**Cardiff City Set to Strengthen Coaching Ranks with Appointment of Kevin Gibbins Amid Staff Changes**
Cardiff City are on the verge of bolstering their first-team coaching structure, with former Rochdale head of football science and performance Kevin Gibbins expected to join Brian Barry-Murphy’s backroom staff. This follows an ongoing reshaping of personnel behind the scenes at the club, just weeks into Barry-Murphy’s nascent tenure as manager.
Since taking up the role two weeks ago, Barry-Murphy has begun to put together a new team, already bringing in Lee Riley—his trusted assistant from Manchester City’s academy. The recent departures and arrivals reflect the club’s efforts to rejuvenate a staff line-up that was largely wiped clean after the turbulent end to last season, which saw the exit of Erol Bulut and his assistant Omer Riza.
As part of these changes, Cardiff City’s previous head of performance, Jonny Northeast, announced his departure just days prior to news of Gibbins’ impending arrival. Northeast, who came to Cardiff in late 2022 after a spell with Turkish giants Besiktas, revealed he would be pursuing a new opportunity elsewhere, marking the end of his 18-month stay in South Wales.
During what has become a transitional period for Cardiff, academy strength and conditioning coach Arron Garrett was seen stepping in to help the senior squad through the interim phase. This move highlights the club’s commitment to maintaining stability, even as the composition of Barry-Murphy’s permanent staff continues to evolve.
Kevin Gibbins is no stranger to the footballing world. The 39-year-old enjoyed a playing career as a midfielder with Rochdale before retiring in 2006. He subsequently carved out a career in sports science, starting as an analyst with Rochdale’s academy in 2013 before becoming head of football science just a year later. Gibbins’s expertise helped shape the club’s approach to player development and conditioning.
Gibbins briefly departed Rochdale for the 2018-19 season to serve as first-team fitness and conditioning coach at Wigan Athletic, but his affinity with ‘The Dale’ drew him back. His most recent stint at Rochdale saw him working closely under Barry-Murphy from 2019 to 2021—Barry-Murphy himself having played for and managed the club before his switch to Manchester City.
This reunion in Cardiff underlines a clear trust between manager and new recruit—an important factor as Barry-Murphy seeks to cultivate the right blend of experience and innovation on his staff. Their shared history at Rochdale should help smooth Gibbins’ integration into life at the Championship club.
While the turnover continues, one familiar face is set to remain at Cardiff City. Goalkeeper coach Gavin Ward, a former Bluebirds player and the last from Omer Riza’s team, will continue in his post after it was widely believed he might depart. Although his contract was reportedly due to expire, negotiations appear to have secured him a new deal amidst reported interest from Millwall.
These staff changes come at a crucial time for Cardiff, as Barry-Murphy aims to implement fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose following a season marked by instability. Supporters will be eager to see how the new additions can help the team progress, both in terms of fitness and tactics, under the stewardship of a manager determined to make his mark.
As pre-season preparations intensify, all eyes will be on how the new backroom setup complements the playing squad in what is shaping up to be an intriguing campaign for the Bluebirds.