The latest update has been revealed on Cardiff City manager Brian-Barry Murphy’s future amid interest from the seemingly vacant Middlesbrough, due to Rob Edwards’ imminent departure to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 47-year-old has made an excellent start to life in South Wales with the Bluebirds sitting 4th in the League One table.
Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy is the favourite for the Middlesbrough role as they look to replace Rob Edwards who left for Wolverhampton Wanderers
The bluebirds are currently 4th in League One after 8 wins from 14 games
Bluebird fans thoughts?🤔#CardiffCity #CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/rFIRcuhq6u
— AllAboutLeagueOne (@LeagueOne25) November 10, 2025
Pending Interest: Why Barry-Murphy Is In The Frame
Brian Barry-Murphy has made a steady and promising start to life at Cardiff City, guiding the League One side through an encouraging opening spell. The former Manchester City academy coach has quickly introduced a clear playing identity, patient in possession yet purposeful and proven in attack. Under his watch, players such as Rubin Colwill and Yousef Salech have shown renewed confidence and tactical discipline, thriving in a system that rewards high intensity and strong work rate.
Cardiff’s performances have reflected Barry-Murphy’s calm authority and meticulous approach. The Bluebirds now look more structured in defence and more inventive going forward, with signs of a genuine culture shift taking hold.
While the League One campaign is still in its early days, early results and performances suggest a manager is building something sustainable. Barry-Murphy’s steady influence could be the foundation Cardiff have long been searching for after years of uncertainty.
However, despite interest from Middlesbrough and Scottish giants Celtic, Cardiff City have yet to receive an official approach for Barry-Murphy.
But what exactly is going on on Teeside?
🚨🐺 Wolves will confirm Rob Edwards as new head coach from next week on a contract valid until June 2029.
Middlesbrough will receive £3m compensation fee. pic.twitter.com/vZkopUI1lx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 9, 2025
Rob Edwards appears ready for a high-profile move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, following his departure from Middlesbrough after a strong start to their Championship campaign.
Edwards, who joined Middlesbrough on a three-year deal in June, took over from Michael Carrick with clear intent to revitalise the club. Under his leadership, the side has hit the ground running, extending an unbeaten streak early on and showing a sharper attacking edge.
His setup has already highlighted several key performers, defenders Dael Fry and Luke Ayling have solidified the back line, while attackers Tommy Conway and Hayden Hackney have continued to offer cutting edge and creativity up front.
While supporters at the Riverside Stadium will be disappointed by his potential departure, Edwards’ growing reputation as a modern, tactically astute coach has inevitably drawn attention from Wolves, who see him as a forward-thinking leader capable of driving a new long-term project at Molineux.
According to some of the UK’s biggest bookmakers, it’s close between former Wolves and Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil and former West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.
| Bookmaker | 1st Favourite (Odds) | 2nd Favourite (Odds) | 3rd Favourite (Odds) | 4th Favourite (Odds) | 5th Favourite (Odds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | Gary O’Neil (3/1) ~25% | Carlos Corberan (5/2) ~28.6% | Steve Cooper (5/1) ~16.7% | Tony Mowbray (6/1) ~14.3% | Steven Gerrard (7/1) ~12.5% |
| William Hill | Carlos Corberan (11/10) ~47.6% | Gary O’Neil (3/1) ~25% | Tony Mowbray (10/3) ~23.1% | Steve Cooper (11/2) ~15.4% | Steven Gerrard (6/1) ~14.3% |
| Ladbrokes | Gary O’Neil (11/4) ~26.7% | Carlos Corberan (5/2) ~28.6% | Steven Gerrard (4/1) ~20% | Steve Cooper (6/1) ~14.3% | Tony Mowbray (13/2) ~13.3% |
| Paddy Power | Carlos Corberan (2/1) ~33.3% | Gary O’Neil (3/1) ~25% | Steve Cooper (9/2) ~18.2% | Tony Mowbray (5/1) ~16.7% | Steven Gerrard (6/1) ~14.3% |
| Betfair | Gary O’Neil (5/2) ~28.6% | Carlos Corberan (11/5) ~31.3% | Tony Mowbray (4/1) ~20% | Steven Gerrard (11/2) ~15.4% | Steve Cooper (6/1) ~14.3% |
Getting The Bluebirds Back To Where They Belong
Brian Barry-Murphy must stay at Cardiff City to complete the rebuild he’s brilliantly begun. Since June, he’s transformed a relegated Championship side into League One promotion contenders, 4th place, EFL Cup quarter-finalists, while simultaneously helping Wales stars Rubin Colwill, Joel Colwill, Ronan Kpakio, and Dylan Lawlor to shine on the international scene.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has called Barry-Murphy a “dream” partner, praising their shared Guardiola-inspired vision that fuels Wales’ golden generation.
Welsh investment too, with £205m in Cardiff Airport, £140m Central Station upgrade, and £30m innovation funds, is backing long-term growth in the area. Leaving for Middlesbrough could already abandon the legacy he is slowly building.
