The fact he has instigated this change by building his team around a core of local young players has endeared him further to a fanbase who had started to view attending games as something of a chore.
Now there is pleasure in watching Cardiff. They are the top scorers in League One, four points clear at the summit, and Tuesday’s cup tie was this fledgling group’s first chance to test themselves against elite opposition.
Cardiff took on the challenge with gusto, shackling Chelsea with a disciplined and physically intense defensive display, while also sticking to their attacking principles whenever they had possession.
“I’m very proud of all the players and the effort they put in, the performance. It’s probably just the hope that kills you when you score a goal,” said Barry-Murphy.
“I felt we were in the ascendancy and had a great chance to maybe grab a winner, but it wasn’t to be. It was a great occasion for everyone.”
Cardiff will have earned plenty of new admirers. Premier League clubs had already been eyeing up some of their burgeoning talents, and players such as Dylan Lawlor looked like they were born to play against high-class opposition.
Barry-Murphy will also have enhanced his reputation, pitting his wits against his former Manchester City coaching colleague, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
