Murphy’s law knows no bounds

GETTING HIS KICKS . . . Rob Murphy in action for Crompton Victoria in the Oldham Sunday League.

FOOTBALL: ROB Murphy is a seasoned campaigner in the world of amateur football and the Crompton Victoria veteran has no plans to hang up his boots just yet.

Murphy (54) has become part of the furniture in the D and J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League.

And he will continue to go toe-to-toe with men half his age until his body tells him otherwise.

Murphy said: "What can I say except that I love the game and as long as my legs keep going then I will keep playing.

"I have always looked after myself and it is easier to stay fit than to get fit.

"As you get older, though, you have to adapt your game and I was once a striker but have now reverted to playing at centre-half."

Murphy played for Coldhurst United and Rochdale-based outfit Milton in the Manchester League.

And his work in the construction industry led him, 'Auf Wiedersehen'-style, playing in Germany for 10 years, where he turned out for local amateurs BSV Belsen.

Murphy, who lives in High Crompton, also has a house in France in the Brittany village of Spezet, where he has strong connections with local side Les Papillon Bleus — the blue butterfly to non-French literate readers!

Murphy and his Victoria colleagues played there in a friendly match a year or so ago and, in a nice touch of Entente cordiale, plans are currently being made to reciprocate the event in the coming new year.

Asked if he was seen as a father figure at Victoria, Murphy responded: "I don't think the lads will admit to it, but I suppose I am.

"What I can say is that these are a great set of lads and it has been good to watch them develop as players and people.”

Adam Keeley (22), who took over as Victoria's manager at the start of this season, said: "Rob brings with him a lot of experience and he is always on hand to help the younger players in the side.

"He has played more games this season than I honestly thought he would, but that is down to his fitness."

Murphy's five years at Victoria began when his son Darryl, who helped to form the side, invited him to play.

And after struggling in the league's basement division since their inception, it looks as though fortune is now swinging Victoria's way.

Murphy added proudly: "We are unbeaten in the league since September and are still involved in all the cup competitions.

"Next year could well be our year.”