Darren Murphy

A tenacious, tough-tackling midfielder, the arrival of Darren Murphy during the 2008/9 campaign added some steel at a time when it was most sought. Opinion was certainly divided over his performances after his arrival, but there can be no disputing that the role Murphy played was crucial to the success of the team.

The midfielder’s perceived lack of discipline at times comes as an occupational hazard for a player of his type – although a red card against Cambridge United in the 2008/9 playoffs ranks as one of the greatest officiating farces in football history. Well, in BoroGuide’s mind at least.

Murphy’s first full season at Broadhall Way saw Graham Westley turn to Murphy to act as his midfield strong-man, freeing up other midfielders to press forward. An under-appreciated and unglamorous role on the football field, it was nonetheless vital to Boro’s promotion push.

After scoring against Portsmouth in Boro’s first ever Carling Cup outing in 2010, Murphy suffered a broken leg and spent most of the club’s debut Football League year out injured. He returned towards the end of the campaign, but injury was never far away continuing into 2011/2.

A brief loan spell away from the club in 2012 indicated that his time with Stevenage was coming to an end. It was ultimately proved right when Gary Smith released him in the summer. In Boro’ folklore, however, he’ll always be associated with one of the club’s greatest ever squads.

Stats do not include expunged Chester City fixtures in 2009/10.