotion bid...

Image source, Rex Features

Portsmouth - who spent much of the season battling relegation and only secured their Championship safety with two games to spare - are seventh and just one point outside a play-off spot.

Pompey sit above Sunderland, who lost their final five games of the season and are down in eighth.

The data perhaps shows just how long Regis Le Bris' side effectively had a play-off spot sewn up before their victory at Wembley against Sheffield United to claim promotion.

Relegation battlers Oxford find themselves seven places higher than where they actually finished in the 2024-25 campaign (17th), reflecting the good work done by Gary Rowett after he took over as boss from Des Buckingham.

Image source, Rex Features

Plymouth would have survived comfortably had the season begun in January 2025, showing a significant uptick after Miron Muslic replaced Wayne Rooney at the helm.

Middlesbrough tailed off significantly in the second half of the season, underpinning why they missed out on the play-offs. It was a drop off that ultimately cost Michael Carrick his job as head coach.

Norwich City conceded more goals (32) than any other side in 2025, which counteracted the hard work they'd done at the other end, having been the fourth top scorers (31) since the turn of the year.

Image source, Rex Features

Watford had a disappointing 2025, winning just five of their 23 games and losing 13 to finish bottom of the calendar year table.

The Hornets had the joint-worst goal difference along with Cardiff (-10) and head coach Tom Cleverley was sacked following the end of the season.

Preston and Cardiff won the fewest games of any side in 2025 (4), which cost the Bluebirds their Championship status and almost led to the Lilywhites dropping into League One as they avoided relegation by one point.

Paul Heckingbottom's side would be down if only games this year were counted.

Luton and Derby scored the fewest goals in 2025 (19) and attacking output was an issue that plagued both sides throughout the entire campaign.

It had major consequences for the Hatters with back-to-back relegations, while the Rams survived by a point - and only on goal difference in the yearly table.

Data collated from Transfermarkt