Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is blocking out the external noise. With his team's recent form under scrutiny, the manager insists his sole focus is on securing what he calls an "extraordinarily special" promotion to the Championship.

The Bluebirds find themselves in a strong but precarious position. Sitting second in League One, they hold a valuable seven-point cushion over third place. However, with just six games remaining and a recent dip yielding only two wins in their last eight outings, fan frustration has surfaced, including boos after a recent home draw.

Barry-Murphy, appointed last summer, is leaning on his experience to navigate the pressure. "Anyone's opinion is valid," he stated, "but it's not part of our focus." He emphasized a shift from his younger coaching days, choosing now to channel energy solely into the next challenge rather than defending against criticism.

That next challenge is a massive one: a home clash against promotion rivals Bolton Wanderers this Saturday. It's the kind of high-stakes fixture where composure and focus are paramount. Barry-Murphy is adamant about avoiding distractions, dismissing points targets and permutations as a "waste of time" that detracts from the immediate task.

He acknowledges the supporters' right to their feelings but is steering his squad's attention toward the "great opportunity" at hand. With automatic promotion firmly in their grasp despite the recent stumble, Cardiff's destiny remains in their own hands as they enter the critical final stretch of the season.