It was a godsend for me as a young fella, to have three Irish internationals around to learn from - Darren Murphy

Football supporters love a whole-hearted player because even if that individual isn't performing at their best, they never shirk a challenge. On the flipside, regularly putting their body on the line runs the risk of picking up injuries - something Darren Murphy is only too familiar with.

Progressing through Cobh Ramblers' ranks, Darren's all-action displays attracted interest from neighbours Cork City in 2007. While at Turner's Cross, the young midfielder faced stiff competition for team selection, up against the likes of Joe Gamble, Colin Healy and Gareth Farrelly, but still impressed enough to earn a move to Stevenage after his second season.

"As a player, you always want to compete for a place and have that hunger. If you feel comfortable, you're not going to play your best football. Those three players weren't senior pros coming in, taking your place and ignoring you. They were guys trying to make me better. They'd pull me aside at training and give me little tips.

"Colin would often stay behind after sessions and give me a drill to improve an aspect of my game. It was a godsend for me as a young fella, to have three Irish internationals around to learn from. In the overall picture, would I be as good a player as I was if I didn't have those lads to take me under their wing?"

Initial success in Britain came in the form of a 2-0 win over York City during the 2009/10 FA Trophy final held at Wembley.

"That was a highlight in my career. I'd left Cork City and my home, which was a really tough decision for me. I went over to England, to a Conference club and was constantly competing for a place in that team.

"I had to work so hard to gain respect and earn a spot in the side. That final, played at Wembley, was at the end of the season and I had the whole family over. It was something to cherish."

The following year, the Irishman helped the Hertfordshire outfit attain Football League status for the first time in their history.

"There was a real winning mentality in that dressing room. We worked hard and it paid off for us. That group was so special and not a lot of people experience that, which is something I can take with me."

2010/11 turned out even better, as Murphy and the Boro kept momentum up by accomplishing back-to-back promotions, this time to League One: "There was an environment there, where we believed we could achieve anything. We beat Newcastle in the FA Cup and a lot of our players went on to a higher level."



Subsequent to a loan spell at Aldershot Town, Darren joined Port Vale, then Macclesfield Town in early 2013. However, the Corkonian returned to Leeside within a month, only to reappear in English football that September with Woking.

"I had a bad time at Port Vale, where I spent a lot of time on the injury table. I was coming home, but got a call from Macclesfield. They wanted me to come up until the end of the year and see how I felt after that. I was just after rehabilitating my hamstring again and thinking would I give it another go?

"I was at a low level, but went up there and it was a really nice club and place. After a couple of weeks I pulled my calf muscle in training, but it turned out to be a tear. There was something wrong with me, as I kept doing what I was told to do, but kept breaking down.

"I had a contract, but wanted to come home and spend time with my family, which I needed. I was training with Cork City, but wanted to make a comeback in England. My old manager at Stevenage, Graham Westley, returned to the club and he let me do pre-season with them.

"The plan after that was to play some games for another club, to regain my confidence and then return to Stevenage. Woking was that club, but I broke down there again and was in a state where nothing was happening for me."

Further injury-blighted stints at Cork City and Cobh Ramblers ensued, which saw the latter at least distracted by Murphy becoming a part of Stephen Henderson's coaching team in the summer of 2015.



"I went through a period where I was anti-football … I didn't want to know or hear about it. I spoke to Stephen and he asked me if I'd any interest in going for my badges. I thought it wasn't for me and I'd no interest, but then got my love for the game back. I later rang him and asked if I could give a hand at Ramblers.

"Luckily enough, Stephen agreed. I thought I'd just be learning, but he threw me in at the deep end. I got my B Licence and I'm currently waiting on whether I passed the A Licence or not. I started off at Crosshaven, then Riverstown and now I'm at Cobh Wanderers. I enjoy giving back and seeing the lads progress. It's like when I was a footballer - I want to go to the top or as high as I can go."

In conclusion, Darren reflects on a playing career, which witnessed a host of well-documented setbacks, but remains upbeat.

"I have a lifetime of experience in injuries. I think UCC should give me a degree in physical psychology because I now know my body inside out. I never retired and I'm now going to play for a junior team in Cork. I'll keep playing until I stop, but still get injuries.

"Looking back, I should have trusted myself to know my body better rather than leave it up to somebody else. If you know how to rehabilitate yourself, it's a huge advantage. You still need help, but I wish I had learnt more about my body then."

    About Dan Lucey

    Dan Lucey is an interviewer for extraTime.com. He has penned articles for both Cork City and Luton Town’s official programmes.

    Dan has written numerous interviews and was a regular attendee at League … View Full Profile