Brian Barry-Murphy admits Cardiff City’s promotion celebrations mark “a new experience” in his coaching career as the Bluebirds prepare to host Port Vale on Wednesday (19:45 BST).
Promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt has looked inevitable for large parts of the campaign, but it was sealed in dramatic fashion last Saturday as Exeter City goalkeeper Jack Bycroft scored a 96th-minute equaliser against Stockport County to seal Cardiff’s return.
The Bluebirds were already five points clear of third-placed Bradford City on New Year’s Day, and that advantage has only continued to grow – now standing at 11 points to third-placed Bolton Wanderers.
While Lincoln City won the League One title with a 2-0 win over Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, Barry-Murphy’s men have also stamped their authority on the division, losing just eight matches all season.
Despite Wednesday’s game offering little tangible to play for in league terms, Barry-Murphy has insisted his side are determined to continue their winning momentum as fans expect.
That stands in contrast to Port Vale, who arrive at Cardiff City Stadium knowing that anything other than a victory would confirm their relegation to League Two.
“It’s a new experience for me,” the Irishman said on BBC 5 Live’s Monday Night Club.
“Normally I’ve always had something on the line or been fighting at the other end of the table.
“I quickly realised that our club is a huge club, and we expect the attendances on Wednesday and Saturday to be enormous.
“So, I always think for the supporters, if we can keep winning and try and put on really good performances, that’s the best way – so we’re trying to do our best to win all the games.”
Cardiff head into the contest in strong form seeking to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Five more points from the remaining fixtures would see the Bluebirds equal their highest-ever points tally of 90, achieved under Neil Warnock during the 2017-18 Championship season.
In that campaign they finished runners-up to Wolverhampton Wanderers – a side they will face again next season as Wolves’ relegation to the Championship was confirmed after West Ham United’s draw at Crystal Palace on Monday.
Port Vale, meanwhile, offer a note of caution for the hosts. Jon Brady’s side are unbeaten in their last four matches and have shown resilience during a critical stage of the season.
However, their struggles away from home remain evident, with the Valiants managing just five away wins all campaign.
But Port Vale have already proved they can be tough customers for their high-flying hosts, as they look to upset the promotion celebrations having frustrated the south Wales side in a goalless draw on the opening day of the season.
Barry-Murphy’s side will be keen to show how far they have progressed since that afternoon and toast promotion in front of their home supporters in fine style.