David Murphy Interview

**~~BOB MARLEYS DUG~~** · 05-12-2016 03:50 PM

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/spo...-david-murphy/

***Oscar T Grouch*** · 05-12-2016 04:27 PM

For those not wanting to click a sun link:

PLAYING for boyhood favourites Middlesbrough in the English Premier League was fabulous for David Murphy.

But pulling on a Hibs jersey was an even greater experience for the Englishman.
Four years in Leith did nothing for his north-east accent, but it did everything for his sense of footballing contentment — and there’s joy for Murphy at being involved again at Easter Road.

He said: “I had three and a half years with Hibs and they were the happiest times of my life.

“It was a young vibrant squad and, at the time, managed by a young vibrant boss Tony Mowbray.

“He brought back the feelgood factor to the club and there were some brilliant young talents in the likes of Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson, Steven Whittaker, Derek Riordan and Garry O’Connor.

“Middlesbrough were my club as a kid. I played for them from eight year old. My uncle was a mad Boro fan, he used to buy me a season ticket and we’d go along and watch. It was the days of Juninho, Ravanelli, Emerson and Bryan Robson.

“I made my Boro debut in the League Cup against Northampton Town in September 2001 and I scored. It was actually 9-11, I think that’s the only reason I remember it. I was 17 and I think I’m the sixth youngest to play for the club.

“A few months later I played in the Premier League — a 2-1 win over Fulham — and also in the team were the likes of Gareth Southgate, Paul Ince, Alen Boksic and Benito Carbone.

“It was a thrill to play for Boro. But by far, my best spell as a player was at Hibs. We won the League Cup in 2007 and that was a magical day.

“By the end I wanted to return to the highest level in England and I signed for Alex McLeish’s Birmingham City where I’d get an League Cup medal, although as an unused sub.

“But if that Hibs team had stayed together we would have won the league.”

Murphy, like every player forced to prematurely hang up the boots, will always remember clearly the circumstances — and, of course, the shattering diagnosis.

He said: “I had six to nine months off after having to quit as a player and it was a tough time.
“The specialist told me straight if I continued playing I’d need a knee replacement within 12 months. I couldn’t ignore his words.

“It was the last thing I wanted to hear, especially at 30. You want to be able to play with your kids.

“There was no way I was going to jeopardise the quality of my future life and the consequences of that for my family. There’s more to life than football.

“However, I was stunned that at just 30 I was finished as a footballer. It was hard to take.

“When you’re a player you soon get into a routine. You know what you’re doing every day and everything’s taken care of. You plan your month out. Routine is key to a footballer’s life, it’s something I’ve always had.

“So when suddenly it’s not there, and you’re having to find your own path, it’s extremely difficult.

“As a footballer you’re basically told where to be and what time to be there.

“The hardest part of retiring from football is trying to keep yourself busy, maintain a sense of daily purpose.

“When I finished at Birmingham City we decided to move back to the north-east, thinking it would be better for the kids growing up and they could also be closer to their grandparents.

“But it’s probably not been a great move for us and that’s more to do with opportunities for me being very limited.

“For that first year my wife would say I was generally frustrated, getting up in the morning and not having a real purpose. But I needed that time to reflect, to deal with my 14 years in the game being over. To come to terms with it all.

“I had my low points, although never depression. I still had down days because you can’t replace what football gives you. But, ultimately, I told myself there were others far worse off than me.

“By and large I’m a happy person, I look at the positives. The bottom line is I still had 14 years as a player and played for great clubs, playing at the highest level and winning a few medals. I’m very grateful for that.

“I had to pick myself up. I couldn’t feel sorry for myself. But I still had to make sense of it all in my mind. Some guys, though, have to retire at 20 and don’t even get a career. I got the dreaded verdict on my knee injury just after Christmas, 2013. It’s approaching the third anniversary.

“The actual injury was cartilage related. It was an impact injury. November, 2012, I went in for a normal tackle in a game against Ipswich. I won the ball, but somehow my knee twisted and I ended up with a hole in my cartilage.

“I had an operation and the normal recovery time was ten months. I gave mine 11 months, came back and played six games.
“I actually remember the last game I played, against Derby County, was the best it ever felt.

“I finished the game, my knee felt good and my reaction was ‘I’ve sorted things’.

“But then on the Monday morning my knee blew up after a bike session. That was it. I didn’t recover from that.

“Injuries are part of the game. Yes, it was unfortunate for me, but I’ve still got my health and I’m moving on. I’ve had a terrific career in Scotland and England.”

I get high from a try

ENGLAND at Wembley or England at Twickenham?

It’s a question David Murphy considers for a few seconds before responding ‘TWICKENHAM’.

Rugby was a close second to football for schoolboy Murphy before Middlesbrough insisted he could no longer carry on with the oval ball. That forced the issue.

