Murphy may join Athletic in the Isle of Man

Last updated : 21 July 2005 By Dave Moore
Joe Murphy did his case not harm by keeping a clean sheet in Athletic's trip to Stalybridge for a pre-season friendly. Although he had little to do he did it competently and will now possibly accompany the club to their Isle of Man Tournament at the weekend. Murphy is a full Irish International and he hopes that his work commitments will allow him to continue his trial. One downside to the friendly was that Richie Wellens was booked for a foul which may eventually count when the league season opens.

Ronnie Moore was not happy with his the team's performance and said, “Even when the result isn’t important, you should always try to be ruthless. We became casual in too many areas when we could have been hitting five, six or more. That’s what annoyed me most – the lads worked hard but they need the right habits in every single game. In the second half we were so sloppy it was untrue, and I’m just not accepting that, even in a friendly.”