Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy hopes his players will use their League One success to kick on next season.
The 47-year-old was handed his first managerial role since 2021 when he took over the Bluebirds last summer. His remit was a clear one – earn promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
Cardiff suffered a shock relegation to League One last season and were one of the heavy favourites to win the title. For large chunks of the campaign, that looked justified, with the Welsh-based outfit first hitting the top of the table in late August.
A prolonged period at the summit followed in December, and they held the position until March when they suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Lincoln City. Since then, they’ve had to watch as the Imps surged ahead and Michael Skubala’s team became the first team in the EFL to earn promotion on Easter Monday following a 2-1 victory at Reading.
Stunning Turn Of Events Confirm Cardiff Promotion
Like Lincoln, Cardiff had the opportunity to seal their fate at the Select Car Leasing Stadium when they visited Berkshire yesterday. Their place in the top two would be confirmed if they bettered Stockport County’s result, who travelled to relegation-threatened Exeter City.
Barry-Murphy’s team did their part, earning a comfortable 3-1 victory. However, it looked as if their celebrations would have to wait until another day with Stockport 3-2 up in the final stages of the game.
The Grecians rallied though and found an equaliser in the most unlikely of circumstances through goalkeeper Jack Bycroft. This prompted wild celebrations from the away end at Reading, with a place in next season’s Championship confirmed with three games remaining.
Exeter snatch a late equaliser through Jack Bycroft. Yes, their goalkeeper 😳#ECFC pic.twitter.com/VOaY1PvLrM
— The Football Lowdown (@FBLowdown) April 18, 2026
Barry-Murphy Urges Players To Use Success As Fuel For More
Following the game, Barry-Murphy challenged his squad to build on their success to kick on next season. Speaking to official club media, he said:
“It’s an incredible feeling to finally do it. The magnitude of the day is only just beginning to really realise itself and to be understood by so many people.
“Calum Chambers was slightly agitated, and then the noise behind the goal made us know something had happened. It’s nice to achieve this and have the chance to return home on Wednesday and Saturday, to what should be a brilliant occasion.
“The most exciting part for me about being part of this team is the team’s potential. There are a lot of young lads. The experience this team has had this season will hopefully fuel their hunger for more next season.”
Cardiff can still mathematically clinch the title, although they are currently nine points behind leaders Lincoln, who also possess a better goal difference.
