Brian Barry-Murphy looking confused in Cardiff City coat

Brian Barry-Murphy Imago

Ipswich Town next manager: Brian Barry-Murphy odds tumble in latest twist

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

16 Jun 2026, 9:29 am

Ipswich Town are increasingly likely to appoint Brian Barry-Murphy, according to one bookmaker, in what could be a surprise swoop for the Cardiff City manager.

The Tractor Boys are on the hunt for a new coach to lead them out ready for their return to the Premier League after Kieran McKenna suddenly resigned last week.

Plenty of managers have been linked to the post, and now Barry-Murphy has emerged as an outsider for the role.

One UK bookmaker has placed the odds of him sealing the job at 6/1 after they recently tumbled.

Barry-Murphy guided Cardiff City back to the Championship at first attempt this season as they finished second in League One.

Now, the 47-year-old could be set for a surprise jump into the Premier League as the Tractor Boys look to maintain their stay in the Premier League.

Brian Barry-Murphy has emerged as a bright upcoming manager

So far in his career, Barry-Murphy has impressed and emerged as one of Ireland’s best upcoming managers.

After two years at Rochdale, he took charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, leading them to successive Premier League 2 triumphs.

Since joining Cardiff City in 2025, his eye-catching work has continued, which has led to him being linked to numerous roles, including the current vacancy at Ipswich Town.

The Tractor Boys are hoping to avoid an immediate return to the Championship next season, and they may view Barry-Murphy as the best candidate to avoid this fate.

'Ipswich Town to be owed £10m' in Kieran McKenna compensation as expiry timeline emerges

Who else is linked to the Ipswich Town job?

Currently, the favourite for the Ipswich Town job is Kjetil Knutsen at 5/4.

The 57-year-old is currently the manager of Bodo/Glimt and led the Norwegian side on a memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals this season.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is also in the mix at 6/4. The former Manchester United manager has not returned to the dugout since he was sacked at Besiktas in August.

Other potential outsiders include Gary O’Neil and Liam Rosenior at 7/2 and 5/1.

The former is currently the manager of Strasbourg in Ligue 1, and has had a successful reign since his appointment in January.

In comparison, Rosenior is still a free agent after he was sacked by Chelsea in April after a string of poor results.

Brian Barry-Murphy

Ipswich Town Football Club