Josh Murphy Explained

Josh Murphy
Fullname:Joshua Murphy[1]
Birth Date:24 February 1995
Birth Place:Wembley, England
Height:1.73m (05.68feet)[2]
Position:Winger
Currentclub:Portsmouth
Youthyears1:2006–2013
Youthclubs1:Norwich City
Years1:2013–2018
Clubs1:Norwich City
Caps1:85
Goals1:11
Years2:2015
Clubs2:Wigan Athletic (loan)
Caps2:5
Goals2:0
Years3:2015–2016
Clubs3:Milton Keynes Dons (loan)
Caps3:42
Goals3:5
Years4:2018–2022
Clubs4:Cardiff City
Caps4:88
Goals4:10
Years5:2021–2022
Clubs5:Preston North End (loan)
Caps5:12
Goals5:0
Clubs6:Oxford United
Caps6:51
Goals6:6
Years6:2022–2024
Nationalyears1:2012
Nationalteam1:England U18
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2012–2014
Nationalteam2:England U19
Nationalcaps2:11
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2014
Nationalteam3:England U20
Nationalcaps3:3
Nationalgoals3:1
Club-Update:28 April 2024 (UTC)
Years7:2024–
Clubs7:Portsmouth
Caps7:0
Goals7:0

Joshua Murphy (born 24 February 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger for Portsmouth. He began his career at Norwich City, for whom he scored on his professional debut for in a League Cup match against Watford, and later played for Cardiff City and Oxford United.

Club career

Norwich City

Murphy, along with his twin brother, Jacob, first played football together from the age of seven[3] and eventually, they both joined Norwich City as under-12s in 2006.[4] It was announced on 31 March 2011, that the brothers joined the club's academy ahead of a new season.[5]

2012–13 season

Murphy's first involvement in the Norwich first-team came on 26 September 2012 when he was named as an unused substitute in the club's 1–0 Football League Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers.[6] He was a part of the Norwich City youth team who won the 2012–13 FA Youth Cup where he scored in the final against Chelsea.[7] Murphy signed his first professional contract for Norwich City alongside his brother on 4 January 2013.[8] [9]

2013–14 season

He made his professional debut on 24 September 2013, replacing Bradley Johnson in the 67th minute of Norwich's Football League Cup match against Watford, with Norwich 2–0 down. He scored his first professional goal in the 77th minute to pull the score back to 2–1. Norwich eventually went on to win 3–2 in extra time.[10] He made his league debut on 2 November 2013 as a half-time substitute for Steven Whittaker in Norwich's 7–0 league defeat against Manchester City. Then, in December 2013, both Josh and Jacob both signed a three-year contract with the club.[11]

His first senior start was in the FA Cup for Norwich City against Fulham. He set up the first goal and was eventually substituted for his brother Jacob Murphy.[12] In 2014, Josh was awarded Professional of the Year in the West Norfolk Sports Awards, as well as the special achievement award.[13] [14] Soon under management of Neil Adams, Josh had a long run in the first team, making appearance for Norwich City.[15]

2014–15 season

Following Norwich City's relegation to the Championship, Murphy made his first start of the 2014–15 season, where he played 90 minutes, and scored twice, which his twin brother Jacob provided one of the two goals Josh scored, in a 3–1 win over Crawley Town in the second round of the League Cup.[16] Murphy's first league goal game in a 3–1 win for Norwich over Blackpool on 27 September 2014.[17]

Wigan Athletic (loan)

With his first team opportunities limited, Murphy joined Championship club Wigan Athletic on a month's loan.[18] Murphy made his Wigan Athletic debut, coming on as a substitute for Jermaine Pennant in the 55th minute, in a 2–0 loss against Watford on 17 March 2015.[19] Murphy's five appearances at Wigan Athletic soon earned a loan extension until the end of the season.[20] However, Murphy was unable to help Wigan Athletic survive relegation and returned to his parent club.[21]

Milton Keynes Dons (loan)

On 21 August 2015, Murphy joined Championship club Milton Keynes Dons on a season-long loan.[22] He scored the winning goal on his debut in a 2–1 win over Cardiff City in the League Cup 2nd Round. On 26 September 2015, Murphy scored his first league goal in a 1–3 home defeat to Derby County.

On 3 May 2016, Murphy was named Milton Keynes Dons Players' Player of the Year 2015–16.[23] In total, Murphy made 46 appearances for the club, scoring 7 goals in all competitions. Murphy finished the season as the Dons' joint top goalscorer and achieved the most assists.

