The thank you Murphy thread

I sat for awhile wondering why this happened. Every time I kept coming back to would re-signing him for two years (I am sure he wasn't going to settle for another one year) be the best use of funds. Maybe this is the best move for everyone right now. He will be sorely missed in the midfield, but for us to be loaning out CMF Jol must have some master plan....

 

I'd like to have seen Murphy take a reduced role (player/coach maybe) this year and come off the bench mostly if we need some passing help in attack or just general leadership, and then ultimately retire Fulham. From what I've read, it sounds like Danny still wants regular PT and isn't ready to sit yet. He has slowed down a bit and gets caught on the ball too often and suffers in defense as a result. So maybe, as stated above, it was just best to move on for both parties at this stage in his career.

This is the first player to leave Fulham in my 5 1/2 years of following the club whose departure leaves me bummed. Captain Dan gave us great leadership and was automatic from the penalty spot. He had great vision and on his day was a magician passing the ball. And of course, there's that header. I'm glad I had the chance to watch him in the black & white and will miss seeing #13 out there. It's tough to see fan faves go, but that's the nature of the biz.

 

I didn't think much of it when we signed him, but he had a hell of a run and I was totally wrong about what he had left in the tank, a true professional. The last year or two started to see Father Time creeping in, but he was still the glue (especially at home). Just really glad he didn't head a couple miles down the road.

Thank you for header at Portsmouth.
Thank you for the pass that sprung Kamara that wouldn't of made Pompey possible.
Thank you for the amazing pass to Davies to tie up the Hamburg match.
Thank you for countless games at the Cottage where he was the puppet master pulling all the strings.
Thank you for being a great leader in the locker room, the training ground, and the pitch.

 

I couldnt possibly say it better.

 

Well said, fellas...Can't agree more...Farewell to a great captain!

 

Thank you, Mr. Murphy.

Let's not forget the penalty rebound he drills in during that match away to Manchester City.

Great servant to the club.

 

Danny Murphy joined Fulham shortly after I became a Fulham fan and has been one of my favorite Fulham men. Captain Cool! Thank you for your exceptional service to the club and god-speed Mr. Murphy.

 

Farewell Captain Murphy :handgestures-salute:

 

For my money, the quintessential Premier League footballer. Now I have another reason to root for Blackburn's promotion (and hopefully, not at our expense). Godspeed sir. You'll always be a Cottager in my book.

 

So I'm out of the loop for a few days and Murphy leaves? Major bummer. I don't have much to add to what has already been said, but I guess I'll add a few things. The header against Pompey was the biggest moment of his Fulham career, but as Nevzter noted his penalty rebound against Man City was just one of the great Great Escape moments that made that final day meaningful. My favorite Murphy moment of all time was probably his insane pass to Davies for the equalizer against Hamburg. The funny thing was seeing it live, I was so delirious over the goal- I didn't notice that it was particularly great pass until I saw the replay. Danny was great at pulling the strings, but he could probably only make a pass like one time out of ten at best- still most great shots/passes/saves/crosses/blocks/etc. are the same way and it still takes a special player to even be able to do them one time out of ten.

I guess it's probably ultimately a good move for both player and club- but like when McBride left, it's particularly sad to see him go.

~ Steve

EDIT: One last note, I remember in 2007 watching a match with a fellow Fulham fan at a bar in Chicago and agreeing with his skepticism over Murphy's recent signing and him noting "I don't think Danny Murphy is the answer". I'm glad that we were more or less wrong.