Cardiff City

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After victory at Luton we asked you if current League One leaders Cardiff City are destined to go straight back to the Championship.

Here is what you had to say.

Mick: You never want to jinx things with early comments, but this young team are gradually clicking together and playing the way the Boss wants them too. Early results are probably beyond pre-season expectations but if the bubble doesn't burst then a return to the Championship is a real possibility.

Carl: Very good so far although we have ridden our luck at times. We need to defend better to stop the reliance on our keepers. Would be good to get a few signings in before the transfer window closes. Every game the youngsters play they grow a little, long may it last.

Jon: I was at Luton on Saturday and was so impressed with our young team and especially our ability to see out the game! I think we are two or three players light of a promotion team particularly as the youngsters are going to need help. It's a long season but the style of play compared to the other sides in the division is fantastic!

James: It's far too early to say if our young guns can continue on with their surprising but excellent start. If Brian Marry-Murphy is able to bring a few bodies in before the window shuts then we may be in with a shout but even if we 'only' make the playoffs it'll have been an incredible achievement.

Andrea: It is much too early to make a prediction, although if Nathan Trott's form continues City will prove extraordinarily hard to score against, never mind beat. He's a match-winner, as he proved against Luton. What is great is that City are exciting to watch again. What a transformation.

Mike: They have not invested in new recruits massively so the good start has been very important. Confidence is great when you're winning but can they stand up to the challenge when things get tough? This season will make many of the youngsters men or it will put them back a few years in their development.

Image source, BBC Sport

It is still very early into the League One season, but things are looking up for Cardiff City.

Still unbeaten under head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, and currently top of the League One table after five games.

Victory over Luton Town on Saturday was the Bluebirds' second 1-0 win away from home of the week - the other against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.

But with such a young squad, will Cardiff City's bright start be the beginning of promotion back to the Championship?

And if not, where do you think the Bluebirds will finish this season?

Have your say here!

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Brian Barry-Murphy feels Cardiff City's fixture at Luton Town on Saturday (12:30 BST) represents the perfect opportunity for his side to build on their impressive start to the season.

The Bluebirds are unbeaten under the Irishman having won at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday to make it 10 points from four games in League One this term.

But that record will be put to the test as Cardiff lock horns with a Luton side who were playing Premier League football as recently as May 2024.

"I think it's a great follow-up game for us on the back of Wimbledon," he said.

"A tough game in a tough environment against a team that's very hard to play against in their own stadium.

"I've played at Kenilworth Road myself so I understand the uniqueness of it in English football.

"To go to that stadium against the supporters and the team is going to be a great challenge for us and hopefully we can produce a performance like we did on Tuesday and give ourselves a chance to win the game."

The Hatters have also enjoyed a strong start to the 2025-26 league campaign having won three of their first four fixtures after being relegated alongside Cardiff last season.

But Barry-Murphy is confident Cardiff can continue their improvement this weekend.

"We'll need to improve again on Saturday to give ourselves a chance to win the against a team of Luton's calibre," added Barry-Murphy.

"We believe we are capable of doing that. We've done a lot of work on Luton, we're clear on their strengths and we respect them.

"For us, the focus is to give ourselves a chance to play as well as we can to try and win the game."

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Alex Robertson and Perry Ng are both in line to return to action for Cardiff City prior to the international break, according to head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

Right-back Ng is yet to feature for the Bluebirds this season due to a knee injury while midfielder Robertson has been sidelined with a shin problem.

But Barry-Murphy says both players will be involved in Tuesday night's EFL Cup second-round tie against Cheltenham Town (19:45 BST) if they do not make the squad for Saturday's Championship encounter with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road (12:30 BST).

"They're getting closer," he said.

"How much time they can play in those games will be assessed over the coming days but we expect them both to train fully [at the end of this week] and possibly be available for Saturday - but definitely available for Tuesday."

Centre-back Jesper Daland has not featured for the Bluebirds since the opening-day victory against Peterborough United.

Goalkeepers Jak Alnwick and Ethan Horvath have also fallen behind summer signing Nathan Trott in the pecking order, with Sheffield Wednesday looking to sign Horvath on loan.

"Jesper was in discussions with another club. I've no update because I don't know what the process has been on that, but the situation hasn't changed from my point of view," added Barry-Murphy.

"No update on Ethan or Jak. I can't say anything else on that because I don't know the conversations they may or may not have had with their representatives. But as of now they're our players."

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Joel Colwill says he and his brother Rubin have achieved a lifelong dream by playing together for Cardiff City.

The brothers have featured in every game in Cardiff's unbeaten start to the new season.

Rubin, 23, has been involved with the Bluebirds' first team since 2021.

At three years younger, Joel has had to bide him time, but he has grasped his opportunity with both hands this season.

"It's unbelievable. The first start I had with him (Rubin) was against Peterborough when he was captain. That's what we both dreamed of since we were five or six years old. It was a really proud moment for me and my family," said Joel Colwill.

"I remember in something like the 60th minute looking around the stadium, there were a good few people there, and thinking this crazy - both me and him playing in front of thousands of people. It was a surreal moment."

