Football Season Guide

The future looked bleak for Cardiff when they finished rock bottom of the Championship in 2025, but the club underwent a huge transformation to bounce straight back up. The appointment of largely unproven Brian Barry-Murphy and a focus on developing young players was a massive risk on paper but one that paid off in spades. Barry-Murphy made Cardiff one of the most exciting sides to watch in the entire EFL. They were the best possession side and top scorers in League One with 90 goals. The Bluebirds fielded a team with the youngest average age in the division and they all took on the extra responsibility with great aplomb. The likes of Rubin Colwill, Yousef Salech, Joel Bagan, Dylan Lawlor, Ronan Kpakio, Cian Ashford and Joel Colwill were all under 24 years old when the season started but played pivotal roles in the club’s 2nd place finish. The key issue for Cardiff this season will be whether they can translate Barry-Murphy's ambitious playing style at a far more challenging level in the Championship. The success rate hasn’t historically been great for teams attempting this and many are forced to become more pragmatic. In amongst the expansive football and vibrant young squad, experienced midfield workhorse Ryan Wintle was named Player of the Season. The club’s failure to tie him down to a new contract in the summer may prove costly. Wintle did the dirty work which allowed the youngsters to thrive. Cardiff have brought in just one new face in the summer transfer window by prising midfielder Jack Moylan away from fellow newly-promoted side Lincoln. Nathan Trott was a revelation in goal last season and making his loan permanent is an important piece of business, but much more will need to be done if they are to compete at this level.