Cardiff City

Image source, Shutterstock

Tamworth have signed striker Michael Reindorf from League One leaders Cardiff City on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has been on loan with League Two Newport County for the first half of the current campaign and scored once in 22 appearances in all competitions.

He played twice for the Bluebirds' first team in the Championship last term before having a loan stint with Bristol Rovers for the second half of the campaign in League One, where he featured in four matches.

Reindorf joins The Lambs with the club 13th in the National League.

"He's got real energy and flair. He gives us that extra spark in the final third," Tamworth boss Andy Peaks told the club website., external

"He's a player who wants to affect games, create chances, and score goals – that's exactly the kind of threat you want up top."

Ioan Griffiths
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City midfielder Alex Robertson believes the Bluebirds are the best team in League One this season.

The Australian international signed from Manchester City in August 2024 for a reported fee of around £1 million.

Robertson has been an integral part of Cardiff's promotion push in recent months, showing aggression and quality on the ball.

He scored twice at Burton last Saturday but was left disappointed as the game finished 2-2.

"It's nice to get some goals, but the main thing is the team performance and the team result and the fact we didn't win," said Robertson.

"Personally, I think we're the best team in the league, we just need to show that when we play against the bigger teams, like you've seen at Bradford.

"It's still a point in the right direction and we're just going to keep trying to build on that. It could mean a lot at the end of the season, so we've just got to take it."

Robertson's recent form is welcome after a less than easy start to life in south Wales.

Cardiff were relegated in his first season but the arrival last summer of new boss Brian Barry-Murphy - who had coached the Australian in his Manchester City academy days - looked promising for the 22-year-old.

Robertson though was repeatedly left out of Cardiff's matchday squads at the start of this season, with Barry-Murphy saying he needed to match the "intensity" of his fellow midfielders.

However, since his return against Bolton in October, he has been one of Cardiff's most consistent players which has left the Bluebirds' boss impressed.

"I want him to be as aggressive as he is, and even more so," said Barry-Murphy after his latest goal-scoring success.

"He's doing incredible work without the ball, which is very important for us. I'm very pleased with Alex and I'm very pleased with his contribution."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy said his side fell "below standards" on Saturday, disappointed with a 2-2 draw that saw their lead at the top of League One cut in half.

While the Bluebirds had to settle for a point at Burton, Lincoln continued their impressive form beating Wigan 1-0 to reduce the gap behind Cardiff to just two points.

An Alex Robertson double had put Cardiff ahead midway through the second half at the Pirelli Stadium and Barry-Murphy was "not pleased" with the manner in which his side conceded a late equaliser.

"We always want to win and I felt once we got in front we would win, but today we didn't score enough goals to allow that to happen," said the City boss.

Saturday's result means the Brewers have now taken four points off the league leaders in their own bid for survival and Barry-Murphy acknowledged Burton's strength.

"They are very direct and create momentum with long throws and free-kicks," the 47-year-old added.

"We felt the best way to defend was to attack throughout the game."

Disappointed with a first half display that saw his side a goal down at the break, the Irishman was pleased with the response as Robertson's brace put them ahead with half an hour to play.

"The players implemented from the first minute of the second half what I wanted at half-time," Barry-Murphy said.

"We expect players like Alex Robertson, Joel Colwill, Dave Turnbull and Omari Kellyman to arrive in the box and show their quality, and Alex did that well."

However, a free-kick in the final 10 minutes denied Cardiff all three points.

"It's disappointing to concede like we did, but that can happen," Barry-Murphy added.

Still boasting the league's third-best defence, Cardiff now turn their attention to Saturday's trip to Rotherham, where they may face academy product Gabriel Biancheri who joined The Millers on deadline day on loan from Manchester United.

"Our focus is on trying to win the next game. Our intention is to be a dominant team in this league," concluded Barry-Murphy.

Find more Cardiff City content from BBC Sounds at the bottom of this page or on our dedicated club page.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City Under-21s have completed the permanent signings of forward Herbie James from Tottenham Hotspur and midfielder Isaac Davies from Nottingham Forest.

James, 19, is formerly of the Manchester City academy, while 18-year-old Davies is a Wales youth international.

"I'm so excited by this opportunity," said James. "More than anything I'm hungry to make an impact, to represent the city and meet the fans. Sometimes you get that gut feeling and it feels right.

"The goal is to get momentum between now and the end of the season. There's so much that I can learn. Once I'm in the environment it's game mode and being fully focused, with the aim to get involved with the first team squad.