After making his senior debut for Cardiff in 2023, Colwill was sent out on loan last season.

He impressed during his time with Cheltenham Town in League Two, before spending the second part of the season with League One side Exeter City.

He believes that his time away from Cardiff playing regular first team football helped him develop and mature as a player.

"It was obviously very important for my career to go out and get those games. I think without those games it would be harder to play now," Colwill added.

"I learned a lot about what men's football is about. It helped me make smart decisions, and how to use my body better.

"The demands of the game is so much more when you're playing for a first team."

After breaking into the Cardiff team, Joel is now hoping to emulate Rubin once again by playing for Wales.

Rubin has nine caps for his country, and was part of the squads for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,

"He (Rubin) was always the first to do things. He went to Wales camps when he was 14. And I remember thinking that's what I want to do.

"The way his career has gone has pushed me to be the best I can be as well.

"It's always been a competitive rivalry between me and him, we both push each other as much as we can.

"Every footballer in Wales dreams of playing for Wales one day, and it's definitely something I'd love to do in the future.

"Playing and playing well gives you the best chance to get into the Wales team. I'm just trying to play as well as I can, play as much as I can and whatever happens, happens."

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Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy says the club are in talks with Dylan Lawlor over a new contract.

The 19-year-old centre back has started every league game this season, but his current deal expires at the end of the season.

"I just make my feelings clear to the ownership about how important he is to the club, how we value him and where we see him for the future, and they take care of the rest," said Barry-Murphy.

"Our commitment to Dylan, in terms of how much time we've invested in him in training and how much opportunity we've given him to play is clear.

"Hopefully he feels the same way and he can come to an agreement that is satisfactory for him and the club get what we want as well."

Lawlor has captained Wales at age-grade level, and was called up to the senior squad by Craig Bellamy for the World Cup qualifier against Belgium in June.

Although he was not selected in the matchday squad for the game in Brussels, it is obvious that he's rated highly by both Bellamy and Barry-Murphy.

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Isaak Davies says Cardiff City's band of academy products are relishing the chance to shine in Brian Barry-Murphy's first team.

Cardiff continued their unbeaten start to 2025-26 on Tuesday as Davies' stoppage-time goal secured a thrilling victory at AFC Wimbledon.

Davies came off the bench to make the game's decisive contribution after Barry-Murphy picked another youthful squad featuring eight academy graduates.

Davies' strike means seven of the Bluebirds' eight goals so far this season have come from players who emerged from the club's youth ranks.

"You see every week now that the youngsters are performing," said Aberdare-born Davies, who joined Cardiff as a seven-year-old.

"It's good to see boys you have come through the academy with on the pitch.

Image source, Rex Features

"The boys really deserved the win. To be fair to Wimbledon they made it tough for us, but the boys didn't stop right until the end and we got what we deserved."

The Wimbledon win was a first away success of the season for Cardiff, who have now taken 10 points from four league games under Barry-Murphy.

That impressive start has lifted spirits following relegation from the Championship last term, with Cardiff thriving despite signing only one player, goalkeeper Nathan Trott, so far this summer.

The next challenge is perhaps the sternest yet for Barry-Murphy's side, who travel to Luton Town – who were also relegated from the second tier last season – on Saturday.

"I think every game in League One is going to be tough," Davies added.

"We need to play our game, focus on ourselves and obviously watch a bit of the opposition as well. We need to carry on doing what we are doing."

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Brian Barry-Murphy says improvement on the road is the next challenge for Cardiff City as they head to AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday (19:45 BST).

Barry-Murphy is yet to lose since taking over as Cardiff boss in the summer, with his side sitting second in the early-season League One table having taken seven points from their first three third-tier games of the season.

But while Cardiff have impressed in home wins over Peterborough and Rotherham, they were fortunate to avoid defeat in their one away game to date, a goalless draw at Port Vale.

And Barry-Murphy says better will be required if Cardiff are to topple a Wimbledon side who have made a positive start to the season.

"The players have been incredible to work with. They have been really open-minded and really dedicated," Barry-Murphy said.

"That allows us to be really aggressive in how hard we can push them so soon because it is never easy when you have been working together for such a short space of time.

"We now go to another different venue and we need to improve our away performances based on our performance at Port Vale to give ourselves a chance. If we repeat that performance, it won't be good enough.

"But we are an improving team and are definitely capable of putting on a better show than we did at Port Vale."

Wimbledon, managed by former Spurs and Charlton midfielder Johnnie Jackson, have settled impressively after winning last season's League Two play-offs.

Following defeat at Luton on the opening weekend, the Dons beat Lincoln at home and won at Reading on Saturday, while they also overcame Gillingham on penalties in the Carabao Cup.

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We asked you to sum up Cardiff's start to the season after the Bluebirds maintained their unbeaten start in League One with a 3-0 victory against Rotherham.

Here are some of your comments:

Harry: "BBM has transformed the way we play. We are positive and controlled. I am extremely excited about the future and what BBM and his staff can do with the academy prospects we provide them.

