Joe Murphy (footballer, born 1981)

Joseph Murphy (born 21 August 1981) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for EFL League Two club Tranmere Rovers.

Joe Murphy
Personal information
Full name Joseph Murphy[1]
Date of birth (1981-08-21) 21 August 1981 (age 43)[2]
Place of birth Dublin, Ireland
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
Tranmere Rovers
Number 13
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2002 Tranmere Rovers 63 (0)
2002–2005 West Bromwich Albion 6 (0)
2004–2005Walsall (loan) 25 (0)
2005–2006 Sunderland 0 (0)
2005–2006Walsall (loan) 14 (0)
2006–2011 Scunthorpe United 201 (0)
2011–2014 Coventry City 137 (0)
2014–2017 Huddersfield Town 9 (0)
2015Chesterfield (loan) 0 (0)
2017Bury (loan) 16 (0)
2017–2019 Bury 63 (0)
2019–2020 Shrewsbury Town 4 (0)
2020– Tranmere Rovers 39 (0)
International career
2000–2002 Republic of Ireland U21 10 (0)
2003–2010 Republic of Ireland 2 (0)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Republic of Ireland
UEFA Euro U-16
Winner 1998 Scotland
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 00:43, 1 December 2023(UTC)

Murphy began his career with Tranmere Rovers, and has since represented eight other clubs, making over 500 appearances in the Football League and playing twice in the Premier League for West Bromwich Albion in 2002.

Born in Dublin,[2] he was capped twice by the Republic of Ireland at international level in 2003 and 2010.

Club career

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Early career

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With his first club, Tranmere Rovers, Murphy played in the 2000 Football League Cup final against Leicester City, before joining West Bromwich Albion in July 2002.[3] With his first touches in a Premier League game, Murphy saved a Michael Owen penalty following the sending off of Russell Hoult.[4] He spent the majority of the 2004–05 season on loan at Walsall. In August 2005, he moved from West Brom to Sunderland, but was again loaned to Walsall during 2005–06.[5]

Scunthorpe United

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Murphy signed for Scunthorpe United in May 2006 after being released by Sunderland.[6] He had an excellent 2006–07 season, and was an integral part of the team that led Scunthorpe to the League One trophy. He was in the League One team of the season, and also won the golden glove (award for most clean sheets). He was also named League One player of the month for February 2007.[7] On top of this, he hit the crossbar during Soccer AM's crossbar challenge. His clean sheet in Scunthorpe's 2–0 home victory over Burnley on 30 September 2007 earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Week.[8] He made the Team of the Week once more following his side's 1–0 victory over Charlton Athletic in February.[9]

Murphy enjoyed a good set of performances during the 2008–09 season but never caught the eye of Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni due to playing in the third tier. Murphy's performance in the League One play-off semi-final second leg against MK Dons helped the team proceed to the final as he kept a clean sheet in 120 minutes and saved two penalties in the shootout from Jason Puncheon and Jude Stirling.[10] Scunthorpe won the play-off final against Millwall.[11]

Murphy's contract was to end at the end of the 2008–09 season and there was much speculation as to where his future lay; many reports suggested that he would be moving to a much bigger club to gain international football for Ireland. This speculation was ended when he signed a one-year contract extension with Scunthorpe, extendable to 2011 if the Iron remained in the Championship. He told local newspapers that he signed the new deal because "He owed the club for all it has done for him".[citation needed] He was selected as a member of the League One team of the year for 2008–09.[12]

Murphy was one of seven players to be released by Scunthorpe in May 2011. He was not offered a new contract because of cost-cutting measures implemented after the team was relegated.[13]

Coventry City

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On 30 June 2011, Murphy joined Championship club Coventry City on a three-year deal.[14]

Huddersfield Town

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Murphy signed for Championship side Huddersfield Town on a two-year contract, with the option of a further year in the club's favour, on 17 June 2014. Although expected to start as 2nd choice, he aimed to challenge Alex Smithies for the goalkeeper spot.[15] After making his début in the League Cup first round match against Chesterfield in August, he would make his league début against Sheffield Wednesday on 22 November 2014.

Chesterfield (loan)

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On 9 May 2015, Murphy was sent on a week-long emergency loan to Chesterfield for their play-off campaign, following an injury to Tommy Lee.[16] Unfortunately, he couldn't help the Spireites get to Wembley, as they lost in the two-legged semi-final to Preston North End.

