Joe Ralls to leave Cardiff City after 15 years as Brian Barry-Murphy makes first big call
Joe Ralls to leave Cardiff City after 15 years as Brian Barry-Murphy makes first big call
The midfielder and club captain will leave the club he joined back in 2010
Joe Ralls of Cardiff City
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency )
Cardiff City legend Joe Ralls will officially leave the club at the end of this month, putting an end to his 15-year career with the Bluebirds.
It is understood club captain Ralls, 31, held talks with new manager Brian Barry-Murphy this week and it was decided that the midfielder would leave upon the completion of his contract at the end of this month. He made 409 appearances for Cardiff, scored 34 goals and helped the club to two Premier League promotions during his stellar stint in the Welsh capital.
It is a mark of the man that, even knowing he would fall one game short of triggering an automatic one-year extension, he still played the final two matches of last season not fully fit in a bid to help the club stay in the Championship.
The decision to let Ralls leave is a major first call for new manager Barry-Murphy in the first week of his new job and perhaps points towards how he wants to shape his squad this summer and beyond.
Ralls' industry, bite and leadership were all admirable qualities, however the Irishman clearly wants to go a different way in terms of the technical make-up of that midfield. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
On a similar note, it is also understood that Andy Rinomhota, who this year won the Players' Player of the Season, is likely to leave this month, too.
Article continues below
It is rare for one player to have such longevity in football these days and he will doubtless leave with the best wishes of the Bluebirds faithful and, indeed, owner Vincent Tan.
"Players like Joe Ralls don't come around very often in the modern game. Joe has displayed incredible loyalty and love throughout his 15 years here," Tan said in a statement.
"Whether it has been in the midfield, or showing leadership behind the scenes, and always joining in with our community, he has been a figurehead and a gentleman in everything he does. He has the respect of everyone at Cardiff City Football Club. Thank you, Joe."
Ralls features in the top 10 of all-time appearance-makers for Cardiff City. He would have climbed higher in that list, too, were it not for his injury record over recent seasons.
But with a new manager at the helm and the club readying themselves for the unfamiliar challenge of League One, all parties decided this was the best call in the interest of Cardiff City moving forward. It is understood the player already has offers on the table.
"It has been a great pleasure to work with a consummate professional and wonderful human in Joe," said chairman Mehmet Dalman.
'He has led by example every single day. We wish nothing but the utmost success to Joe for the remainder of his playing career and thank him immensely for his efforts with the club.'
CEO and executive director Ken Choo said: 'Joe has been a wonderful representative for our football club over the past 15 years. His story from the academy to leading the team is a great inspiration to those coming through.
'I'd like to personally thank Joe for everything he has done for Cardiff City and wish him luck in the future.'
Article continues below
The club have already confirmed Aaron Ramsey, Jamilu Collins, Raheem Conte, Anwar El Ghazi, Kieron Evans, Dimitrios Goutas and Yakou Méïté will leave this month, too, with Rinomhota also likely to join that group. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Marcus Rashford issues Barcelona come-and-get-me plea in clear hint over future
Marcus Rashford has been tight-lipped on his uncertain future so far this summer but now the Manchester United star has broken his silence, hinting at a dream move to Barcelona Marcus Rashford has dropped his biggest hint yet that he wants to join Barcelona. The Manchester United star, 27, appears to have no future at Old Trafford after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim and being loaned out for the second half of last season. Rashford's brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, was seen meeting Barca sporting director Deco in Catalunya last month. The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January but the Premier League club look to have seemingly decided against exercising their option to sign him for £40million. That's the fee which United are continuing to hold out for and if no buyer is found, he'll return to United for pre-season training and their subsequent tour of the United States. But if Barcelona can work out a deal, Rashford has already given them the green light. Speaking while on holiday in Marbella, Rashford was asked by Spanish YouTube channel XBuyer whether he wants to play with Barca wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the future. "Yeah, sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best," the forward replied. "So hopefully, we'll see..." Continuing to praise Yamal, Rashford said: (Yamal) is gonna be… it's difficult to put into words what he's doing because he's not supposed to be doing it at 16, 17. He's playing at the highest level, I don't think we've seen it. To have his mentality is a skill. "He's not normal to be doing what he does and he will keep improving. (The Ballon d'Or) If you look at it in football ability he has to win, but then you look at Ousmane Dembele, the Champions League." The 27-year-old then sent a message to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, suggesting that he can be Robert Lewandowski's long-term successor up front. "For me as I've got older, the No.9 position is becoming more comfortable, more natural," Rashford added. Would Marcus Rashford be a success at Barcelona? Give us your prediction in the comments section. Barca fans will also be take note of his comments about life in Spain. "Spain is nice, it's not too far from home," he continued. "If I'm training over a long period, my family can come for a few days, it's a nice location and good weather." Rashford also revealed how he looked up to former Barcelona forward Thierry Henry during his childhood. He explained: "Henry was comfortable playing off the left and in the middle, he's free flowing. When I was young I always enjoyed watching clips of him." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Gareth Southgate REJECTED for Poland job as chief reveals reason why
Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been turned away in his bid to return to international football management – with Poland rejecting his offer to become their new head coach. Southgate led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final during his eight years at the helm, stepping down last summer after Euro 2024 final heartbreak against Spain. The 54-year-old insisted last year he was in 'no rush' to return to management but Polish daily newspaper Przeglad Sportowy this week claimed Southgate submitted an application to take the reins at Poland. In an interview with the same publication, the president of the Polish Football Association, Cezary Kulesza, has confirmed the former defender was interested in the role. But with 'no guarantee of success' in employing a foreign coach, Southgate's application was rejected. 'We have received an offer to hire him, but we must remember one basic thing: no foreign coach will give us a guarantee that we will qualify for the World Cup,' Kulesza said. 'If he gave us such a guarantee, I would hire him immediately.' Kulesza pointed to the example of Fernando Santos' recent reign in charge as Poland boss to support his reasoning for not considering Southgate. Santos managed his home country Portugal for eight years following a stellar career at club level across Europe. But his disastrous spell in charge of Poland lasted less than 10 months, criticised for poor performances and not attending Polish league matches. 'Fernando Santos is a perfect example,' Kulesza said. 'A successful coach, a big name, everyone applauded, and the verification was surprising and painful for all of us.' Poland are instead hoping to appoint Maciej Skorża. The experienced coach is in charge of Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds who are currently competing in the Club World Cup in the United States. Poland are looking for a new head coach after the sudden resignation of Michal Probierz last week. His decision came after Robert Lewandowski, the country's record goalscorer, said he would not play for his country while Probierz is in charge. More Trending Southgate meanwhile was briefly linked with the Manchester United job last year but indicated last October he would take at least a year out of the game. 'I won't coach in the next year for sure, I'm certain of that,' Southgate said in October. 'I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time. 'I'm enjoying my life, so there's no rush. I'm fortunate that there are lots of opportunities presenting themselves.' MORE: Premier League club favourites to sign Jack Grealish as Manchester City set asking price MORE: England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard backed for Premier League job MORE: Kyle Walker agrees to join Premier League club ahead of Manchester City exit
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Former Championship manager, 44, now working at Bristol Airport as picture of him in uniform goes viral
Gaffer has done a whole host of interesting and different jobs over the years TAKE A SECOND LUKE Former Championship manager, 44, now working at Bristol Airport as picture of him in uniform goes viral Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER Championship manager has swapped wingers for wings - by taking a job at Bristol Airport. And fans could barely believe their eyes as he opted for a high-viz instead of a high line. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Luke Williams was dismissed as Swansea manager in February Credit: Getty 2 He has taken on a new job helping those with mobility difficulties at Bristol Airport Credit: Ex-Swindon and Notts County chief Luke Williams was Swansea boss from January 2024 until his sacking in February 2025. The London-born gaffer, 44, was placed on gardening leave. But despite no doubt receiving a pay-off from the Welsh club when axed four months ago, he was keen to do something worthwhile during his time out of the game. So much so that as he awaits a new stint in a dugout, kind-hearted Williams has undertaken a gig helping disabled and limited-mobility passengers around the Bristol Airport terminal, as reported by The Athletic. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL MARC MY WORDS Man Utd outcast Rashford says he wants to join Barca in come-and-get-me plea He started the job two weeks ago. And it did not take long for a photo of him at his new workplace to go viral. The snap showed humble Williams wearing his yellow reflective vest uniform and lanyard coming out of the lift in Bristol. An X user wrote: "Luke Williams gone from managing the Swans to working in Bristol Airport, someone check VAR." CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS One replied: "He's just doing this because he's bored, he genuinely doesn't care about others' opinions and you have to respect it." Another commented: "Fair play to the guy." Former Premier League manager is told 'f--- you' by his own player before he shushes him in furious Club World Cup row A third joked: "Managing in the top flight." A fourth added: "Cardiff City fan here with nothing but respect for this. Call me woke if you want. (*best believe I'll turn up in full bluebirds kit when I fly out next week)" And a final person typed: "Clearly has a massive work ethic. Good luck to him!" Williams told The Guardian in 2024 that he places a strong emphasis on commitment and dedication, declaring: "In my opinion, motivation in life is everything." He also revealed how he loaded lorries for BHS and drove minibuses to and from nightclubs and airports to fund his early coaching career. In those days, he collected £1.50 for every player who attended his sessions. Williams also applied for an electrician course when he left his coaching role with Swansea under Russell Martin in 2022.
