Cardiff City

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

New head coach Brian Barry-Murphy praised Cardiff City's young players as they helped him win his first game in charge against Peterborough United.

Relegated from the Championship last season, the Bluebirds started life in League One with a 2-1 victory at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

Barry-Murphy picked the youngest Cardiff team for a league fixture this century, handing first starts to the likes of goalkeeper Matt Turner – chosen in front of senior players Jak Alnwick and Ethan Horvath – and midfielder Joel Colwill.

Both goals were scored by academy graduates, Rubin Colwill and Ronan Kpakio.

"To have some of the academy graduates is really beneficial because they feel the club in a way that's different from what I do, based on where I come from, so it's really powerful," said Barry-Murphy.

"Matt Turner wasn't complicated [as a selection]. I had an idea of certain players before I came to the club. I didn't know a lot about Matt but, since day one pre-season, he's been exceptional.

"His attitude, in terms of what we asked him to do, his commitment and his skill level as a goalkeeper has been outstanding. Just based on what I saw, he was the clear pick.

"Joel, we have a lot of competition in that position, but again, his appetite to do the things we've asked him to do and his relentless nature of application was evident."

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Having fallen behind against the run of play, Cardiff responded well in the second half as Rubin Colwill – captaining the club for the first time – scored a brilliant free-kick.

Kpakio, an 18-year-old right-back, then curled in a fine first-time effort to put Cardiff in front.

"It was a great goal. His talent is obvious," said Barry-Murphy.

"I think where he ended up on the pitch for the goal [inside the penalty area] is important for me.

"He's a really attacking full-back who can be really dynamic and can cause the opposition a lot of problems.

"So to see him arrive in that position in the second half was what I wanted to see. He has that quality to produce assists and goals."

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Cardiff City have a new number 10, with Rubin Colwill taking the jersey vacated by Aaron Ramsey for the 2025-26 season.

Colwill, 23, was named Cardiff's new vice-captain on Friday and will lead the team in their League One opener against Peterborough United on Saturday because new skipper Calum Chambers is suspended.

And the Wales international will take to the field wearing 10, having previously worn 27.

That number has now been passed to his younger brother, midfielderJoel Colwill.

Cardiff announced their squad numbers on Friday, with the majority of players keeping the same numbers they had from last season.

Numbers four, eight and nine are among the notable vacancies following a summer clearout which has has seen 11 senior players leave the club.

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Sport Wales asked Cardiff fans for their predictions and expectations ahead of the club's first campaign at League One level in 22 years. Here are their thoughts:

Ollie:

So far we have failed to sign a single player, and the opening day of the new season is only a few days away. I'm really more than a little concerned. I sincerely hope that BBM (Brian Barry-Murphy) is able to get off to a good start, and from looking at our pre-season performances there appears to be an exciting partnership developing between Callum Robinson and Yousef Salech. Fingers crossed we are able to get at least 3-4 new faces through the door.

Tarren:

If we do not win the league then it's a failed season

Simon:

Mid-table at best. I think it could be a lot worse if (Vincent) Tan stays.. wouldn't be a shock to go straight through to League Two

Kelvin:

I think BBM is an excellent fit for bringing through young talent from the U21s, and with several new signings capable of playing his preferred style of play I see no reason why Cardiff will not finish in the top six, possibly top two.

Kevin:

I am a City fan for 54 yrs. My opinion on Barry Murphy is an open one, tbh. Too many false dawns in the past has made me negative. A (Gareth) Bale consortium buying the club I'm 100 per cent behind. (Vincent) Tan doesn't even come to games, his communication is non-existent and fans will still support the club after he's gone. The sooner, the better he sells up.

Julie:

Would love new owners at Cardiff City. Be great if Gareth Bale was involved somehow.

David:

Until there are football-savvy board members, nothing much will change. A club cannot survive on money alone.

Lyndon:

It's a new era under BBM. I feel that he should be a good fit for City. Looks like he wants to play attractive, attacking football, and this can only be a good thing, especially after all the poor performances during the last three seasons. No new signings but reliance on youth seems to be his way forward.

Alun:

There were times last year when we played excellent football without an end product. With the core of the team staying and Salech and Robinson fit, I would expect to make the play-offs as a minimum. Like the majority of Bluebirds fans, we will all believe we are good enough to go straight back up.