Cardiff City

On 12 June 2018, Murphy joined Premier League side Cardiff City on a 4-year contract for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £11 million.[24] He made his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2018–19 season as a substitute in place of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing during a 2–0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.[25] Following a short spell on the sidelines, Murphy scored his first Cardiff goal against Burnley, followed by his second in 4–2 win over Fulham.[26] [27] On 10 June 2022, Cardiff announced Murphy would leave the club when his contract expired on June 30.[28]

Oxford United

On 26 July 2022, Murphy signed a two-year deal with League One side Oxford United.[29] He scored his first goal for the club in a 4–2 league victory over Wigan Athletic on 13 February 2024.[30] On 18 May 2024, he scored both goals in Oxford's 2–0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the League One play-off final, securing his club's return to the Championship after a 25-year absence from the second tier.[31] Following promotion, the club confirmed that they were in discussions to extend Murphy's contract.[32]

Portsmouth

On 25 June 2024, Murphy signed a three-year contract, with a one-year extension available, with Championship side Portsmouth.[33]

International career

Both Murphy and his brother were called up by the England U18 team in October 2012[34] and made their U18's debut in a 1–0 win over Finland U19 on 13 November 2012.[35]

Then in early 2013, Both Josh and Jacob Murphy were called up by England U19[36] and their U19's debut in a 3–1 win over Denmark U19.[37] Then on 14 November 2013, Josh scored his first England U19 goal in a 4–1 win over Hungary U19.[38]

In late 2014, Murphy was called up by England U20[39] and scored on his debut on 5 September 2014, in a 6–0 win over Romania U20.[40]

Personal life

Murphy was born in Wembley, London. He is of Irish descent through his father.[41]

He is the twin brother of professional footballer Jacob Murphy. The twins have spoken about their close bonds and being there for each other.[11] Their parents and younger brother live in Downham Market and run the Arbuckles restaurant.[42]

While on the pitch, former manager Chris Hughton instructed the twins to wear different coloured boots so that he could tell them apart.[43] His uncle is former Ipswich Town footballer Tommy Parkin.[44]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Norwich City2012–13Premier League00000000
2013–14Premier League902021131
2014–15Championship131102200163
2016–17Championship2742031325
2017–18Championship3660033399
Total8511501070010018
Wigan Athletic (loan)2014–15Championship5050
Milton Keynes Dons (loan)2015–16Championship4253111467
Norwich City U23s2016–173535
Cardiff City2018–19Premier League2931000303
2019–20Championship 275430020338
2020–21Championship3221010342
2021–22Championship00002121
Total88106331209914
Preston North End (loan)2021–22Championship1200000120
Oxford United2022–23[45] League One230100000240
2023–24[46] League One2862010743810
Total5163010746210
Career total2833217415912932754

Honours

Oxford United

2024[47]

