Cardiff City secure promotion after one season away, capping a dominant League One campaign with a 3-1 victory
CARDIFF City have sealed an immediate return to the EFL Championship after a commanding 3–1 victory over Reading on Saturday (April 18), capping a superb campaign in League One.
Backed by Malaysian owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the Bluebirds still had three fixtures left before promotion could be mathematically confirmed. However, results elsewhere rendered that unnecessary. A dramatic late equaliser from Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft against Stockport County ensured Cardiff could not be caught in the automatic promotion race.
Celebrations erupted at the Select Car Leasing Stadium at full-time, with players, staff, and chief executive Ken Choo joining nearly 3,000 travelling fans in jubilant scenes.
It marks a remarkable debut season for head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, whose side have delivered 25 league wins and demonstrated impressive consistency throughout the campaign.
“It’s a very special time, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” Barry-Murphy said. “The scale of today is only just sinking in, but what excites me most is the potential within this squad. We’ve got a lot of young players who’ve gained valuable experience, and that should drive them on next season.”
Midfielder Rubin Colwill, who found the net against Reading, admitted the moment was hard to put into words.
“I honestly don’t know what to say. It means everything to us,” said the 23-year-old academy graduate. “We’re such a tight-knit group — many of us have come through together — and this is what we’ve dreamed of since we were kids.”
Cardiff’s promotion completes a swift turnaround after finishing bottom of the Championship last term. They currently sit second with 85 points from 43 matches, holding an unassailable 11-point cushion over Bolton Wanderers, who have just two games remaining.
At the summit, Lincoln City have already secured the League One title, racking up 97 points from 44 outings with two matches still to play.