"I always look to excite and get people watching on their feet. The game is about scoring goals, and I live for those moments."

Davies said: "I'm buzzing to be here. I know how big this club is and this city, being a one-club city is massive. I know a few of the boys here already so as soon as the offer came in, I knew I couldn't wait to get started.

"My strengths are playing on the ball, passing and breaking lines and, when I've spoken to staff here, they've said that's what they want to do, so I feel like I can add some value to the side.

"I've walked around Cardiff City Stadium and it's an amazing stadium. I can't wait to have the chance to play here. You've got loads of young players coming through so it's a good time to be joining the club."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City youngster Will Spiers has returned from a loan spell at Eastleigh just a month after joining the National League club.

Academy product Spiers joined Eastleigh for the remainder of the season on 3 January.

But the 20-year-old right-back is now back with Cardiff's under-21 squad.

He has made two senior appearances for the Bluebirds, in the EFL Trophy games against Newport and Arsenal Under-21s earlier this season.

Spiers has also played for Merthyr in this campaign on a youth loan deal.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy says in-form winger Chris Willock "will only improve" after impressing for Cardiff City this season.

Willock, 27, endured a frustrating first year in Wales, scoring twice in 32 league appearances as the Bluebirds were relegated from the Championship.

But Willock has enjoyed an upturn in form in League One, with his double in the 4-0 thrashing of Barnsley on Tuesday taking him to six goals this season.

"For a player of his calibre, he has to have the outcomes in terms of goals and assists," he said.

"That means being in a physical condition where he can deliver, not just relying on spectacular goals.

"He's getting towards where he needs to be physically now and he'll only improve."

Willock also has five assists in 25 league games this season, with Cardiff sitting top of the table and hoping for an immediate return to the Championship.

And Barry-Murphy says he has long been an admirer of the Arsenal academy graduate, who joined Cardiff from Queens Park Rangers in 2024.

"I always thought he was somebody I didn't ever think I'd get to work with," Barry-Murphy said.

"The chance that I have is very rewarding and we value him enormously. His journey was slightly unorthodox, but very normal for a young player.

"His time at QPR was where I saw him at his best – the football they played under Mark Warburton was amazing."

Willock's next opportunity to add to his goal tally comes when Cardiff go to Burton Albion on Saturday.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Isaak Davies is another player who has been catching the eye out wide for Cardiff.

The 24-year-old has made 25 league appearances this season, chipping in with three goals and an assist and landing a first senior Wales cap.

"I've been so happy with him," said Barry-Murphy.

"He's helped me and the club out by playing wide so often this season, when we needed him to due to other injuries.

"We see him being a huge part of the Cardiff City future."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

High-flying Cardiff City travel to Burton Albion on Saturday (15:00 GMT) with boss Brian Barry-Murphy expecting a tough encounter.

The Bluebirds sit four points clear at the top of League One after comfortably beating Barnsley 4-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday.

Barry-Murphy is excited for the game and expects a tough encounter with the Brewers.

"It was a very difficult game when we played against them in our own stadium. They clearly showed how dangerous a team they are and have continued to do so," Barry-Murphy said.

Burton have lost their last two league games and sit 20th in the table, but will be looking to do the double on the league leaders after a Charlie Webster strike secured a 1-0 win for The Brewers in September.

"They've had some brilliant results against the top teams and obviously were very competitive in the game against Bolton on Tuesday," Barry-Murphy added.

"It's going to be a really tough game and one that we're really looking forward to."

Cardiff come into the game on the back of an eight-game unbeaten sequence despite a tough run of winter fixtures.

"I'm very pleased with the response of the players in that congested period," said the Bluebirds' head coach.

"We've managed to come through the other side of January with most of the players in a good physical state."

Supporters will be eager to see the return of playmaker Rubin Colwill - who has not appeared since sustaining an ankle injury in November - but will have to wait a little bit longer.

Barry-Murphy will be without him and Yousef Salech at Burton, but both are nearing a return.

"There's a lot of room for optimism especially with Rubin so close to a return and obviously Yousef," said Barry-Murphy.

"The squad is in a really good place and I'm very pleased."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City showed they can cope without a recognised striker on Tuesday as Brian Barry-Murphy's side produced one of their most fluid attacking performances of the season in a 4-0 demolition of Barnsley.

