Cardiff City appoint Brian Barry-Murphy as Wrexham land Ryan Hardie in Welsh shake-up

Cardiff City have appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as their new head coach, while Wrexham have made a statement signing by landing striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle.

The former Bury defensive midfielder steps in at Cardiff after interim boss Aaron Ramsey’s exit to Mexican side Pumas.

Barry-Murphy leaves his coaching role at Leicester City – where he worked under Ruud van Nistelrooy – to lead the Bluebirds as they face their first League One campaign since 2003.

A former Manchester City youth academy coach credited with developing talents like Cole Palmer, this marks his second managerial spell after his stint with Rochdale in 2019.

Youth development key to new appointment

He will be joined by Lee Riley, a current Manchester City academy coach and his former colleague from the Manchester-based club, who has been appointed assistant manager.

After a thorough recruitment process that included Ramsey and Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones, it was club owner Vincent Tan who had the final say in appointing the new head coach.

He said in a statement: “Throughout the interview process, Brian showed a huge passion for our club because he believes in what we’re trying to do.

“He knows this level having played and managed at this standard before, where he was noted for his style of play.

“Since then, he has only gone from strength-to-strength as a leader.

“He’s got a proven track record in youth development having coached some of the brightest young prospects in the UK, many of whom are now playing at the very top of the game.

“He brings enthusiasm, vibrancy and an exciting outlook on what today’s football is, while looking to play an attacking style that our fans are sure to enjoy.

“It’s a combination of all of Brian’s great talents that make him the right man to take us forward into this next chapter.”

Argyle hero Hardie leaves for Wrexham

Striker Hardie has left Plymouth to join Wrexham.

The 28-year-old joins for an undisclosed fee after netting 10 goals last season – though his efforts weren’t enough to prevent relegation to the third tier.

He also made headlines with a memorable winner in the FA Cup as Argyle stunned the Premier League champions Liverpool in the fourth round.

After four years at Home Park, he now links up with Phil Parkinson’s side as they prepare for their first second-tier campaign since 1982.

Speaking to the club’s website after completing the move, he expressed his excitement about the new chapter.

“I’m delighted to get the move done, I’m really happy to get it done so early and I cannot wait to get going,” he said.

“To get a full pre-season will be a massive benefit, to get integrated into the squad and learn the way the manager plays and get to know everyone will be important.

“The last couple of seasons, it’s been good getting experience in the EFL Championship and it’s experience I can lean on now.

“I’ve enjoyed playing there, and I’ve managed to score a few goals, so hopefully that can continue this season.

“I love how family-oriented the Club is, the community is all together and it really is a one-club City.

“Everything is to do with the football, and I’m really excited to be a part of that – I’ll give everything I’ve got for the badge.”

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