Linfield's William wanting to conquer more

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William Murphy will play his testimonial match this weekend

Friday, May 09, 2008

By Steven Beacom

Open William Murphy up and you'll find blue blood. He's Linfield to the core. A Blueman through and through.

At 34 now, he has reached the veteran stage, but he is still a kid compared to team-mates Noel Bailie and Glenn Ferguson.

Like those two Linfield legends, Murphy's hunger and desire remains as intense as ever.

The Irish League season has just finished with Linfield bagging a treble yet the man known as "Winkie" is already saying how determined he is to claim more silverware next season!

Tomorrow though he can relax as he plays his testimonial match at Windsor Park with Linfield taking on a Rangers Legends Select.

It is a well deserved reward for a dedicated footballer who has given his all every time he has put on a Linfield shirt — that's 463 times at last count.

The love affair started when Murphy was a youngster.

He said: "I grew up supporting Linfield cheering on the likes of Lee Doherty, George Dunlop, Lindsay McKeown and David Jeffrey so to play for the Blues really was a dream come true for me.

"When I made the move from Ards it was a big deal for me, though I was behind four or five players in terms of getting a game at centre-back.

"I played at left-back and in midfield before getting a chance at centre-back. I remember it was a Tuesday night and we were playing Coleraine in a Cup match.

"Jeff Spiers had a chest infection and David Jeffrey asked me if I was good enough. Well, you don't say no do you, so I played and have been there ever since partnering Noel Bailie."

And what a job that pair have done over the years, despite the constant pressure to deliver.

"There is a great deal of expectation attached to playing for Linfield. You really have to do it year in year out and it does take a special type of player to handle that," he says.

"I love it and I certainly want to continue with the Blues and hopefully I'll be offered a new contract. I'm as hungry as ever."

It's that sort of attitude that has brought Murphy so much success with the Blues.

He adds: "I've had so many highlights, like winning my first league championship with Linfield down in Coleraine. There was also the Setanta Cup win in 2005, doing the Grand Slam, back to back doubles and then the treble this season.

"When you think about it we have had a brilliant run over the last few years but no one at Linfield rests on their laurels and even now we are thinking about doing the business next season."

In his late 20s, Murphy was linked with transfers across the water, but he insists he has no regrets about not making a move to England or Scotland.

"I've had a great career with Linfield and been lucky to have played with great players such as Stephen Beatty, John Easton, Bobby Geddes, Pat McShane, Tony Gorman, Glenn Ferguson, Alan Mannus, Peter Thompson and Noel Bailie, who I would rate as the best," said Murphy, whose children Caitlan and Jadyn will act as mascots at Windsor tomorrow.

The Rangers side will include Mark Hateley, Mark Walters, Graham Roberts, Trevor Steven and Nigel Spackman to name just a few. The star of the show though will be William Murphy.

Kick-off is 3pm. Tickets will be on sale at Windsor tomorrow.