With leading forward Yousef Salech missing through injury, wingers Chris Willock and Ollie Tanner stepped up and caused the Tykes constant problems, with both providing an assist and Willock scoring two goals.

Post-match Barry-Murphy described them as "very dangerous wide players".

"I am very pleased with both," he said.

"We were very keen to get 90 minutes into Chris Willock and push him physically because of the way he plays. He needs to feel strong and well conditioned.

"Ollie Tanner is making great strides. We're very clear about how much of an impact he can have, and there's still so much improvement in him.

"When to pass, when to shoot, when to cross. He's very willing to embrace that improvement."

Cardiff will be looking to build on their positive performance when they travel to Burton Albion on Saturday, 31 January (15:00 GMT).

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

On-loan Chelsea forward Omari Kellyman hopes he can have a run of games and help with Cardiff City's promotion push.

Kellyman was back leading the line as Cardiff beat Barnsley on Tuesday, with the 20-year-old given a chance in the absence of the injured Yousef Salech.

In the first half hour of Cardiff's emphatic victory, he managed just 11 touches - the fewest of any outfield Bluebirds player.

But Kellyman says he "continued to do the right things" and his perseverance paid off when he teed up Chris Willock for his fourth goal of the season.

"Me and Chris are good friends," Kellyman said, "so it's always nice to set each other up or to see the other one score."

Willock returned the favour shortly after the break, with Kellyman steering home Cardiff's third goal.

"In the first 60 minutes, we did the hard yards," Kellyman said.

"Everybody was doing their jobs effectively and it just sort of made it enjoyable for us in the end. Before you know it, the goals start flying in and we get rewards from our hard work."

Kellyman has set himself ambitious personal targets for the season and hopes that a goal and assist against Barnsley can be the catalyst.

"Hopefully I can go on a little run and continue, but at the end of the day, it's all about performances and winning games," he said.

Kellyman says he has learned from fellow forwards Salech and Callum Robinson and is embracing the prospect of playing his part in a promotion bid over the next three months.

"Being in a title race is something I've never done before," he said.

"Obviously, I'm still young, but it's a great experience. I'm just soaking it all in."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Brian Barry-Murphy says his forward players are giving him "food for thought" after Cardiff City thumped Barnsley despite being without Yousef Salech.

Leading goalscorer Salech was absent on Tuesday having been carried off with neck injury during last weekend's draw with Stockport.

Even without Salech, who has 13 goals this season, the Bluebirds beat Barnsley 4-0 to strengthen their League One promotion hopes.

Barry-Murphy raised some eyebrows with his team selection, as he opted to start Omari Kellyman ahead of Callum Robinson up front.

But on-loan Chelsea youngster Kellyman justified his selection as he scored just his third Cardiff goal and claimed an assist.

"I can just see him very much as a centre-forward, I've seen him play as a centre-forward many times before when he was younger." Barry-Murphy said.

"So I was very confident that he could do the job. I just felt as if it was the right solution for this game.

"People like Omari proved that there are different kinds of solutions for different teams and I was very pleased with his performance."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

The experienced Robinson might have been many people's favourite to start with Salech sidelined.

The Republic of Ireland international has seven goals this season having been second-choice striker for most of the season.

Isaak Davies is another player with experience of leading the line who would have been hopeful of a start against the Tykes.

As it turned out, both Davies and Robinson players made an impact off the bench, which pleased Barry-Murphy.

"All those players are hungry to play and giving me a lot of food for thought in the absence of Yousef," he added.

"Callum was very positive, was really ready to make such a positive impact when needed and he's been incredible around the team.

"I couldn't be happier with how he's performing and how much he's helping us. He's going to play a huge part in our season moving forward."

Cardiff, who are four points clear at the top of the table, return to action at Burton Albion on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Brian Barry-Murphy was "over the moon with the result and performance" after Cardiff City extended their League One unbeaten run to eight matches with a comprehensive victory over Barnsley on Tuesday.

The league leaders eased to a 4-0 triumph over a Tykes side who have now only won one in their last seven matches.

Cardiff dominated much of the game, and could have won by an even greater margin with substitute Callum Robinson striking the bar.

Barry-Murphy suggested the Bluebirds' win was "was not as easy as the scoreline suggested".

"It was a very difficult first half for us. We scored really early, but Barnsley posed a real threat and I think most of the goals came from when they had possession." said the Cardiff boss.

