Brian Barry-Murphy addresses transfer strategy and reveals one thing Cardiff City won’t do Cardiff City boss Barry-Murphy spoke after his side's 5-1 win over Northampton Town Comments Sport Glen Williams 10:00, 26 Apr 2026 View Image Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy (Image: Ian Cook - CameraSport via Getty Images) Brian Barry-Murphy has hinted at his transfer strategy ahead of Cardiff City’s return to the Championship, insisting the Bluebirds will be targeting quality over quantity. Fresh from guiding the Bluebirds back to the second tier at the first attempt, the Irishman is already facing questions about how his young, vibrant squad can make the step up. But while supporters might expect a busy summer, Barry-Murphy has poured cold water on the idea of wholesale change. “I don’t believe in signing loads of players,” he said. “I believe in signing high-quality players. For a club with our supporters, they want to see a team they fall in love with. So it’s quality over quantity — always.” The story of the Bluebirds’ return to the Championship The South Wales Echo have produced this stunning, 48-page promotion special looking back at the key moments for boss Brian Barry-Murphy and his squad as they booked their place in the second tier next season. Pre-order your copy here . Online postage and packaging costs apply. He added: “It’s always an ongoing process for everyone in the club who are experts in that area. “But I’ve genuinely just focused on the games because they were so important for so many people and for a club of this stature.” Fans will of course have their own views on where City could add. Some want bolstering in midfield, while the wing and full-back areas seem ripe for strengthening, too, particularly given the contract situations of Joel Bagan and Perry Ng. But even with promotion secured, the manager is not rushing into next season planning, instead allowing himself and his players a brief moment to breathe. “Not a lot, to be honest,” he said when asked how much thought he has given to next season. “I was so focused on trying to achieve what we all wanted for so long. I think it’s healthy to have a little bit of respite from constantly thinking about everything. “But I’m sure once we rest and recover, it will be a very positive experience to think about new things.” Behind the scenes, however, groundwork has already been laid. Barry-Murphy pointed to a long-term approach that has been in place since his arrival last summer, with incremental improvements made in each transfer window rather than dramatic rebuilds. “What we’ve tried to do since coming to the club is be really progressive and plan to improve the squad throughout the season in each window,” he said. “The guys behind the scenes will have been working away all the time.” As for the current group, the Cardiff boss is confident they can rise to the challenge — but accepts further development is essential. “I think we have the potential to be a very good team at any level,” he added. “The vision was that they would grow together, but we’re clear that we have to improve to take the club where we want to go.” Pressed on where strengthening is needed, Barry-Murphy refused to be drawn into specifics, instead stressing a holistic approach to progression. “I wouldn’t be specific in terms of positions,” he said. “We have a very clear idea of improving all aspects of the team significantly.” With a youthful squad that has already exceeded expectations, questions remain about how high this group can go. But rather than seeing inexperience as a concern, Barry-Murphy views it as an opportunity. “We don’t know,” he admitted. “Because of what we’ve achieved, it’s easy to forget where we’ve come from. “There will be questions about how equipped we are, but that excites me. I see it as a positive — players with potential who haven’t been tested at that level yet.” Article continues below --- *Sign up to our daily Bluebirds newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here . Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams is also on social media. He can be found on his X account here , on Instagram , on TikTok and on Facebook .
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.walesonline.co.uk