Sun Nov 09, 2025 11:39 pm
League One promotion hopefuls Cardiff City could be set for a battle to keep hold of manager Brian Barry-Murphy. Championship sides Middlesbrough and Scottish Premiership side Celtic are reportedly interested.
Cardiff City only appointed the former Rochdale man in June 2025 and has only taken charge of 21 games to date. The club have recorded 13 wins, two draws and six defeats as they look to bounce straight back from relegation last season.
The Bluebirds currently sit fourth, after back-to-back defeats meant they lost some ground on the top spot. However, they have shown promising signs so far this season.
However, their promising start to the season could be set for disruption as Championship side Middlesbrough and Scottish giants Celtic both eye a move for him.
Middlesbrough, despite attempts to fight the approach, have seemingly lost Rob Edwards to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. Whilst Celtic are still on the lookout for a replacement after Brendan Rodgers stepped down.
Both have reportedly, according to pie-afficionado Alan Nixon, placed Barry-Murphy high on their list.
Wanting Barry-Murphy and getting Barry-Murphy are very different things. Cardiff are well placed in League One at the moment, and the manager only just joined the club with years left to run on his current deal. For Celtic or Middlesbrough to tempt him to leave it will cost big. The opportunity to manage in the Championship, and the almost guaranteed trophies in Scotland may be a factor. However, what he is building in Wales this season has good signs, and he will likely be reluctant to leave such an opportunity so early into his tenure. Cardiff are also likely to be unwilling to allow their rising star to leave less than six months into his spell with the club.