Galway United have signed experienced midfielder Alan Murphy as a player in 2018 for a fifth spell. The Mayo man has scored 73 goals for the Tribesmen over nearly two decades, trailing Paul ‘Ski’ McGee by just one.
Galway United's third new signing of the evening is striker Alan Murphy. The club's second-highest ever scorer returns to the club following a three-year absence.
— Extratime.ie (@ExtratimeNews) January 31, 2018
“The expectation,” said Murphy to Galway United’s official website when asked about returning to the field for the first time since 2014. “A lot of it is to do with the manager and his ability to get a team to perform in the division and to play attractive football and get results. That’s proven.
“We’ve managed to keep a good bit of last year’s squad and we’ve added some good youthful talent and the experience of Ryan Connolly, Robbie Williams and now myself. That’s a good mixture.
“In terms of the season, it’s going to be a really difficult league to try and perform in. That’s our target, performing, that will bring results.”
“There was always a plan to come back, West United have been brilliant to me, I’ve had my injuries. I spent nearly three years with Mayo GAA at the height of Gaelic football in Ireland. I pushed myself to the limits.
“Getting back into things managing the under-17s gave me the appetite in terms of preparation and professionalism again for League of Ireland football. Seeing the games in Eamonn Deacy Park last year, observing them more as a coach, as opposed to just a fan, i still would’ve had aspirations to play.
“Looking at the games I still think I can offer something. The way I’ve looked after myself in terms of professionalism and I’ve adapted with the different methods of training and strength and conditioning along with rest and recuperation.
“I’m in good shape for someone of my experience. Juggling everything, my family situation is ideal now, I’m able to spend time with my children and wife in the evenings, she has been supportive of my decision and I’m really looking forward to the coming season.”
🗣️ | Alan Murphy insists he has "unfinished business" with Galway United upon his re-signing for the club this evening.
📝 Interview here: https://t.co/T5mcj40Lah #GUFC pic.twitter.com/DUICm7NJQs
— Galway United (@GalwayUnitedFC) January 31, 2018