Paul: "They have started well but will face many challenges this season as the season progresses. We do need a real experienced central midfielder and a left footed winger."

Andy: "It's very promising how so much young talent has been on display this season so far. They'll grow into a very useful championship side under Brian Barry- Murphy playing a style of football that suits the skills of the players and is very pleasing to watch too. I know it's League One but a season of this side playing together will help them gel and improve with the experience."

Csider: "A great start. Three games against sides that are unlikely to feature in the top 10 means that we shouldn't get carried away. Encouraging to see the young players getting results and playing with purpose and energy. The manager appears to have a system that scores goals, hopefully he develops a more robust defence than previous managers. A long way to go, but good start."

Rhiannon: "We couldn't have started the season any better but we have to fix our away form if we want to go straight back up. We need a few more signings, preferably experienced players as this is a relatively young squad. The only negative thing about the style of play is that we seem to be focusing all of our attacks in the wide areas.

Alan: "It's been a breath of fresh air so far. The youngsters have stepped up and it's great to see home grown talent - keep it up."

Jamie: "The first three games have shown that our home form is going to be imperative this campaign; BBM has us playing some of the best football I have seen in many years at the Cardiff City Stadium. The issue is going to be away games; a rough away game against Port Vale where we were lucky to walk away with a point is going to be the story for most away games I fear. Teams are going to be overtly physical to put our young guns off their game. A seasoned signing or two would be the cherry on top of a very exciting upcoming team."

Bluewibbo: "Very early days for the City yet. The sides they've played have been pretty poor. Get an experienced centre half, full back and winger in, then we'll see how they look."

Russell: "It is refreshing to see Cardiff playing possession football albeit against substandard sides . Hopefully they will get into the habit for our return to the Championship."

Steve: "With the best crop of young talent in living memory, Brian Barry-Murphy could prove to be the best signing in many years. We need to keep the more experienced players and make a couple of quality additions in central defence and on the wing. It's a positive time to be a Cardiff fan, even with the continuing controversies at higher management levels of the club.

Kevin: "Really pleased. Can't argue with second in League, unbeaten, scoring and playing good football. Still feel we need some players in before end of window."

Ellen: "Cardiff under Brian Barry-Murphy look a different side. Apart from the flat goalless draw which was 0-0 at Port Vale, we've dominated games, scoring five and conceding just once in the first three matches. Thankfully the defence hasn't been tested much yet, but with an inexperienced back line and no defensive signings yet, better sides like Stevenage could challenge us. Murphy's possession-based style is there, and players like Colwill and Kpakio are improving. Cardiff are a transformed side compared to Riza's regime."

Lee: "Very happy with the start we've made. Solid defence, clear structure. I like what BBM is building off the pitch too, with some shrewd additions to his backroom staff. A few more quality and/or experienced heads in the first team wouldn't go amiss, however.

Andrew: "It's a good start, unbeaten in all comps IS good, but there are points where Cardiff have struggled with teams willing to sit in and defend. The young team has done well, but we need not just quality signings but also experience to supplement the youth."

Russell: "An encouraging start, much more desire in the team than last year. A couple of players before the window shuts, absolutely essential - a right full back, creative centre midfield, and a striker that can hold the ball up!"

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Three games into the League One season, and Cardiff City find themselves in the top two on seven points.

Wins at home against Peterborough and Rotherham came either side of a goalless draw away at Port Vale.

The Bluebirds also progressed in the first round of the Carabao Cup with victory over Swindon.

Three goals - including two sublime free-kicks - in four games from new vice-captain Rubin Colwill has helped bring belief back to the Welsh capital.

But while new head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is yet to taste defeat as Bluebirds boss, their struggles against Port Vale proved the team is still a work in progress.

So how would you sum up Cardiff City's start to the season?

Have your say here!

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Brian Barry-Murphy insists Cardiff City are "very appreciative" of Callum Robinson and Calum Chambers despite leaving the duo on the bench until the closing stages of Saturday's win over Rotherham United.

Forward Robinson, last season's top scorer, is yet to start a league game this season while Chambers was dropped despite being named Cardiff captain earlier this month.

Robinson came on after 82 minutes of the Rotherham triumph, while Chambers did not arrive until six minutes later.

Barry-Murphy gave the two 30-year-olds limited roles despite picking another youthful starting side with an average age of just 22.

"It's a team that has a lot of young players but we are also very appreciative of our older players – Callum Robinson, Calum Chambers," the Cardiff head coach said.

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"They won't be happy at being on the bench but they have been exceptional in training and have given us healthy competition to allow us to pick the best team based on what we see in training and what we see from the opponents - and it's picked irrespective of age.

"That benefits the younger players, but it's the same for the older players. We are not going to pick anyone just because they are younger.

"It is just whoever is best and it is important for Calum and Callum to know that because of how good they have been."

Robinson and Chambers will hope for more game-time in what is another busy week, with a trip to AFC Wimbledon (19:45 BST) to come on Tuesday before Cardiff travel to Luton Town next Saturday (12:30 BST).