Tanner full of praise for 'unbelievable' Barry-Murphy

Cardiff City's Ollie Tanner is relishing life under 'unbelievable' manager Brian Barry-Murphy.

The winger has not had it easy since joining the Bluebirds in 2022 under Steve Morrison.

With managers chopping and changing the winger has struggled for consistent minutes.

From scoring in the south Wales derby to a disappointing loan at York and being hampered with recent injuries, it has not been an easy ride for the 23-year-old.

But since the appointment of Brian Barry-Murphy this summer, Tanner has looked rejuvenated and signed a new four-year deal with the bluebirds.

"When the manager came in, I think it was within three or four days I said to the club that I'd love to stay longer", said Tanner.

"He's been unbelievable, with my management after the injury.

"Every chance that he saw me he wanted to sit down and talk, when I was returning he would always stay out and do extra training with me.

"He is the best manager I've ever worked with, he's fantastic."

Tanner impressed on his return to the starting 11 away at Leyton Orient last Saturday, his first start since breaking his ankle in August.

He is looking to continue his hard work and help the Bluebirds in their promotion push this season.

"My aim every day going into training and games is to repay him and and repay this club for what they've done for me.

"I just want to contribute in every way that I can, scoring goals, giving assists and working hard for the team", he said.

Despite a tough few months, Tanner is not the only City player to have struggled with injury this season.

Eli King was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury in August, while Rubin Colwill has been out since November with an ankle injury.

The winger highlighted the importance all three had in supporting each other during the tough times.

"It wasn't nice at all but to have someone there with you we supported each other throughout and I still speak to him daily about his injury and he's progressing really well." Tanner said on King's injury.

"We're a very tight group and we all support each other."

Barry-Murphy's youthful Bluebirds are four points clear at the top of the table leaving the City faithful dreaming of a return to the Championship.

Although chants of his name can be heard around, Cardiff's manager cannot help but give the credit to Tanner and his team mates.

"[Tanner's] a huge player for us. We wanted to get him back as soon as possible", said Barry-Murphy.

"He's done a great job over the course of his rehabilitation and it gave us all a great lift to see him start and perform in the manner he did against Leyton Orient."

"We never want to lose any players, but you don't want to lose players of that caliber who are so important for us."

The Bluebirds will look to extend their lead at the top of the table when they travel to Bradford on Saturday (12:30 GMT).