The Irishman oversaw his second and the EDS’s third consecutive Premier League 2 title last season – an unprecedented achievement at Under-21 level.
Speaking in the third and concluding episode of 3in3: How City’s EDS made history, our new three-part documentary series charting the story of our Under-21s’ PL2 title hat-trick which is published later today on CITY+ and Recast, Barry-Murphy highlighted that unity and togetherness as the key component.
The last episode of 3in3 majors on last season’s defining 3-1 success at Blackburn in late April - a result that secured a third straight title for City.
For their part, the players also point to the huge role played by Barry-Murphy himself along with his talented coaching squad in helping City maintain that remarkable record of success.
“You have this core group of players in the group who almost form a bedrock or cornerstone of what we want the dressing room to look like,” Barry-Murphy pointed out.
“Last season it was Oscar Bobb and Shea Charles and if these guys can then pass on their experience, then it almost becomes a senior dressing room where the older players look after the younger ones.
“People say to me what is the most significant of building that culture and camaraderie or close team spirit and I would say it’s that feeling of having players who have been there before.”
Attacking midfielder Micah Hamilton echoed that point, adding: “There are a few of us who have been here a long time and grown up together which really helps.
“And even with the newer boys we are all tight and it helps on the pitch when we are battling it out with other teams.”
“I feel like as a team it’s one of the ones that I’ve felt is most together. If anything has gone against us, we just like really gelled together and help each other out,” said central defender Finley Burns.
“The title is also a credit to the staff. Without them wouldn’t have won it.”
That point of unity binding together a special band of Blues brothers was amplified by a number of Barry-Murphy’s young charges.
To a man they pointed to his guidance and encouragement along with that of his committed staff as being hugely significant.
“Brian is a great coach and one of the big reasons why we’ve had the success we have had this season,” young striker Will Dickson asserted.
EDS Player of the Year Oscar Bobb, who has impressed on City’s senior tour to Asia, echoed that sentiment, saying: “He has created this culture of around the squad where everyone is respected and what you do in training matters.”
Australian international midfielder Alex Robertson further took up that theme, saying: “The way we play, and the way Brian has got us playing is really good.
“If we are at our best on the day, I think we are unstoppable for teams.”
A fitting final word in the documentary was provided by former Academy Director Jason Wilcox ahead of his summer departure to become Director of Football at Southampton.
He pointed to the way City’s Academy had become a centre of excellence in creating great professionals and great people.
“We’ve developed staff for the first team, women’s team and beyond,” the former England international pointed out.
“You are seeing great result by great people in a great culture.
“Manchester City’s Academy is a really special place.”
Episode three of 3in3: How City’s EDS made history - Derby Days is available to watch today from 17:00 (UK) on CITY+ and Recast.
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