Murphy sees huge potential at Steyning

Murphy, who takes over from Alan Skipper after he stepped down earlier this month, takes a first step into senior football management.

A glittering non-league career has seen him assist ex-professional Frank Gray at several clubs, though, he has never gone it alone.

Murphy worked with ex-professional Frank Gray at Grays Athletic, Basingstoke, Woking and Farnborough to name a few but now he feels the time to take a step into management.

The new Town boss believes it won’t be easy, though, he is hopeful his time will be a success.

Murphy said: “I live in the area and Steyning is a real attractive proposition. I’ve assisted Frank at several clubs but never gone it alone and I think this will be a great opportunity for me.

“I’m under no illusions it’s going to be easy, I don’t know too many people at this level so it will take a little time to settle in I’m sure.”

Murphy revealed a major factor behind him applying for the role was Steyning’s impending 3G surface.

Town’s boss really enjoys his coaching and he feels the installment of a new surface at Steyning’s Shooting Field will be great for both him and his players.

He added: “I really enjoy the coaching side and at this level you don’t often have a reliable training base.

“This surface will give me a chance to work with the players and really get my points across in training.

“This club has real ambition to go places and I’m like to be the person to lead them through.”

Despite not being in charge, Murphy travelled to watch his new side go down 6-2 at Selsey in a Peter Bentley Cup first-round clash on Saturday.

Although the scoreline does not look great, Steyning’s boss believes he saw enough to work with this season from his new squad.

“Obviously the scoreline does not look great but we conceded three goals in as many minutes late on.

“I felt three or four players really stood out for me and I can’t wait to get working with them.

“A few looked a little unfit but that can be worked on, were a little bit behind over teams but our pre-season may extend for a little while longer.”

Murphy’s maiden game in senior management comes at rivals Southwick in the Southern Combination League Division 1 on Saturday.