Emerging front-man signs new deal...
EMERGING front-man, Jordan Murphy, has signed a new one-year deal at Banks’s Stadium.
The 19 year-old was plucked from Stourbridge in September 2014 and went on to impress for the reserves and also during a fruitful loan spell with Worcester City, where he played a key role in their FA Cup exploits.
His progress was rewarded with a brief taste of first-team action as he made a couple of substitute appearances in the second half of the 2014/15 campaign.
“It’s brilliant,” he said moments after putting pen-to-paper. “I’m really looking forward to next season and can’t wait to get started.
“The way I finished off last year, winning the Walsall Senior Cup Final for the under-21s, making my first-team debut and going out on loan as well. It’s all been an amazing experience and I can’t wait to kick on with my progression and have an even better season than I have this year.
“My loan spell with Worcester City was incredible. It was the perfect time for me to go out and get games but to go on that FA Cup run and gain that experience was very special. It has really stood me in good stead.
“My career has moved so quickly! Thinking about this time last year, I was looking at going to University. Now, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than here playing football.
“I went on a nice little run of scoring goals towards the end of last season for the reserves, including a couple here in the Senior Cup Final. I’m now looking to do the same but not only for the development squad but also for the first-team.
“The loan did its job and it was a massive confidence boost when the Gaffer decided to keep me here with the group rather than send me out again. It was reassuring to know that I wasn’t just being sent out [on loan] for the sake of it and there was intent for me to come back and play. That definitely made me a better player.
“I have to be pushing for a place in the first-team next year. I know I’m only young but I’m hungry for it and I want to be playing here regularly and scoring goals.
“Everyone gets a chance here and they know if they perform they’ll be rewarded. There’s a great team spirit, everyone wants each other to do well.
“I’ve been with the lads for almost a year and I know what we’re capable of. Everyone starts on 0 points come August and I think we should be eyeing a top six spot for sure.”