Danny Murphy (footballer, born 1982)


Daniel Thomas Murphy is an English-born Irish footballer who plays as a left back. Currently without a club, Murphy has previously played for Queens Park Rangers, Swindon Town, Margate, Cork City, Motherwell, Shamrock Rovers and Leatherhead, as well as Dunfermline Athletic on loan.

Career

In England

Murphy, a left full back, previously played for Queens Park Rangers, Swindon Town, and Margate.

Queens Park Rangers

Murphy started his youth career at West Ham United before moving across London to sign YTS forms with Queens Park Rangers. After some fine performances amongst the youth and reserve sides Murphy was rewarded with a two-year professional contract upon his 17th birthday. Danny was handed his debut in a 3–2 win against Chesterfield under manager Ian Holloway and went on to make 24 league and cup appearances over the following two seasons.

Swindon Town and Margate

Upon Murphy's release from QPR he agreed to join Swindon Town after a successful pre-season trial. Although the deal was in place, the move failed to be finalised due to financial problems at the Wiltshire-based club. Dropping out of the Football League, Murphy then joined conference side Margate in the fifth tier of English football. Although becoming first choice left back, Danny decided to join Cork City after only 12 games at the club.

Cork City

He signed for Cork City in 2004 and made his League of Ireland debut on the opening day . He helped them win the League of Ireland title in 2005. He became a fan favourite at Turners Cross and earned him the sobriquet The Cockney Rebel.

Motherwell

Murphy joined Motherwell on 1 January 2007 when his contract at Cork expired, making his debut as a substitute in the Steelmen's 1–0 defeat by Rangers the following day. Murphy followed up his Motherwell debut with some fine displays at Hibernian and Celtic and added his first league goal at Dundee United before an ankle injury cut short his season.

Dunfermline Athletic

By November 2007, Murphy had fallen out-of-favour under new manager Mark McGhee and he was loaned to First Division side Dunfermline Athletic until January. After some good form with the Pars, new manager Jim McIntyre decided to extend Murphy's loan deal to the end of January.

Return to Cork

On 25 February 2008, Murphy returned to Ireland, re-signing with Cork City under new manager Alan Mathews. He was released in 2010 as a result of the club's financial difficulties.

Shamrock Rovers

Murphy signed for Shamrock Rovers in February 2010 on a two-year contract. He won his second League of Ireland Premier Division title while at the club, while finishing as runner-up in the FAI Cup. Murphy's contract was mutually terminated in December 2010 so he could return south to be near his family.

Cork City

Murphy rejoined Cork City in December 2010.

Honours

Cork City
Shamrock Rovers