Middlesbrough FC have Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy on 'radar' - but could face Celtic 'fight'
Middlesbrough reportedly have Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy on their radar - but could face a battle with Celtic.
The hunt for a new head coach is on at the Riverside with Rob Edwards closing in on a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Edwards’ assistant Adi Viveash was at the helm over the weekend, leading Middlesbrough to a 2-1 win over Birmingham City with Edwards stood down.
Although players and staff stepped up admirably, there will be a determination to ensure the hiring process is not a lengthy one.
Cardiff City boss linked with Middlesbrough
According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Barry-Murphy is on Middlesbrough’s list of potential successors.
The 47-year-old, who represented Sheffield Wednesday in his playing days, has been in charge of Cardiff City since June. He has steered the Bluebirds to fourth in the League One table, overseeing eight wins in 14 games.
A highly-rated coach, Barry-Murphy previously assisted Ruud van Nistelrooy as a first-team coach at Leicester City and led Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad.
It has also been suggested he is of interest to Scottish giants Celtic, who are temporarily being managed by Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers.
Also thought to be in the frame for the Riverside role is ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O’Neil, who was sacked by Wolves in December last year.
Adi Viveash response
Viveash, who led Middlesbrough to a victory at the weekend, remained coy when quizzed about potential interest in the role post-match.
He said: “The only thing I am interested in is finishing this interview and having a glass of red wine. Today is about the players and supporters. Tomorrow is another day and life moves on.
“That is a subject for the club and the powers that be. I am grateful to be given an opportunity and thankfully we have given them a good day at the end of a difficult week.
“Today is all about the players and supporters, they dovetailed amazingly well, joined together to show the best of an amazing club. It was special to witness it, never mind work in it.
“Footballers are resilient, their job is to produce for the club they play for. We showed a lot of grit, desire, and I would say that has been apparent in most games this season. If you work hard, luck falls on you.”