Matt Murphy started his football career as a teenager with non-league Rushcliffe Eagles, where his robust style and keen eye for goal were noticed by the Grantham Town manager Steve Watkins.

He signed for the Grantham in 1998, It is fairly safe to assume that Matt developed the physical side of his game in this period.

Murphy made his debut for Grantham in September 1998 against Havent & Waterlooville, with the Gingerbread men in the Dr martins premier division for only the second season in their history. Murphy was soon a regular fixture in the Grantham side, and his physical approach as centre forward, coupled with his determination soon made him a crowd favourite.

Off the pitch, Murphy was a different man, quiet and unassuming, but the Matt Murphy that pulled on a Black & White shirt and entered battle every Saturday afternoon was an aggressive character, no quarter given or asked.

This aggression would lead to several run-ins with officials, and three sendings off during his career to date, but that was his style & the fans loved it.

A youthful Murphy with his striking appearance, fully bearded with a shock of grey hair, as is the style, is one of the few things to get excited about on the terraces of any Park.

Matt Murphy soon forged a productive partnership with Darren Dye at Grantham And Lee Sharpe later with Garforth Town, with Murphy being the target man. Although his reputation as an aerial threat was well known, Murphy was also a difficult opponent with the ball on the floor, and could produce a powerful shot, which earned him the nickname Hardshot hardhead Murphy .

Perhaps the defining moment in Murphy's career came in Garforths League Win in the 2005/6 season. Garforth were still in The Northern Counties Division one, and the League was to provide some well needed excitement for the town faithful. Two home wins against Carlton & Winterton pitched Garforth into top spot, where they would Ultimatley finish

A feverish crowd of 920 packed terraces in Garforth on a cold Feb evening in 06,  expectant of a thrilling encounter, which saw Murphy play alongside Brazillian world cup star Socrates and England legend Lee Sharpe.

He never settled at Garforth And played just 34 games in a brief stay, before moving back to Emley AFC , where he spent a further 1 year. Again, although his record at Emley was respectable, Murphy was not content and was happy to move to Harrogate League side Clifford AFC.

Murphy's First Spell was not as productive as his current, but his passion & determination have remained, and the  faithful still thought he was ace.

A Gladitorial force to be reckoned with, Murphy is now a seasoned pro - who's acute sense of headed direction has never let him down, a pacey yet slighlty stout Murphy can be seen regularly on Clifford greens plying his trade as a ruthless yet gentle giant!

Fat Lads Forever!