Barry-Murphy grateful to fans in 'magical' season
[Huw Evans Picture Agency] Brian Barry-Murphy says Cardiff City's final day contest with Mansfield Town was an opportunity for fans to celebrate his side's "magical season". Having already secured promotion to the Championship, the Bluebirds signed off their 2025-26 campaign with a 5-4 loss to Nigel Clough's side. But while disappointed with aspects of his side's loss at Mansfield - particularly the first half display which saw them trail 3-0 at the break - Barry-Murphy insisted defeat by the Stags would not detract from what has been a memorable campaign for his side.
"I wouldn't let it take away from what the players have done this season," said the Cardiff head coach. "You saw the support we had today, it was incredible. It's been a magical season for us.
"Today was about celebrating our club, our supporters being present and trying to give them one last sign of what we can do. Hopefully the next step is around the corner. " Barry-Murphy spent time posing for photographs and talking with fans in the aftermath of the contest with Mansfield.
"Firstly, what they've done for us, the support we've had at every away ground has been incredible," he added. "The amount of time it takes for them, and the expense, it's not lost on us. "One of the things we spoke about at half time, we had a strong obligation to make them feel they can be proud of us in the second half, and we did that.
"So, always, we feel as if we have to play for them and make sure we do them proud every week. "