Now he’s free to make his own choice and more often than not he prefers the side led by Dylan Hartley rather than Wayne Rooney.

Murphy was recently at Twickers to see Eddie Jones’ England beat South Africa. He said: “I’m an England fan, no matter what the sport is.

“Going to Wembley is fantastic, it’s an amazing venue.

“But I really enjoy rugby and I was down at Twickenham a few weeks back for the South Africa game. It’s just a great day out. I was also up at Murrayfield last February for Scotland-England.

“So I try to get to as many international games as I can.

“My brother-in-law played locally and I used to go and watch him in action. I played at school until I got told by Middlesbrough I couldn’t. I was 12, 13 and the opinion was ‘You can’t be doing that’.

“So that made sure my focus was purely on football and I can only be thankful for the career I had.

“ But rugby’s a great sport and, to be honest, I’d probably go to Twickenham ahead of Wembley.

“You go to a game for the atmosphere — and the atmosphere for the rugby is better.”

FOR many, the chance to spend days watching football on a laptop and be paid for it sounds like a dream job.

But for David Murphy it became too much to bear.

So he quit his post within Middlesbrough’s recruitment department earlier this year.

Since then Murphy has dabbled with a few business interests and also reconnected with Hibs, often travelling from his Yorkshire home to be a match-day host at Easter Road.

Shirt sponsors Marathonbet are paying for a fleet of 11 buses to take Hibees fans to Greenock on December 17 for the match against Morton.

Joining them on the journey will be club legends Murphy, Mickey Weir, Jim Leighton, Kevin Thomson and Pat Stanton.

Murphy, who could move to Edinburgh early next year, said: “At Boro, I’d have the responsibility of keeping an eye on what players were emerging in League One and Two and Scotland.

“I’d sit and watch footage of games over the weekend on my laptop. But I eventually found that the hardest part, sat in the office watching game after game. I’m not one for sitting down for too long anyway.

“I started the job in February. But within six weeks I knew it wasn’t for me and I’ve never regretted it.

“But since then it’s been great to become involved with Hibs again. I was up for the League Cup Final and there’s been games this season too. It means a lot to be welcomed.”

Life and times

DAVID PAUL MURPHY was born on March 1, 1984, in Hartlepool.

He was brought up as a diehard Middlesbrough supporter and became a schoolboy signing at 13.

Murphy eventually progressed to the Riverside first team under Steve McClaren in 2001.

The powerful left-back made 16 appearances before joining Tony Mowbray’s Hibs on a free transfer in 2004 and really making his name.

He was part of a dynamic and exciting young side at Easter Road which featured the likes of Scott Brown, Garry O’Connor and Derek Riordan.

In four years at Easter Road he played 134 games and was part of the 2007 League Cup winning side, beating Kilmarnock 5-1 in the final. Celtic were interested in the ex-England youth ace but it was Alex McLeish who won his signature for Birmingham City in 2008, shelling out £1.8 million.

He was an unused sub for Brum in their sensational 2011 League Cup Final triumph over Arsenal.

Murphy suffered knee cartilage damage in November 2012 which was expected to keep him out for the rest of the season. After ten months out, he returned to first-team action in September 2013.

But sadly in 2014 — aged only 30 — he was forced to quit playing due to a knee injury.

Since then he had a brief spell as a Middlesbrough scout while he’s also been involved at Hibs as a match-day host.

**NAE NOOKIE** · 05-12-2016 04:54 PM

Great player in his time at Hibs ..... as he said, if we had been able to keep Mowbray's team together for a few years we could have won the league, the only Hibs team I can remember who could visit Celtic park and Ibrox in the premier league and have them worrying about how we were going to play.

**Smartie** · 05-12-2016 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by NAE NOOKIE

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Great player in his time at Hibs ..... as he said, if we had been able to keep Mowbray's team together for a few years we could have won the league, the only Hibs team I can remember who could visit Celtic park and Ibrox in the premier league and have them worrying about how we were going to play.

That game at Ibrox when Murph scored the winner and at times we were keeping the ball for fun.

One of my favourite days following Hibs.

***Johnny_Leith*** · 05-12-2016 05:04 PM

Prior to 21st May he was my favourite ever Hibs player, great player for us!

**Babyshamble** · 05-12-2016 05:06 PM

His free kick against st Johnstone at tynecastle was superb.loved him.

**ancient hibee** · 05-12-2016 05:07 PM

That article should be compulsory reading for talented players p&&&ing their careers away.

**Hi Heid Yin** · 05-12-2016 05:26 PM

Murphy, for me, sits along side Erich Schaedler as the best left back I have witnessed playing for our beloved club.
I'm delighted that he has returned to ER in a different capacity and that he is talking of moving to Edinburgh in the new year.