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: EFL: Club list of registered players . English Football League . 27 . 20 May 2017 . 10 October 2017.
  2. Web site: Josh Murphy . 11v11.com . AFS Enterprises . 10 October 2017.
  3. Web site: Barclays U21s: Murphy's twin ambition for Norwich . Premier League Official Website . 29 December 2014 . 30 October 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229135507/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/oct/barclays-u21-jacob-murphy-interview.html . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  4. News: Dream chance for nine Norwich City hopefuls. The Pink UN. 31 March 2011. 29 December 2014. 29 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141229134030/http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/dream_chance_for_nine_norwich_city_hopefuls_1_847433. dead.
  5. News: Dream chance for nine Norwich City hopefuls. Eastern Daily Press 34. 31 March 2011. 29 December 2014. 29 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141229134027/http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/dream_chance_for_nine_norwich_city_hopefuls_1_847433. dead.
  6. News: Norwich City 1–0 Doncaster Rovers. BBC Sport. 26 September 2012. 29 December 2014.
  7. News: Norwich beat Chelsea for Youth Cup. BBC Sport.
  8. Web site: Twins Jacob and Josh Murphy sign professional contracts with Norwich City – Norwich City FC – Eastern Daily Press . 4 January 2013 . Edp24.co.uk . 24 September 2013 . 3 November 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141103185755/http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/twins_jacob_and_josh_murphy_sign_professional_contracts_with_norwich_city_1_1783241 . dead .
  9. Web site: MURPHY TWINS SIGN PRO . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 4 January 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229132346/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/murphy-twins-sign-pro-579399.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  10. News: Watford v Norwich. BBC Sport . 24 September 2013.
  11. News: Norwich City twins Josh and Jacob Murphy sign new long-term deals at the club. Eastern Daily Press 24. 23 December 2013. 29 December 2014. 29 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141229135210/http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/norwich_city_twins_josh_and_jacob_murphy_sign_new_long_term_deals_at_the_club_1_3143370. dead.
  12. Web site: Manchester City 7, Norwich City 0. 2 November 2013. The Pink UN. 2 November 2013. 13 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140113172744/http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/manchester_city_7_norwich_city_0_1_2960960. dead.
  13. Web site: JOSH WINS LOCAL AWARD . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 30 January 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229141331/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/west-norfolk-awards-30-jan-14-1328828.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  14. Web site: 2013–14 NORWICH CITY ACADEMY AWARDS . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 10 May 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229142734/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/20140510-norwich-city-academy-awards-1544990.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  15. Web site: MURPHY LOOKING TO PUSH ON . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 23 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229141334/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/20140323-josh-murphy-norwich-city-1506462.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  16. News: Norwich City 3–1 Crawley Town. BBC Sport. 26 August 2015. 10 July 2015.
  17. Web site: Lewis Grabban and Josh Murphy goals send Norwich past Blackpool. The Guardian. 27 September 2014. 28 September 2014.
  18. Web site: JOSH MURPHY SIGNS ON LOAN. Wigan Athletic F.C.. 16 March 2015. 10 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130226/http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/wigan-athletic-sign-josh-murphy-on-loan-from-norwich-city-2338521.aspx. 2 April 2015 . live.
  19. Web site: REPORT: WIGAN ATHLETIC 0 WATFORD 2. Wigan Athletic F.C.. 17 March 2015. 10 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150705184016/http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/report-wigan-athletic-0-watford-2-championship-deeney-2341350.aspx. 5 July 2015 . live.
  20. News: Norwich winger Josh Murphy extendeds his loan at Wigan. Sky Sports. 16 April 2015. 10 July 2015.
  21. Web site: PLAYERS' CONTRACTS UPDATE. Wigan Athletic F.C.. 18 May 2015. 10 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150520183627/http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/wigan-athletic-players-contracts-summer-2015-retained-list-2461399.aspx. 20 May 2015 . live.
  22. Web site: Murphy makes Dons move. Milton Keynes Dons F.C. . 10 October 2017.
  23. Web site: Martin named Player of the Year. Milton Keynes Dons F.C. . 10 October 2017.
  24. Web site: Josh Murphy: Cardiff City sign Norwich City winger . BBC Sport . 12 June 2018 . 12 June 2018.
  25. Web site: Bournemouth 2–0 Cardiff City . BBC Sport . 11 August 2018 . 11 August 2018.
  26. News: Cardiff City 1–2 Burnley . BBC Sport . 30 September 2018 . 30 September 2018.
  27. News: Cardiff City 4–2 Fulham . BBC Sport . 20 October 2018 . 20 October 2018.
  28. Web site: 2021/22 Retained List Cardiff . 2022-06-10 . www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk . en.
  29. Web site: Josh Murphy Joins Oxford United . 26 July 2022 . Oxford United F.C. . 26 July 2022.
  30. Web site: REPORT Oxford United 4 Wigan Athletic 2 . Chris . Williams . 13 February 2024 . Oxfod United F.C. . 14 February 2024.
  31. Web site: Freeman . Jay . Bolton Wanderers 0–2 Oxford United . BBC Sport . 18 May 2024 .
  32. Web site: Oxford United Announce Retained List. Oxford United F.C. . 23 May 2024. 23 May 2024.
  33. Web site: Blues Bring In Murphy . 25 June 2024 . Portsmouth F.C. . 26 June 2024.
  34. Web site: ENGLAND U-18S CALL FOR MURPHY TWINS . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 11 October 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229140134/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/england-u-18s-call-for-josh-murphy-422113.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  35. Web site: MURPHYS SHINE FOR YOUNG LIONS . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 14 November 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229140056/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/murphys-shine-for-young-lions-486236.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead.
  36. Web site: TETTEY GETS NORWAY CALL . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 22 January 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229140859/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/february2013-call-ups-611887.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  37. Web site: INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 7 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229141235/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/round-up-feb-2013-642705.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  38. News: Norwich City winger Josh Murphy stars with goal and two assists for England Under-19s in Hungary. The Pink UN. 14 November 2013. 29 December 2014. 17 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131117090205/http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/norwich_city_winger_josh_murphy_stars_with_goal_and_two_assists_for_england_under_19s_in_hungary_1_3004122. dead.
  39. Web site: CITY INTERNATIONAL WATCH: PREVIEW . Norwich City F.C. . 29 December 2014 . 1 September 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141229142816/http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/20140901-september-internationals-preview-1890976.aspx . 29 December 2014 . dead .
  40. Web site: England Under-20s 6 Romania 0. www.shropshirestar.com. 5 September 2014 .
  41. Web site: Republic of Ireland hope to call up Norwich's Murphy twins. Pete. O'Rourke. 16 September 2016. TEAMtalk.
  42. News: Mum is the word for Norwich City starlet Josh Murphy. Eastern Daily Press 24. 26 September 2013. 29 December 2014. 29 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141229184340/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/mum_is_the_word_for_norwich_city_starlet_josh_murphy_1_2809818. dead.
  43. News: Norwich City's Murphy twins wear different boots to help boss. BBC Sport. 29 December 2014. 29 December 2014.
  44. News: Roger . James . Who is Jacob Murphy? Five things you need to know about Coventry City FC's new signing . Coventry Telegraph . Coventry . en . 15 August 2015 . 18 April 2018.
  45. Web site: Josh Murphy Football Stats Oxford United Season 2022/2023 Soccer Base . 2023-04-30 . www.soccerbase.com.
  46. Web site: Josh Murphy Football Stats Oxford United Season 2023/2023 Soccer Base . 2023-10-02 . www.soccerbase.com.
  47. News: Bolton Wanderers 0–2 Oxford United: Line-ups . BBC Sport . 18 May 2024 . 18 May 2024.
  48. Web site: Martin named Player of the Year . Milton Keynes Dons F.C. . 3 May 2016 . 5 September 2018.