George Murphy (footballer)

Infobox Football biography
playername = George Murphy


fullname = George Murphy
dateofbirth = birth date|1915|7|22
cityofbirth = Wattsville
countryofbirth = Wales
dateofdeath = December 1983 (aged 68)
cityofdeath = Tingley
countryofdeath = England
height =
position = Centre Forward or Full back
youthyears =
youthclubs = Pontllanfraith
Cwmfelinfach Colts
years = 1934–1947
1947–1948
clubs = Bradford City
Hull City
Scunthorpe United
Scarborough
Goole
caps(goals) = 180 (43)
015 0(9)
nationalyears =
nationalteam = Wales
nationalcaps(goals) =

George Murphy (22 July 1915 – December 1983) was a Welsh footballer who played in a variety of positions mainly centre forward or full back. He played twice for Wales during the Second World War internationals.

He also served in the RAF.

Career

George Murphy started his footballing career in his native Wales with junior clubs Ponthlenfoith and Cwmfelinfach Juniors before signing for Bradford City in October 1934. He played in almost every position for Bradford under five different managers, particularly a centre forward and full back.cite book
last=Frost
first=Terry
title=Bradford City A Complete Record 1903–1988
publisher=Breedon Books Sport
year=1988
pages=p. 126
isbn=0907969380] He notably scored 11 goals in 1936–37 and 15, including one FA Cup goal, in 1946–47.

During the Second World War, he served with the RAF, guested for several clubs including Bradford Park Avenue and even set a wartime record by playing for eight clubs in just nine weeks, and played twice for Wales.

He remained at City for two seasons after the war, before being signed by Hull City in December 1947 for £1,500. He spent just eight months at Hull during which time he scored nine goals in 15 league appearances. He left in August 1948 for Midland League side Scunthorpe United before spells at Scarborough, where he was the club's top scorer in 1949–50 with 31 goals, and Goole.

He retired to become a publican in Humberside and then a club steward in Morley. He died through ill-health in December 1983 aged 68 at his home in Tingley.

References