Cardiff have 'swagger' under Barry-Murphy

5 days ago 2

Chris Willock believes Cardiff City have developed a "swagger" under Brian Barry-Murphy which can help the Bluebirds realise their promotion ambitions.

Having been relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in 22 years last season, Cardiff head into 2026 at the top of League One.

Winger Willock says there is much hard work to come before Cardiff can celebrate a Championship return.

But the 27-year-old says there is a growing confidence within Barry-Murphy's squad that they can achieve their aim – and it is showing on the pitch.

"I think it's a togetherness that we're building," Willock said.

Willock had a hand in the late goal which saw Cardiff come from behind to beat Stevenage on Monday, with his shot diverted into the net by Yousef Salech.

Cardiff's latest victory - the seventh in their past eight league games - means it is 16 points won from losing positions this season.

"Even if we go a goal down, it doesn't matter, we keep believing in ourselves and we know with our style of play we're going to hurt teams," Willock added.

"You feel it on the pitch, that the whole team knows we have a chance to come back from any position and nothing's done until the final whistle.

"I think we're playing really good football with a lot of confidence and swagger – and that's what we wanted to do. That's what the manager wanted to implement from the start of the season and we're seeing the fruits of our labour now."

After relegation in his first Cardiff season, Willock is among the experienced players who have flourished alongside a number of talented youngsters this term.

"Of course last season was disappointing, not just for me, but as a collective," the former Queens Park Rangers player added.

"It was hard to take positives, but this season has been refreshing. It's been good to see the young players coming and getting an opportunity - and I think it's been a good for the club and for the future.

"You can see players thriving and enjoying their football. I think all of our players are enjoying their football right now and let it continue."

Cardiff are three points clear of second-placed Lincoln City - and four better off than Bradford City in third - going into their New Year's Day fixture at ninth-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

Despite the healthy league position, Willock insists Cardiff will "keep pushing" under former Manchester City academy coach Barry-Murphy.

"We'd be naive to just sit back and say 'we're halfway there' when there are so many points to play for," he added.

"Brian's a very good young coach with a lot of insight in the game. We believe in him as a manager and I'm sure there's more to come from us and more to come from him."

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