Bury

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On 30 January 2017, Murphy signed a loan deal with Football League One side Bury to the end of the 2016–17 season, making sixteen first team appearances.[17] He left Huddersfield on 1 July 2017 to sign a full contract with Bury and made eighteen first team appearances in 2017–18.[18] Bury were relegated to League Two in May 2018 but Murphy's contract was extended by one year and he has played in every Bury match of the 2018–19 season to date.[19][20]

Shrewsbury Town

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On 4 July 2019, Murphy signed for League One side Shrewsbury Town on a free transfer, signing a one-year deal, becoming the club's seventh summer signing.[21]

At the end of the season, Murphy was not offered a contract extension and was released by the club on 11 June 2020.[22]

Tranmere Rovers

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On 22 August 2020, Murphy signed a 1-year deal to rejoin Tranmere Rovers.[23] Having made 21 appearances the previous season, this was extended by a further year on 10 June 2021.[24] On 26 May 2022, Murphy extended his stay for a further 12 months, taking on the additional role of goalkeeping coach while remaining on the playing staff.[25] At the age of 41 years and 187 days, Murphy became the oldest player to represent Tranmere Rovers, keeping a clean sheet against promotion-chasing Stevenage in a 1-0 away win on 25 February 2023.[26]

On 26 June 2023, Murphy signed a 4th consecutive 12 month contract, continuing his role of goalkeeping coach while remaining on the playing staff supporting new #1 Luke McGee as coach and understudy.[27] On 29 August 2023, he started in the EFL Cup against Championship leaders Leicester City, 23 years after playing in goal for Rovers against Leicester in the 2000 final.[28][29] In April 2024, he signed a new one-year deal as player-coach.[30] On 27 August 2024, he started in the EFL Cup tie, again against Leicester City, who were now playing in the FA Premier League.

International career

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Murphy is a former member of the Republic of Ireland national under-21 team and has been capped twice at senior level for the Republic.[31] His first senior international appearance came in a 2-2 draw in a friendly at Landsdowne Road on 9 September 2003 against Turkey having come on as a 76th minute substitute for Nick Colgan.[32] His second, and final appearance came over 7 years later in 2010 as he appeared as an 86th minute substitute for Kieren Westwood in a 3-0 friendly win over Algeria at the Royal Dublin Society Showgrounds on 28 May 2010.[33]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 17 August 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Tranmere Rovers 1998–99[34] First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1999–2000[35] First Division 21 0 2 0 4 0 27 0
2000–01[36] First Division 20 0 0 0 1 0 21 0
2001–02[37] Second Division 22 0 1 0 3 0 1[a] 0 27 0
West Bromwich Albion 2002–03[38] Premier League 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0
2003–04[39] First Division 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
2004–05[40] First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Walsall (loan) 2004–05[40] League One 25 0 0 0 0 0 2[a] 0 27 0
Sunderland 2005–06[41] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Walsall (loan) 2005–06[41] League One 14 0 0 0 0 0 2[a] 0 16 0
Scunthorpe United 2006–07[42] League One 45 0 3 0 2 0 2[a] 0 52 0
2007–08[43] Championship 45 0 1 0 0 0 46 0
2008–09[44] League One 44 0 3 0 0 0 6[b] 0 53 0
2009–10[45] Championship 40 0 1 0 3 0 44 0
2010–11[46] Championship 29 0 1 0 2 0 32 0
Coventry City 2011–12[47] Championship 46 0 0 0 1 0 47 0
2012–13[48] League One 45 0 2 0 3 0 6[a] 0 56 0
2013–14[49] League One 46 0 5 0 1 0 1[a] 0 53 0
Chesterfield (loan) 2014–15[50] League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 1[c] 0 1 0
Huddersfield Town 2014–15[50] Championship 2 0 0 0 2 0 4 0
2015–16[51] Championship 7 0 2 0 1 0 10 0
Bury (loan) 2016–17[52] League One 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0
Bury 2017–18[18] League One 17 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 18 0
2018–19[20] League Two 46 0 2 0 1 0 3[a] 0 52 0
Shrewsbury Town 2019–20[53] League One 4 0 4 0 1 0 3[a] 0 12 0
Tranmere Rovers 2020–21[54] League Two 13 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 9 0
2021–22[55] League Two 17 0 0 0 0 0 3[a] 0 20 0
2022–23[56] League Two 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
2023–24[57] League Two 2 0 0 0 2 0 2[a] 0 6 0
2024–25[58] League Two 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Career totals 579 0 27 0 28 0 38 0 664 0
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Appearance(s) in the Football League Trophy.
  2. ^ Five appearances in EFL Trophy; one in EFL League One play-offs.
  3. ^ Appearance(s) in the EFL League One play-offs.

