What Brian Barry-Murphy has said about Joe Ralls, Andy Rinomhota contract situations at Cardiff City | OneFootball

Brian Barry-Murphy has provided an update on the futures of Andy Rinomhota and Joe Ralls

Brian Barry-Murphy has opened up on the futures of Andy Rinomhota and Joe Ralls at Cardiff City amid their expiring contracts.

The Irishman is now in charge at the League One side as they prepare for life in the third tier of English football.

This is his first senior managerial role since leaving Rochdale in 2021, but he has since gained a strong reputation with his work in the Manchester City academy setup, as well as being a part of the Leicester City first team coaching staff.

He will be tasked with guiding the Bluebirds back to the Championship at the first time of asking after they finished 24th in the table in the previous campaign.

But before the season even gets underway, he must first find a solution to situations like the one involving Rinomhota and Ralls’ futures.

A host of senior players have already departed the Welsh capital ahead the expiration of their contracts later this month, including the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Yakou Meite, Jamilu Collins, Anwar El Ghazi and Dimitrios Goutas.

Brian Barry-Murphy’s update on Ralls and Rinomhota

Barry-Murphy has admitted that the club need to act quickly to figure out the situation involving both of these Cardiff players, with their contracts set to expire later this month.

He’s revealed that he will hold discussions with both players, as he looks to find a solution that could keep them with the club for next season.

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

"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."

Ralls suffered an injury in March, meaning he featured just 21 times in the Championship last season, while Rinohota made 30 appearances in the league.

Cardiff need to resolve contract situation quickly

Cardiff will be hoping for a strong summer transfer window in which they can improve the side and immediately compete for promotion from League One.

However, before their focus can fully turn to incoming additions, they must resolve the situation surrounding Ralls and Rinomhota.

The pair have been a regular presence in the side in recent years, with Rinomhota arriving from Reading in the 2022 summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old has made 72 appearances for the club since his move from the Royals, contributing four assists.

Meanwhile, Ralls has come through the academy system at Cardiff, and his departure would be particularly disappointing for supporters for that reason.

The 31-year-old has risen to become the club captain, but a calf issue has kept him out of action since March, which would be an underwhelming way for his lengthy time at the Welsh outfit to come to an end.

Cardiff supporters are keen to see both players retained. Rinomhota enjoyed something of a personal redemption campaign in spite of the Bluebirds' relegation to become a key player while operating in a previously-unfamiliar right-back role, while long-serving skipper Ralls is a firm fan favourite and offers vital experience and leadership qualities which will be of great benefit in a younger League One squad in 25/26.