Cardiff have secured promotion from League One and now face a massive challenge, says former Premier League manager Tony Pulis, who believes the club must step up a level to compete in the Championship. Pulis praised the Bluebirds' 2025 season - finishing 2nd with 91 points, 27 wins, 10 draws and 9 losses - but warned that stronger opposition awaits.
Pulis called Cardiff a "massive football club" that has always belonged in the Premier League, even though they are currently preparing for a Championship campaign. He highlighted the club’s identity under manager Brian Barry-Murphy, noting the attractive style of play that helped them bounce back after a single season in League One.
The club have already added Lincoln midfielder Jack Moylan, a 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international, as part of their preparation for the second tier. In May, they also turned loan goalkeeper Nathan Trott’s spell into a permanent deal, securing his services after a successful promotion-winning campaign.
Pulis stressed that recruitment and investment go hand-in-hand. "If you've got the investment and the recruitment right, then you've got a chance," he said. He believes the club’s recent form - 3 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses in the last five games, with a recent 5-4 loss to Mansfield Town on 2 May 2026 - shows both promise and the need for further strengthening.
With a goal difference of +40 after scoring 90 and conceding 50 this season, Cardiff sit 12 points behind leaders Lincoln in the title race. Pulis expects Brian Barry-Murphy to continue shaping the club’s identity, and he remains optimistic about the bright outlook as the team prepares for the Championship challenge ahead.