***HibbyAndy*** · 05-12-2016 05:27 PM

What a player eh..Absolutely loved David Murphy.

***The Modfather*** · 05-12-2016 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by Smartie

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

That game at Ibrox when Murph scored the winner and at times we were keeping the ball for fun.

One of my favourite days following Hibs.

I was there too. Still remember Sportscene showing our 30 odd passes where Rangers couldn't get near us before fouling. Didn't even lead to a chance, football perfection. Rob Jones was immense, never seen someone win so many headers when Rangers went long.

The good moments under Collins were up there with the best. Shame it all went pear shaped in the end.

**Nicho87** · 05-12-2016 05:55 PM

Best left back ive had the pleasure of seeing in the flesh wearing the hibs jersey. His first touch was something messi would adore.

***jacomo*** · 05-12-2016 05:56 PM

There's been a lot recently from ex players about what Hibs means to them. Stokes, King Dom, Murphy... all speak very fondly of the club. Love it!

**~~calumhibee1~~** · 05-12-2016 05:58 PM

One of my favourite ever players. The most sublime first touch you'll ever see.

**Highland_Hibee** · 05-12-2016 06:03 PM

David Murphy and not to forget Steven Whittaker were a joy to behold as attacking full backs.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**~~Deansy~~** · 05-12-2016 06:09 PM

Murphy was just pure class !

***Bishop Hibee*** · 05-12-2016 06:11 PM

Great interview from a great player.

**Betty Boop** · 05-12-2016 06:36 PM

And so good looking !

**Big_Franck** · 05-12-2016 06:59 PM

Best left back i've seen play for Hibs. Although he'd left us years before, when I read he'd have to retire early I was gutted for him. Glad to hear he's involved with our club again.

***Jonnyboy*** · 05-12-2016 07:06 PM

Great bloke and a great first touch! Murph is always welcome back at ER

***Baader*** · 05-12-2016 07:22 PM

Fantastic player and great to see he is back at ER from time to time. A place where he is always welcome.

**hibbysam** · 05-12-2016 07:45 PM

I used to love when he hogged the terracing touchline, all of the play down the right and instead of tucking in, he stayed as wide as he could, cross field pass, sublime first touch, and murph was away. Either ball into riordan down the line who cut in and scored, or a diagonal to O'Connor who brought it down and brought riordan or brown into play. Aww man bring those days back...

***CockneyRebel*** · 05-12-2016 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by hibbysam

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I used to love when he hogged the terracing touchline, all of the play down the right and instead of tucking in, he stayed as wide as he could, cross field pass, sublime first touch, and murph was away. Either ball into riordan down the line who cut in and scored, or a diagonal to O'Connor who brought it down and brought riordan or brown into play. Aww man bring those days back...

When I describe him to folk they think I'm exaggerating but I know class when I see it.

**mjhibby** · 05-12-2016 08:38 PM

Can't separate him and Ulrick laursen. An effortless mover who glided over the pitch and who only ended up at us due to his injuries. A lovely guy by all accounts and it seems he loved his time at er. The Killie final was just awesome and the wins at Celtic and sevco will live long in the memory. A top,top player.

***JoeT_WasTheBest*** · 05-12-2016 09:48 PM

I remember him in one of his first games, v Rangers at Ibrox. He had a mare of a first half and I worried we had brought in a dud. Thankfully I was completely wrong, he was just not fit yet and went on to become a brilliant player for us.

**hibsbollah** · 05-12-2016 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by mjhibby

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Can't separate him and Ulrick laursen. An effortless mover who glided over the pitch and who only ended up at us due to his injuries. A lovely guy by all accounts and it seems he loved his time at er. The Killie final was just awesome and the wins at Celtic and sevco will live long in the memory. A top,top player.

I liked Laursen but Murphy was a far classier performer IMO. A good shout for starting LB in Hibs All Time Legends team.

**Forza Fred** · 06-12-2016 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by hibsbollah

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I liked Laursen but Murphy was a far classier performer IMO. A good shout for starting LB in Hibs All Time Legends team.

No disrespect to David, but some of us old timers who remember John Parke, may suggest he would be the left back.

***Kato*** · 06-12-2016 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by Forza Fred

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

John Parke,

One of Pat Stanton's favourite ever Hibs players.

***Hiber-nation*** · 06-12-2016 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by Forza Fred

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

No disrespect to David, but some of us old timers who remember John Parke, may suggest he would be the left back.

I was too young to see John Parke (my first game in 1966) so I can say without doubt that David Murphy was the best left back I've seen play for Hibs.

***oneone73*** · 06-12-2016 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by Hiber-nation

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I was too young to see John Parke (my first game in 1966) so I can say without doubt that David Murphy was the best left back I've seen play for Hibs.

Better than Shades, then? Close call, but it's Erich for me