As Newport County prepare to take on Cardiff City in the Vertu Trophy, we take a closer look at the Bluebirds.
Cardiff City’s Story
Founded in 1899 as Riverside A.F.C., the club adopted the name Cardiff City in 1908, joining the Southern Football League two years later and entering the English Football League in 1920. Over the years, Cardiff City has spent 17 seasons in the top tier of English football, with their longest spell lasting from 1921 to 1929. Their most recent Premier League campaign came in the 2018–19 season.
Cardiff City remains the only club from outside England to have won the FA Cup, lifting the trophy in 1927. The Bluebirds have also reached three other major English cup finals — the 1925 FA Cup final (vs Sheffield United), the 2008 FA Cup final (vs Portsmouth), and the 2012 Football League Cup final (vs Liverpool) — narrowly missing out on victory in each.
In recent decades, Cardiff have spent the majority of their time competing in the Championship, with occasional spells in both the Premier League and League One.
The Head Coach
Brian Barry-Murphy was appointed manager of Cardiff City at the start of this season, replacing Omer Riza. He signed a long-term deal and has brought a fresh, modern approach to a side coming off their worst league finish in recent years.
A former midfielder, Barry-Murphy’s playing career included spells with Cork City, Preston North End, and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as appearances for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s. During his time in England, he also featured for Southend United, Hartlepool United, and Bury, where he famously scored Bury’s 1,000th goal in the fourth tier — making them the first club to reach that milestone across all four divisions.
He joined Rochdale in 2010, later combining duties as first-team coach while still registered as a player. In March 2019, Barry-Murphy took over as caretaker manager following Keith Hill’s departure and was soon appointed permanent manager, guiding the club through a challenging period before stepping down in June 2021.
After leaving Rochdale, he spent three years within Manchester City’s academy, developing young talent and refining his coaching philosophy. In December 2024, he joined Leicester City as a first-team coach under Ruud van Nistelrooy before taking on his current role at Cardiff City.
The Captain
Since joining Cardiff City, Callum Chambers has become a commanding presence and natural leader at the heart of the defence. Appointed club captain, he brings Premier League experience, composure, and professionalism to a youthful Bluebirds side.
A product of Southampton’s academy, Chambers went on to play for Arsenal, Fulham, and Aston Villa, earning recognition for his versatility and intelligent reading of the game. Now at Cardiff, he’s the steadying influence at the back — vocal, disciplined, and unafraid to set high standards for those around him.
Under Chambers’ captaincy, Cardiff have developed a stronger defensive identity and a renewed sense of belief. His calm authority and wealth of top-flight experience have helped guide younger players, while his consistency and professionalism have set the tone for the squad’s ambitions this season.
Key Player
Born in Northampton in 1995, Callum Robinson came through Aston Villa’s academy before going on to play for Preston North End, Sheffield United, and West Bromwich Albion, earning a reputation as a lively, hard-working forward. A regular for the Republic of Ireland national team, he has been recognised for his sharp movement, creativity, and ability to produce big moments in attack.
Since joining Cardiff City, Robinson has established himself as one of the side’s most reliable and experienced performers. Capable of operating anywhere across the front line, he combines energy and intelligence with a consistent end product. Now in the 2025–26 season, Robinson continues to play a pivotal role in Cardiff’s push to regain their Championship status, providing leadership and attacking quality to a squad full of emerging talent.
