The LMA is saddened to learn of the passing of LMA Member Colin Murphy, who has died at the age of 79.
Colin enjoyed a coaching career of over 35 years, including management spells in the Football League, Ireland and Asia.
He began his coaching journey as part of Dave Mackay’s staff at Nottingham Forest, before following him to Derby County in 1973. His first managerial appointment came three years later, as he took the reins at Derby.
In 1978, Lincoln City appointed Colin as manager and he led the club to promotion to Division Three within three years. Colin’s Lincoln side were very competitive in the league for a number of years, narrowly missing out on promotion on multiple occasions.
After a couple of years in Stockport and Saudi Arabia, Colin returned to Sincil Bank to lead Lincoln back into the Football League at the first time of asking, before stabilising the club’s league position over the next couple of years.
Colin spent a couple of years in different roles at Southend United, returning to management in 1994 with League of Ireland side Shelbourne. His next role in English football came at Notts County, who he almost led to Division Two but for a Play-off final defeat to Bradford City.
He journeyed back to Asia as manager of Vietnam and Burma, with a brief spell as Tottenham Hotspur’s Academy Director in between. Hull City was the final destination for Colin’s long and successful career in the game, as he fulfilled multiple roles within the club.
Paying tribute to Colin, LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson said: “Colin was a colleague and friend with whom I had a great personal association with for many years.
“Dating back to our times together on FA coaching courses whilst we were still playing, we began a friendship that stood the test of time for around fifty years. Colin stood out as a very enthusiastic friend, peer, coach, and manager who would go on to enjoy many years in coaching and management. His successful spells at Lincoln City as First Team Manager best define his passion and leadership as a footballing man, whilst also spending many years at some great clubs including Derby County and Notts County.
“His standing in football is testament to him as a person. His success and qualities as a colleague, friend, and leader were respected by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts are with Judith, Ben, Lucy and all of Colin’s family and friends during this challenging time”
