International keeper signs for Town

Banbridge Town have pulled off the signing of a former international goalkeeper.
Banbridge Town have secured the signature of 34 year-old goalkeeper Tuda Murphy.Banbridge Town have secured the signature of 34 year-old goalkeeper Tuda Murphy.
Banbridge Town have secured the signature of 34 year-old goalkeeper Tuda Murphy.

Ex-Glenavon stopper Tuda Murphy on Tuesday night penned a deal to join the club but will not be available to make his debut in Saturday’s Championship Two match at home to Sport & Leisure Swifts (kick-off 3pm).

On Thursday morning, the club received confirmation from the IFA that the deal had gone through before the transfer window shut.

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Murphy, who has seven caps for the Cayman Islands, was Glenavon’s Player of the Season for the 07/08 season and left the club in 2010. Since then, he has had spells at Portadown and Loughgall and Town boss Ryan Watson is delighted to have the 34 year-old at Crystal Park.

Tuda says a prayer before an Irish Cup fifth round match against Linfield at Mourneview Park in 2009. Photo-William Cherry/Presseye.comTuda says a prayer before an Irish Cup fifth round match against Linfield at Mourneview Park in 2009. Photo-William Cherry/Presseye.com
Tuda says a prayer before an Irish Cup fifth round match against Linfield at Mourneview Park in 2009. Photo-William Cherry/Presseye.com

“It’s great to have a second goalkeeper on board and to bring in somebody of Tuda’s calibre,” he told the ‘LEADER.’

“We have good competition for places now. Tuda was very keen to get his career going again. I remember him from his time at Glenavon as I was then involved with the Reserve team there. He has great hands and is very good at coming for crosses and shot-stopping.”

Murphy was always accused of having one glaring flaw but it’s not proving a worry for his new boss.

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“His achilles heel was always his kicking but that has improved and, for me, there’s no issue there,” said Watson.

Tuda Murphy in action during his spell at Portadown. INPT15-158  PTFOOTBALLPFC12Tuda Murphy in action during his spell at Portadown. INPT15-158  PTFOOTBALLPFC12
Tuda Murphy in action during his spell at Portadown. INPT15-158 PTFOOTBALLPFC12

“He will be fine. It’s not something that concerns me, especially when I look at the complete package of what we are getting.”

That includes personal charactertistics as well as his attributes on the pitch.

“He’s a great character to have about,” said Watson. “He always plays with a big smile on his face and he’ll fit in to the squad well.

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“I think he’ll enjoy his football here as well. He has been coaching and training with Glenavon and says he feels he is sharp.”

Murphy now joins goalkeeper Stephen Croft to challenge for the number one shirt at Crystal Park.

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