Cork City sign Darren Murphy

Cork City have this morning announced the first signing of the off-season with the announcement that midfielder Darren Murphy has returned to Leeside.

The Cork-born midfielder first signed for the club from Cobh Ramblers in 2007, before moving on to Stevenage in the English Conference.

Murphy went on to win an FA Trophy medal in Wembley in 2009 and the Conference Premier Division in 2010 with Stevenage, before spells with Port Vale and most recently Woking.

The 28 year old marks the first signing by the club under John Caulfield, and speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, the City boss was delighted to get his man.

“He’s a Cork lad that has come up through the ranks.

“He had a good career at Stevenage. He was unlucky to pick up a bad injury a couple of seasons ago but he’s in great condition now.

“He’s exactly the type of the player that we want at Cork City too – a lad whose heart is with the club and who’s from the area.

“This signing shows our intention – we intend to be up at the top this year and to be very competitive. We need winners, and I believe that Darren is the first of the signings we will make that is a winner.”

For Murphy (also speaking to CorkCityFC.ie), the decision was an easy one and Cork City’s newest arrival has given his new fans a glimpse of what to expect.

“John’s passion and enthusiasm made me want to sign straight away. We share the same views – he wants to win and I want to win, and I think we’ll gel together well.

“There’s always going to be a love in my heart for Cork City. I’m still in touch with a couple of the lads that I played with here, I always watched games when I was back and I always wanted them to do well.

 “I’m 28 now. I’m in the prime of my game. I’ve a lot more experience and my control and my passing has improved. The tough tackling, passion, heart and determination are still there though!”