Marc:

We desperately need some quality wingers, but there won't be any high-fee signings if Tan is going to sell. We won't be able to get good enough signings to go back up in the automatic spots, and always have bad luck in play-offs so I think we'll finish fourth and lose in the play-off final.

Richard:

Last year's squad underperformed so with a decent coach should be more than capable of pushing to return to the Championship immediately. I hope I don't have to eat my words. Good luck anyway.

Rich:

It is high time for a new owner and structure. There have been highs under Mr Tan, including two promotions and the financing we don't hear too much about. However, there are a number of lows including the loss of identity, heritage and culture and disengagement with supporters. Gareth Bale is an exciting prospect indeed!

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Pre-season is done and dusted and Cardiff City are now just days away from their first competitive game under new boss Brian Barry-Murphy - and their first at League One level for 22 years.

After rounding off their warm-up schedule with a 2-2 draw at Notts County, the Bluebirds open their league campaign against Peterborough United in the Welsh capital on Saturday (12:30 BST).

But how do you think City will get on in 2025-26? What do you think is acceptable?

In some ways it must be difficult for Cardiff fans to make any predictions given the lack of new signings to replace those who have left following the club's relegation from the Championship.

A number of senior players - including Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, Joe Ralls, Callum O'Dowda and Dimitrious Goutas - have gone, while Cardiff are yet to make a signing this summer.

On the other hand, Cardiff have managed to keep hold of key assets such as Yousef Salech, Alex Robertson, Rubin Colwill, Callum Robinson, Perry Ng and Calum Chambers.

As for the new man in charge, Barry-Murphy was not appointed until mid-June, while uncertainty over the ownership of the club, with reported takeover offers from a Gareth Bale-led consortium, has rumbled on in the background.

Traditionally, fans have had pre-season opportunities to cast their eyes over new recruits - and assess how young players are shaping up - but there have been no friendlies at Cardiff City Stadium for them to attend this summer.

With all this in mind, then, what are your hopes - or fears - for the season ahead? Let us know your views by clicking here.

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Manager Brian Barry-Murphy says Alex Robertson requires stitches to repair the shin injury he sustained during Cardiff City's 2-2 pre-season draw with Notts County.

Midfielder Robertson was withdrawn midway through the second half of the contest at Meadow Lane having been on the receiving end of a strong challenge by Ollie Norburn.

"Alex has a really bad gash to his shin. I thought it was a poor tackle at that height and will require stitching," Barry-Murphy said.

Substitute Isaak Davies was also taken off during the game, although Barry-Murphy played down concerns over the Welshman's situation.

"Isaak felt some tightness in his hamstring, but I don't think it's anything to worry about," said the Cardiff boss.

"Based on his previous history, our job is to make sure we look after him, whilst obviously we want to push him to fulfil the undoubted potential that he has."

The fixture with League Two Notts County was Cardiff's final match prior to their League One opener with Peterborough United in the Welsh capital next Saturday (12:30 BST).

Ahead of his debut season at the club, Barry-Murphy said: "I feel very privileged and very optimistic about the season.

"The energy from the supporters has been incredible, and their will to see a team play in the way that they want to see Cardiff City represented is evident - I feel as if we've understood that really quickly.

"Once we finished the game today you saw the reception that we got from the supporters.

"We're looking to have a squad that excites them and makes them want to come to the game on a Saturday."

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Cardiff City rounded off their pre-season schedule with a 2-2 draw against Notts County at Meadow Lane.

Brian Barry-Murphy's side took the lead shortly before half time as Eli King picked out Yousef Salech who rounded goalkeeper Kelle Roos before slotting into the net.

The hosts levelled seven minutes after the restart as Barry Cotter cut in from the right before firing a sublime effort into the far corner.

Midfielder Alex Robertson was withdrawn midway through the second half after suffering an injury.

Last season's top scorer Callum Robinson struck in the 77th minute to restore Cardiff's lead.

But Alassana Jatta equalised from the edge of the box five minutes later to ensure the contest ended level.

The Bluebirds kick-start their 2025-26 League One campaign against Peterborough United at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, 2 August (12:30 BST).

