Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy says his side aim to disprove pundits who have dismissed them as relegation candidates in 2026-27. Asked about a successful season, Barry-Murphy said: "We don't know. I think one of the beauties of this season is that, for a lot of us, we're going into the unknown." He added: "Our feeling is that we can surprise a lot of people. We have a real hunger and appetite to improve on what we did last season."

Barry-Murphy is preparing for a blockbuster start against Welsh rivals Wrexham at Cardiff City Stadium on 17 August. The former Manchester City academy coach says he is unsure if more signings will be completed before the derby. Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan remains the only outfield player recruited this summer. "I don't think so," said Barry-Murphy when asked if Cardiff were close to a new signing. "Our focus is purely on the game on Monday."

Barry-Murphy said injured Wales forward Rubin Colwill could return for Wrexham's visit, but fellow international Dylan Lawlor is unlikely to be fit.