Exclusive: What Don Goodman thinks Brian Barry-Murphy must do at Cardiff City - Birmingham City named | OneFootball

Don Goodman believes Cardiff City should try and follow in Birmingham City's footsteps next season

Cardiff City have progressed talks with Leicester City assistant Brian Barry-Murphy in their hunt for a new manager.

According to BBC Sport Wales, the 46-year-old has become the leading candidate for the vacancy.

Barry-Murphy’s only previous senior posting was the manager’s job at Rochdale, which he departed in 2021.

The Bluebirds looked keen to appoint Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones but were ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and ex-EFL striker, Don Goodman, believes that Barry-Murphy needs to keep hold of his core ahead of next season, when asked what should be his first priority as Bluebirds boss.

Don Goodman highlights what Cardiff City manager must do next season

“I think the biggest thing is keeping the best players at the football club,” stated Goodman. “I think I'd be taking inspiration from Birmingham City.

“On reflection, you could argue it was the best thing for Birmingham City to push the reset button and get relegated. All of a sudden, instead of losing a lot of games on a regular basis, they started winning on a very regular basis and the feel-good factor came back.

“So, that's the key for whoever takes over the reins at Cardiff City.

“There are some talented players within their ranks, certainly at League One level and it's about persuading them to stay and getting the best out of them.”

Brian Barry-Murphy won’t have time to waste

In contrast to other managers Cardiff have been linked with such as Jones or Des Buckingham, Barry-Murphy is sorely lacking in recent EFL experience.

The Bluebirds’ faithful will expect to be fighting up towards the sharp end of League One and if they aren’t, will begin to question their club’s decision to appoint a manager with such little experience.

However, the Irish coach spent a number of years in Manchester City’s well-regarded academy setup, and recent examples have shown that experience within Pep Guardiola’s fold is worth its weight in gold.

Managers such as Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca earned their stripes in similar fashion, which bodes well for Barry-Murphy.

That said, Cardiff as a club are entering unchartered territory.

Next season will be the first time since the 2002/03 campaign that the Welsh giants will operate out of the third-tier.

Therefore, there will be an increased impetus to perform well from the off and not risk an extended stay in League One.

As a result, Barry-Murphy can’t expect time to settle in and let a season pass by before he really installs his philosophy upon the group.

No, the 46-year-old will have to create an instant impact or risk losing his position as the season progresses.