I’m not used to this. Sitting at my laptop and writing about yet another positive Cardiff display. Usually, I’m really trying to accentuate the positives, or as its otherwise known, polish the turd. Brian Barry-Murphy’s Cardiff are the real deal though and their sights are firmly set on promotion. The truth is that they always have been.
From the first game, it was evident that this is a different beast. This Cardiff worship the ball, they don’t shy away from it. They put the work in to make their own luck. If they fail, it on their own terms, then they learn from it and put it right the next time. This has rarely happened in recent years and is why they currently ply their trade in League One. Make no mistake, this is exactly where they deserve to be.
Cardiff are the total sum of years of mismanagement and no one is pretending that those problems have gone away. The structure remains unfit for purpose, despite the remarkable job Barry-Murphy has done. He did not appear to be the board’s first choice and probably wouldn’t have gone for him had Cardiff remained in the Championship. This reset was enforced, not chosen, but it was the best thing that could have happened to them. Relegation is supposed to be a punishment, but it has ended up like spending time in rehab, with the end product being a healthier, happier football team.
Embed from Getty ImagesBarry-Murphy’s background was in youth football, so he already knew about the potential in the young group he inherited. It was one of the elements that attracted him to the post. He knew that they were capable of more than they’ve been able to produce in a broken structure, with confidence in very short supply. He supplemented what he had with a few key signings, that have all thrived and aided his cause. No one expected this though.
When Cardiff drew away at Port Vale in their second game of the season, they showed none of the verve or class of their opening day victory against Peterborough. They misplaced simple passes, were intimidated and the confidence seemed to drain from them. For supporters, this was the real Cardiff, the one we had become accustomed to. A run of bad results would surely follow, along with the usual pressure and disappointment. They instead responded by putting three past Rotherham.
This has been the running theme of the season. Every disappointment has been chased by an ever more impressive response. The home defeat against Bradford was followed by beating Premier League Burnley in the EFL Cup. The smash and grab by Burton preceded a thrilling victory against Leyton Orient. Lose to Bolton, beat Wrexham. You get the picture.
Cardiff’s biggest disappointment yet, getting overwhelmed and overpowered by Plymouth, was then followed by what can now be considered characteristically thrashing Doncaster in their finest and most complete performance of the season. All the excuses were already there; the hangover, the tricky opponent, the paddy field pitch, but the win was never in doubt and the performance was as assured as it was comprehensive.
Embed from Getty ImagesNo one expects Cardiff to fold anymore and that is perhaps the greatest achievement. The culture has changed, on the pitch and in the stands. A titanic clash awaits with Lincoln at the weekend and were Cardiff to win, they would have one foot in the Championship. Were they to lose, their redemption at Barnsley next Tuesday will probably be something to behold.
Whether or not Cardiff can once again thrive in the Championship remains to be seen. As hard as they now work, they still lack pace and it is a high tempo division. Barry-Murphy is a student of the game though, so will know this already. Having a manager you have total faith in is a beautiful, rare thing, so where I once used to fret about these things, I know the team is in the safest of hands so am more than happy to go wherever I’m driven. All of the above makes him Cardiff’s most prized asset though and holding on to him is of paramount importance. The house of cards depends on it.
League One has been Cardiff’s happy place, but their recent accounts highlight the hit that they’ve taken by dropping down a level. Despite all the fun, the club have had to eat shit and promotion is essential if this group is to stay together and fulfil their potential. The job is not yet done and let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but we’ve served our time and after a remarkable, regenerative season, its time to finish the job and give this team the platform they now deserve.