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Cardiff City let a two-goal lead slip as they drew 2-2 with Queens Park Rangers.

Callum Robinson and Rubin Colwill both scored for the Bluebirds in the opening half in the behind-closed-doors fixture at the TSG Training Centre.

Karamoko Dembele responded for the Championship side before half-time, with Jaylan Pearman netting in the second-half to ensure the contest ended level.

Cardiff conclude their summer schedule against Notts County at Meadow Lane on Saturday, 26 July (15:00 BST) before starting their League One campaign against Peterborough United in the Welsh capital a week later (12:30 BST).

Image source, FAW

Long-serving Cardiff City Women player Danielle Green has announced her retirement at the age of 30.

Green, a wing-back or left winger, has been with the club since 2012 and was named player of the season in 2022-23.

Cardiff paid tribute to Green's "stellar career" on social media, adding: "Thank you Danielle - 13 years as a Bluebird."

"I just want to thank the club and all of the staff involved in the women's team for giving me this opportunity over the years to play for this club," Green said.

"To the fans, I want to thank them for their ongoing support, every week, every single season.

"To the players, I just want to thank each and every one of you, past and present, for the support and helping me be a better player on the pitch. I've met friends for life.

"Finally, I want to thank my family for supporting me in those wet, windy and cold conditions."

Image source, FAW

Cardiff City Under-21s won a penalty shootout at Ammanford to claim a place in the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.

After the tie finished goalless on 90 minutes, Darren Purse's young Bluebirds progressed thanks to successful spot-kicks from Luke Pearce, Jac Thomas and Troy Perrett, with Ammanford missing all three of their penalties.

Cardiff's youngsters reached the last four of the competition last year.

Image source, Getty Images

Cardiff City secured a pair of wins as they faced Cambridge United in two behind-closed-doors pre-season fixtures.

Isaak Davies, Callum Robinson and Chris Willock were all on the scoresheet as Brian Barry-Murphy's side won the first 60-minute fixture 3-1 - with Shayne Lavery scoring for the League Two side.

Yousef Salech and Cian Ashford both netted in the second contest as the Bluebirds won 2-0 - with 23 Cardiff players featuring across the pair of fixtures.

Cardiff return to action with a pre-season friendly against Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers at the TSG Training Centre on Wednesday, 23 July (14:00 BST).

Barry-Murphy's side kick-start their League One campaign against Peterborough United on Saturday, 2 August (12:30 BST).

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Cardiff City Supporters' Trust (CCST) has questioned the Bluebirds' handling of attempts to purchase the club by a consortium that includes Gareth Bale.

Wales legend Bale is fronting a bid to take over his hometown club, with the 111-cap former international recently stating the group have submitted "a brand new offer" for Cardiff owner Vincent Tan to consider.

The League One side have not publicly commented on the situation, although the CCST has sought clarification on the matter from the club.

And in a statement, the fans' body expressed disappointment over Cardiff's failure to issue a public statement that it says would give supporters the "clarity they deserve".

A statement read: "You will recall that, when reports first emerged of a bid to acquire Cardiff City, we contacted the club to seek clarification.

"We received a response that no formal bid had been made but a notice of intention to make such an offer had been received.

"Since then, speculation regarding a bid has significantly ramped up not just on social media but also in the national press.

"Reports that a quantified bid has been made, together with interviews with Gareth Bale who is reported to be involved with a consortium, is causing consternation amongst the fanbase who, in our view, should be kept in the picture.

"We have since contacted directly the three Europe-based directors of the club seeking further clarification of the situation and asking for an official public statement to be made.

"We received a reply that the club are not prepared to make a public statement in response to what they say are 'rumours'.

"To say that this is a very unsatisfactory situation is an understatement. The club need to confirm the position so that supporters get the clarity they deserve. We will continue to press the club to make a formal statement."

Speaking in June, Bale said it would be "a dream come true" to purchase the Bluebirds, outlining his desire to take the club back to the Premier League.

On the group's latest bid, the former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Los Angeles forward told Front Office Sports Today: "We think it's a great offer, one that we're very happy with.

"We think it's very fair, if not more than fair, and it's something we hope the current owners will take seriously.

"We'd love them to accept so we can take full control and get on with what we want to do and create Cardiff into a club that we know it can be."