"We were very aggressive in how we tried to win the ball back and attack quickly, which is something that we've needed to be better at this season, so I'm very pleased with the performance."

Cardiff's quick, aggressive play was on display in an abundance for the second goal.

When the ball fell to Omari Kellyman just inside the Barnsley half, the on-loan Chelsea man drove forward before a perfectly weighted ball to Chris Willock, who found the bottom corner.

Willock later scored his second goal - and Cardiff's fourth - when he raced clear before delightfully chipping onrushing Barnsley keeper Owen Goodman to cap off a brilliant individual and team performance.

While Barry-Murphy said Cardiff's closest challengers at the top end of the table are "really strong teams and in great form", his team are in good shape too.

He added: "I'm very pleased with the players' efforts and that constant obsession of striving for improved performances is at the very front of our minds.

"Like I've said consistently, we can improve a lot and that's still the case."

The Barnsley shutout means Cardiff have 11 league clean sheets, more than any other side in the division, but Barry-Murphy still sees left-back as a "position of high priority" before next Monday's transfer deadline.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City centre-back Dylan Lawlor is a "huge doubt" for Tuesday's League One match against Barnsley, says head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

Lawlor, 20, injured his knee during the warm-up before last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Stockport County.

Cardiff are waiting to discover the extent of the damage but are preparing to be without the Wales international for Barnsley's visit.

"Dylan tweaked his medial ligament in the warm-up passing, I think," said Barry-Murphy.

"It can happen. I'm just going to assess the severity of that. Dylan is a huge doubt, I would say, based on that.

"But I think the rest of the squad is in a really good place."

Cardiff are top of League One, four points clear of second-placed Lincoln City and 10 ahead of Bolton Wanderers in third. Barnsley are 15th.

Image source, EFL

A new initiative highlighting the work of football club charities has been launched by the English Football League (EFL).

'Scan to Smile' will be rolled out in stadiums across the EFL from Friday until the end of January, with supporters invited to scan QR codes on posters displayed around grounds.

Each scan will unlock a short, uplifting story from a person whose life has been positively impacted by the support of their local club charity.

The subjects tackled include mental health support, combating loneliness, improving physical wellbeing, employability and confidence.

The EFL said it hoped the initiative would use "the reach and influence of football to offer fans a moment of positivity on matchday".

Trevor Birch, chief executive at the EFL, said: "Behind every club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL club charity.

"This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact first-hand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

League One leaders Cardiff City host fourth-placed Stockport County on Saturday 24 January (12:30 GMT), with boss Brian Barry-Murphy keen for his side to continue on their "upward trajectory".

The Bluebirds are three points clear of second-placed Lincoln who closed the gap with Thursday's 2-1 win over Burton, though the Imps have now played a game more.

Barry-Murphy's side are 10 points above Saturday's opponents and return to the Cardiff City Stadium knowing that avoiding defeat will extend their unbeaten league run to seven matches.

Last weekend the Welsh side inflicted just a second home defeat on third-placed Bradford, central defender Gabriel Osho declaring their Valley Parade success as "a significant win".

"It's important to back up that win or else it doesn't mean as much, so we'll be looking to do that on Saturday," said Nigeria international Osho.

Despite securing victory at Bradford, Barry-Murphy was not entirely pleased with his side's second-half display.

"The second half wasn't what we wanted," said the 47-year-old Irish coach.

"We were very aggressive in the first half but in the second half we were just quite conservative and kept giving the ball back to the opponents.

"We just lost control of it. We have to be much better than that if we want to take the team where we want to go."

The head coach remains insistent his side "will improve a lot in the second half of the season" as "performance levels still aren't where we'd want them".

Stockport arrive in strong form of their own, chasing a third consecutive league win as they continue to push for promotion.

"It's going to be another tough game," said Osho.

"At home we've been so good but they're fighting for something as well. They're fourth place, on a good run of form, so everyone in the changing room is aware of that."

When the two sides met at Edgeley Park in September Cardiff snatched a 1-1 draw with a 97th minute Yousef Salech equaliser.

Barry-Murphy admits his side could have been "fortunate" to return from Stockport with a point.

"On Saturday we'll have to show that we've improved significantly to give ourselves a chance to win the game," he added.

"The real pressure is on preparation and making sure our training week is better than the last one.

"I know that if we keep improving the level of performance, then we'll really do great things.

"We have prepared exceptionally well for Saturday's game but we may not beat Stockport. We just have to do everything possible to try and do it."