jacob Murphy
Jacob Murphy has vowed not to let the fans down following his new six-year deal at Newcastle United. The wing-back impressed last season and earned himself a new bumper deal but knows the hard work is only just beginning. As a boyhood Toon fan, Murphy more than most understands what it means to pull on the black and white jersey.
Jacob Murphy said: “I love it here. I love being able to play for this club. It’s been so good to show the supporters what I’m made of and to win round the fans like I did last season, it gives me so much strength and joy. I just want to keep making them proud. I know what it takes to play for this club, and I know there’s 52,000 out there who would die for this opportunity, and I get to do this day in, day out – so I won’t let them down. I’ll keep working hard. I’ll keep trying to be that inspiration. That story of hard work. I’m excited, I just want to give back to the fans and to the club for showing faith in me with the new contact.”
The 26-year-old had looked to be on his way out of Newcastle last season before he was handed a run of games in the starting XI and went onto make the most of it. His effort on the pitch, desire to go forward and ability to pick out a pass were all elements of his game that won favour with the fans. It marks quite the turnaround for Murphy who after his debut season at the club in 2017 was loaned out to West Brom and then Sheffield Wednesday.
Jacob Murphy said: “It’s been two years of resilience, pure graft, showing a relentless attitude to never quit, to be the best I can be and now I’m seeing the fruits of it. I felt all of last season was good. There was a spell where I was in for a bit then I came out and then I came back in at the end of the season becoming a mainstay for the last 10 or 11 games. I was showing everything in training, hard work, my willingness to improve day in and day out – I think the coaches had noticed that. I thought I’d done enough to be in and around it, and was I was in it, I showed what I can do.”
Goals against Wolves and Burnley proved crucial as did the several assists that Murphy registered – all proving vital in the club’s eventual climb away from the relegation zone. One of those assists came in the win over Sheffield United at St James’ Park – the only game to be played in front of fans due to COVID-19 restrictions. After that game, Murphy was interviewed and could not hide his beaming smile when asked about the return of fans. One thing is for certain, Murphy is proud to represent the club.
Jacob Murphy added: “To be able to have the opportunity to be able to represent this club, I know it’s cliche but it is what dreams are made of. Pure pride, pure joy to represent the shirt – like I said last season, it’s the pride in the badge.”
