Let’s rename it John Murphy Way
Campaign to name street after top full- back
For John Murphy, a memorial park bench - with his name engraved on a wee brass plaque - just doesn’t cut it.
For Ayr United legend ‘ Spud’ – a whole street of memorial park benches wouldn’t be enough either.
So let’s dump the ‘ park bench’ idea . . . and stick with the whole street.
A street named in honour of the greatest servant Ayr United have ever had – and will probably ever have.
Am I launching a campaign? Well, campaign implies some kind of struggle . . . this should be a walkover.
Am I launching an appeal? Well, an appeal means asking for everyone’s support. And I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t support this proposal.
No – today I’m asking United chairman Lachlan Cameron and his board to consider proposing a change of name to a street ‘ Spud’ knew only too well.
It’s conveniently right outside the boardroom window . . . and it’s called Tyfield Place.
I’m suggesting it be renamed “John Murphy Way” – because the John Murphy way of representing his club should be an example to every young player who will ever stride along it.
I had the privilege of knowing two ‘ Spud’ Murphys.
There was the one I watched from the terracing every other Saturday – probably still wearing short trousers.
And there was the Spud that became a friend - the one I chatted to, interviewed and wrote about when I moved off the terracing and up to the press box.
The Somerset Park press benches were just off centre – slightly to the right in the main stand.
And when Ayr were attacking the ‘ railway end’ – you got the perfect view of the corner post to half- way flag territory that was ‘ Spud’s’ place of work.
And not only could you see him – you could feel the clatter of his famous slide tackle . . . and hear him shout instructions to his team- mates. There must have been a procession of cocky young right wingers – including some very famous ones – who would look down the field and smirk in anticipation of skinning the balding left back tasked with thwarting them.
Well . . . I can assure you . . . the cockiness and the smirks never lasted long!
In 1975 – ‘ Spud’s testimonial year – I was given the task of preparing a series of tributes from the ‘ A’ list of the Scottish footballing fraternity.
And the name at the top of that list was Jock Stein.
I think I broke out in a nervous sweat just looking up the Celtic Park number in the phone book!
I eventually got through to his secretary.
“Mr Stein is at training - but will be here at 12.30. I will tell him to expect your call around 12.35”.
Jock Stein . . . was expecting MY call! I called right on the dot and got
Jock Stein right away – his secretary had already explained the purpose of the call. “Give me a minute, son
. . .” he said, obviously getting his thoughts together. “Right . . . John Murphy is the type of player our whole game is founded on.
“A man who plays with fairness and respect to the opposition – and is also dedicated to the club he serves.
“To stay with one club throughout a career is a valued commitment that is all too rare these days.
“John Murphy is a talented and respected player and I have no doubt that if his career had been with a more fashionable club, he would have achieved the international recognition he deserves.
“Er . . will that do, son?”
It did Jock, it did.
What Mr Stein was saying back then has the same meaning . . . 45 years on.
Football is a better place thanks to people who do it the John Murphy way.
And a John Murphy Way – quite literally on Somerset’s doorstep – is a fitting way to thank him for his record 459 appearances in the only senior shirt he ever knew.
The John Murphy way should be an example to every young player who will ever stride along it