International

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As of match played 28 May 2010.[31]
International statistics
National team Year Apps Goals
Republic of Ireland 2003 1 0
2010 1 0
Total 2 0

Honours

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Tranmere Rovers

Scunthorpe United

Bury

Republic of Ireland U16

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Tranmere Rovers" (PDF). English Football League. p. 71. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream. p. 301. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  3. ^ "West Brom land Murphy". BBC Sport. 13 July 2002. Retrieved 5 June 2007.
  4. ^ "Baros ends Liverpool frustration". BBC Sport. 21 September 2002. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  5. ^ "Murphy returns to Walsall on loan". BBC Sport. 21 October 2005. Retrieved 5 June 2007.
  6. ^ "Scunthorpe sign up keeper Murphy". BBC Sport. 13 May 2006. Retrieved 5 June 2007.
  7. ^ "Murphy is handed League One prize". BBC Sport. 4 March 2007. Retrieved 5 June 2007.
  8. ^ "Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week (20/08/2007)" (PDF). The Football League. 20 August 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 May 2008. Retrieved 9 October 2007.
  9. ^ "Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week (04/02/2008)" (PDF). The Football League. 4 February 2008. Retrieved 22 February 2008.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "Iron on the spot to reach final". thenorthernecho.co.uk. 16 May 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  11. ^ "Millwall 2-3 Scunthorpe". BBC. 24 May 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  12. ^ a b "Giggs earns prestigious PFA award". BBC Sport. 26 April 2009. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  13. ^ "Murphy and Mirfin exit Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 20 May 2011.
  14. ^ "Coventry City sign sign Chris Dunn and Joe Murphy". BBC Sport. 30 June 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  15. ^ Thomson, Doug (17 June 2014). "Huddersfield Town sign Joe Murphy from Coventry City". Huddersfield Examiner. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  16. ^ "Experienced Keeper Signed on Loan". Chesterfield Football Club. 9 May 2015. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  17. ^ "Bury sign goalkeeper Murphy on loan". BBC Sport. 30 January 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  18. ^ a b "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  19. ^ "Neil Danns: Bury offer new contract to veteran midfielder". BBC Sport. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  20. ^ a b "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  21. ^ "Joe Murphy: Shrewsbury Town sign Bury goalkeeper on one-year deal". BBC Sport. 4 July 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  22. ^ "Retained List". Shrewsbury Town FC. 11 June 2020.
  23. ^ "Joe Murphy: Tranmere Rovers re-sign veteran goalkeeper". bbc.co.uk. 22 June 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  24. ^ "Joe Murphy signs new one year deal at Tranmere Rovers". tranmererovers.co.uk. 10 June 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  25. ^ "Joe Murphy: Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper signs new deal and takes on coaching job". bbc.co.uk. 26 May 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  26. ^ "Stevenage 0-1 Tranmere Rovers". tranmererovers.co.uk. 25 February 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  27. ^ "Joe Murphy: Veteran Tranmere Rovers keeper signs one-year deal and joins coaching staff". bbc.co.uk. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  28. ^ "Tranmere's Joe Murphy: 'Eight of the team weren't born when I made my debut'". Guardian. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  29. ^ "Tranmere Rovers 0 Leicester City 2". BBC Sport. 29 August 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  30. ^ "Joe Murphy signs new one-year deal as player-coach". www.tranmererovers.co.uk. 9 April 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Joe Murphy". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  32. ^ "Irish snatch draw with Turkey". BBC Sport. 9 September 2003. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  33. ^ "Rep of Ireland 3-0 Algeria". BBC Sport. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  34. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  35. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  36. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  37. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  38. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  39. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  40. ^ a b "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  41. ^ a b "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  42. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  43. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  44. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  45. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  46. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  47. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  48. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  49. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  50. ^ a b "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  51. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  52. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  53. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  54. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  55. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  56. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  57. ^ "Games played by Joe Murphy in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  58. ^ "Joe Murphy | Football Stats | Tranmere Rovers | Season 2024/2025 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
  59. ^ "Leicester triumph at Wembley". BBC News. 27 February 2000. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  60. ^ Pilnick, Brent (14 March 2021). "Sunderland 1–0 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  61. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2007). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2007–2008. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 47, 338–339. ISBN 978-0-7553-1664-9.
  62. ^ Fletcher, Paul (24 May 2009). "Millwall 2–3 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  63. ^ Fletcher, Paul (5 April 2009). "Luton 3–2 Scunthorpe (aet)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  64. ^
  65. ^ "Ronaldo secures PFA awards double". BBC Sport. 22 April 2007. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  66. ^ "League Two: Lincoln and Bury dominate PFA selection of team of 2018–19". BBC Sport. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  67. ^ The Football League (11 May 2007). "League To Honour Golden Six". The Football League. Archived from the original on 30 July 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
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