Cardiff's priorities as they plan for Championship

Now they are back in the second tier, the need to strengthen is clear.

Although Barry-Murphy is coy about his transfer plans, some board members reckon the Bluebirds need between four and six signings.

Midfielders, wingers and full-backs appear to be priorities, though the squad would benefit from bolstering in all areas.

"I think the manager deserves that right in the summer to get a bit of money to strengthen the squad so they're competitive next season," said former Wales and West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon, who was part of the last Cardiff team to win promotion from the third tier to the second in 2003.

"That step up is quite big into the Championship and, for sure, there will probably have to be tweaks to the squad."

Continue to nurture young talent

Image caption,

Premier League clubs are believed to be tracking Cardiff centre-back Dylan Lawlor

One of the most striking elements of Cardiff's success this season has been the development of their young players.

Barry-Murphy signalled his intent in the first game of the season against Peterborough, naming the youngest Cardiff starting line-up for a league fixture this century.

His faith in the academy graduates has been repaid handsomely, with Dylan Lawlor, Cian Ashford, Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies and Ronan Kpakio all catching the eye at different points this season.

Playing in League One has benefited them enormously - as if they have dropped down a division to spend a season on loan together at a lower level.

What remains to be seen is how they deal with the Championship.

It is also easy to forget that vice-captain Rubin Colwill is still only 23. Having burst on to the scene as a teenager, the Wales attacking midfielder has come of age this season.

"It's been an unbelievable season for everyone involved," Colwill said.

"A lot of the young lads have had really good seasons, and obviously getting promoted for everyone is amazing. It's been a pleasure to be a part of it."

Centre-back Lawlor has arguably had the biggest impact of those fledgling talents this season, making his Wales debut and looking remarkably assured over the course of his five caps to date.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move away – with German giants Bayern Munich among the clubs reportedly interested – and Cardiff will do well to keep him this summer.

But Barry-Murphy has shown how well he can work with young players, not only in the Welsh capital but during his time in charge of Manchester City's Under-21s, where he nurtured the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

Crucially, Cardiff will be protected financially should big clubs come calling for Lawlor, who signed a three-year contract extension last August to keep him at the club until 2028.