Former Ireland star praises Brian Barry-Murphy and Jack Moylan impact at Cardiff City

Former Republic of Ireland and Manchester City defender Richard Dunne believes Brian Barry-Murphy has proven to be an effective managerial choice for Cardiff City, while backing compatriot Jack Moylan to reach new heights.

Dunne has been impressed by the tactical transformation underway in the Welsh capital, where Barry-Murphy has implemented an attractive brand of football reliant on young talent rather than heavy financial backing.

Cardiff have taken seven points from their last five Championship matches and sit 17th in the table on 14 points.

And while long-term ambitions will require board investment, Dunne insists that establishing a solid mid-table foundation in the Championship represents genuine success in the current climate.

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Nice style of football

“The jump to the Championship is big, especially without massive financial backing, but Brian Barry-Murphy has done well,” Dunne told Snabbare

“He has a young squad playing a nice style of football, and achieving a mid-table consolidation season would be a big success.

“Cardiff will need to invest before pushing for the top eight, but he’s been a great managerial choice and done well to get them playing this level of football.”

A central component of Cardiff’s bright campaign has been attacking midfielder Moylan. 

The 25-year-old made the leap from 2025-26 League One champions Lincoln City to the second tier, taking the step-up in his stride while rapidly evolving into an influential figure for both club and country.

Upward trajectory

Following a string of eye-catching performances on the international stage for the Republic of Ireland, Dunne expects Moylan’s stock to rise even further.

“Jack Moylan has been brilliant,” he explained.

“In the last couple of games for Ireland, he was the best player and showed he can make a real difference.

“It was a big, fast move leaving Lincoln for Cardiff, but he’s taken it in his stride.

“His career is on an upward trajectory. 

“He’s already an important player for Cardiff and is becoming one for Ireland too, which will push his career to even higher levels.”

Strong character

Dunne also offered his verdict on another fellow countryman, assessing Shane Duffy’s move to Pride Park as Derby County look to navigate the demands of a challenging campaign, which sees them sat in 23rd after a disappointing 4-1 defeat at Millwall on Saturday.

As a centre-back himself with 80 international caps and a promotion to his name with QPR in 2014, Dunne can appreciate the value of defensive leadership over a relentless 46-game season, insisting the defender provides the squad with an essential physical presence at both ends of the pitch.

“Shane Duffy will offer experience, definitely,” Dunne added.

“He’s a strong character, a threat from set pieces, and brings tons of knowledge.

“In the Championship, you need players who know the league and can steady the ship. 

“It’s a sensible signing for Derby, and if he stays fit, he’ll do really well.”

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